Ultra Wash Hi, When I got up this morning, I noticed the dishes were still dirty and dry??  The soap dispenser had popped open but that was about it.  I had some work done on it because it wasn't cleaning the dishes properly about a year ago and they replaced the motor.  While cleaning the kitchen last night, I heard it come on, but now that I think about it, I never actually heard the water start sloshing around. I don't have the owner's manual - I bought this house 3 years ago and I think the dishwasher is now about 5 years old. Thanks.

Does this happen every time? If not, this is what happens when something fall through the rack and stops the wash arms from spinning. Soap remains in dispenser and dishes are not cleaned. Secure loose items and nothing falls through the silverware basket.

Hi, The soap dispenser may not be the problem. It could be that it's not getting enough water. Is the pump running and water cleaning the dishes. Then there is no problem.

i think you mean jet dry compartment.change dispenser. in some cases there is a kit but its better to replace new dispenser

Hi there,

Well you can please follow the below steps -
1. Remove any dishes in the dishwasher. Unhook the dishwasher's dish trays or racks from their tracks, and set aside. Empty the soap dispenser if it contains unused soap that failed to dispense. Use a wet rag to wipe down the interior of the dishwasher, as well as the inside of the dispenser.
 
2. Close the dispenser, and shut the dishwasher door. Turn the dishwasher on to a manual setting, then stop it and open the appliance. Check to see if the dispenser is open. If it is, continue to Step 2. If the dispenser is closed, skip to Step 4.

3. Switch dishwasher soap. Some dishwasher dispensers have difficulty with dry or liquid dishwashing soap, depending on the make and model of your dishwasher. Incompatibilities typically result in the dispenser sticking shut, which explains why the dispenser opens when empty. Switch to liquid soap if you are using dry powder soap, or vice versa.

4. Check the dishwasher soap dispenser's spring. The spring is located behind the dispenser top's hinge. Consult your dishwasher's original manufacturer's manual or user guide to find a replacement spring. Pop the old spring out with a screwdriver, and replace with a new spring. This should resolve any issues related to the dispenser failing to open.
Please post comments if you need more help or information..........

Good Luck!!

Thanks

I bet your clumps of soap began with the beginning of the use of a different DW detergent powder.

Try this (trust me) Go buy a box of brand name Dishwasher powder (e.g. Electrosol or Cascade) Use it for two loads of dishes and report your results back here. OK?

I have this same problem, plus the pre-wash soap dispenser doesn't open sometimes even though a service guy replaced that. Could he have replaced just one side and not the other? this dishwasher also has a new motor. sometimes it washes beautifully. but other times it does not. even if both dispensers opened.

Hi Dirty Dish gang.
After having 2 appliance repairmen here, I now have the latest scoop on our dishwasher problems, $200 later!
Los Angeles IS currently having hard water issues. Also, all the new cleaning gels etc. are actually a cause of our dishwasher problems.  
So, here is what we need to do:
1. Use Cascade POWDER detergent only.  Make sure is is just "plain" no "scented" or "complete"  or gel, etc. (I have tried a phosphate free powder and gel and this is a cause of our problem as well!) 2. Use Jet Dry in the dispenser (set it to a 2-3 opening) 3. Make sure water is at least 120 degrees 4. Only run dishwasher on "normal" setting.  All others just run it longer, hence causing more water stains. 5. Do not pre-wash dishes! You can knock of chunks with a "non" soapy brush, but don't rinse (the oils actually help to clean the dishes) 6.  Do not wash sponges in dishwasher.
Acid Wash: The repairman just gave my washer an Acid Wash today. It says it is an acid derived from lemon, I got mine from Carters appliance in Torrance, CA for about $19. I am to run a normal cycle with the above mentioned Cascade after this "acid cycle" is finished.
If you are still having problems:
Monthly maintenance: Glass Magic: Buy a box of Glass Magic (near the Cascade)  Use 1 Tbsb in main detergent compartment of dishwasher along with the Cascade, till washer starts working again. White Vinegar: You can run an empty dishwasher with white vinegar once a month.  Fill a bowl with 2 cups vinegar and place on bottom rack.  Then run as a normal cycle...this allows vinegar to disperse slowly.
So far it seems to be working.  Good luck.

Try this... Wipe out the soap dish with white vinegar and a soft cloth.. make sure you get everything off the edges of the door and look for any nicks, blemishes or deformation of the dispenser door to make sure it is not mechanically binding up when it is cycled open. If Ok.. then.. clean your drain filter.. then.. start a wash cycle using the hottest setting ( without any dishes) .. and after about 10 minutes or so.. stop the process and open the door and add in 2 cups of white vinegar.. Let it complete the wash cycle.. When complete..try running a dishless cycle on any setting with detergent ( use about 1/3 less than you usually use) and see if that dispense adequately. If that works, then the next time you load the washer. make sure you don't have anything up against or limiting the door from opening. Hope this helps..

I had the same problem with my GE Adora. The dishes were getting cloudy and the soap dispenser would not open. Turns out the hard water deposits were causing the soap dispenser to stick shut. I purchased and used Dishwasher Magic which is a dishwasher cleaner designed to remove limescale, rust and buildup. I used as directed and now my dishes are sparkling and the soap dispenser pops right open.

ok, either a spring, trigger prob, on the latch, or a electronic prob. ok so to see if the latch is ok (or not) look closely for soap residue and scum, that may be hindering the latch or spring under. use metho, and warm water to clean this part. secondly go down to a white goods repair place and take your electrical component, button, lights its all one unit, simple unscrew it, i do think you will need a set of torque screws for that tho... anyhow ask the guy to get you a new or second hand one and install it. the timer will run, and the clip will release. good luck!