KitchenAid dishwasher soap door won't open

Hi,
There are three common problems that cause the Soap Dispenser or Cup not toopen. I have a tip that will explain these problems in detail....

Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

heatman101

Hi,
There are three common problems that cause the Soap Dispenser or Cup not toopen. I have a tip that will explain these problems in detail....

Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

heatman101 ,../,

Hi,

There are three common problems that cause the Soap Dispenser or Cup not to open. I have a tip that will explain these problems in detail....

Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

heatman101

Hi

Dishwashers use Bi-Metal strip to allow the dispenser to open/close. This strip when heat up causes the soap door spring to open up the dispenser. If this strip is not heated doesn't allow the door to open. The strip may not be getting 120V or maybe disconnected. Newer (plastic liner) Maytag dishwashers use a wax motor to open the soap dispenser. The plunger inside the wax motor slowly moves and pushes the plunger and door open. And, if this wax motor doesn't receive 120 volts, then it'll not work. Please check the voltage to the wax motor/Bi-metal strip; also inspect the connections to these. Hope this helps...

Daniel

Hi,

There are three common problems that cause the Soap Dispenser or Cup not to open. I have a tip that will explain these problems in detail....

Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

heatman101

Hi,


1. The most common problem with the detergent doors on KitchenAid dishwashers is that they either don't open during the cycle or open only halfway. Before looking into more complicated repairs, make sure that the door is able to open. Check the seal around the door and the door latch for soap- and food-related gunk, and scrub it off if present. Sometimes this can keep the detergent door from operating properly. Consider switching detergents, as some liquids and pouch-style dish detergents can gum up the detergent dispensers. Also, make sure that there is nothing blocking the detergent door when the dishwasher is loaded. Because of the location of the detergent door, a large item such as a cookie sheet or a pan can prevent the door from opening. Run the dishwasher through a cycle without anything placed in front of the detergent dispenser and see if that solves the problem.
Broken Timer
2. KitchenAid dishwashers rely on an internal timer to complete the wash cycle properly. When this timer malfunctions, certain steps in the wash process (such as the release of soap from the detergent dispenser) can be interrupted. If the dishwasher detergent door is either not opening or appears to be opening late in the cycle, this is likely the mechanical culprit. A broken timer isn't something that's simple to replace without knowledge of dishwasher repair, so it's best to consult a professional if you suspect that this is the problem.
Malfunctioning Door Components
3. For the detergent door to function properly, all of its mechanical components must be in working order. Older dishwashers' detergent doors rely on a spring-loaded hinge to pop all the way open when the timer gives the signal. If the door doesn't swing all the way open instantly when it's manually released, the spring may need to be replaced for the dispenser to operate properly. If the particular model is newer and does not rely on a spring to open the door, chances are it either uses a wax motor or a bi-metal switch to release the detergent door at the appropriate time. If either of these components is dying, that can mean that the detergent dispenser will not operate properly.

thank you
vijay(vote for me)

Hi,
There are three common problems that cause the Soap Dispenser or Cup not toopen. I have a tip that will explain these problems in detail....

Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

heatman101

Run it a few times with a soap tablet in the cutlery basket. The door is just sticking and doing this normally cleans them up.

Try reversing the bottom dish rack, it's likely blocking the dispenser door because it's put in the dishwasher incorrectly. Also check if there is anything in the back of the rack preventing it from going all the way in.

I took the door apart and found the degertent door solinoid looking like it over heated and melted to the cover flap and the insulation. See picture. I can't post pic as the max is 150kb.
I applied power and it only got hot and wouldn't operate.
Next I go to Kitchenaid for a replacement - FREE it should be.