The door that releases the dishwashing detergent does not open when it should and when it does open, it does not open all the way, leaving the detergent tab partially inside making me run the dishes through twice to get them clean

The detergent door latch release mechanism inside the dishwasher door isn't working. You'll probably have to take apart the door to find out if it's stuck, jammed, worn out or broken, or if there's an electrical failure. Be sure to remove power to the dishwasher before doing this.

Dispenser Lever

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser lever might need to be replaced.

Detergent Dispenser Cover

If the detergent dispenser cover is broken and the detergent dispenser doesn't work, the dispenser assembly should be replaced.

Wax Motor Actuator

If the dispenser will not release the detergent the actuator connected between the wax motor and the dispenser might be broken. Check the wax motor actuator and replace it if necessary.

Detergent Container

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the detergent container may need to be replaced.

Dispenser Lid

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser lid may have to be replaced.

Detergent Dispenser

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the problem is often related to the release mechanism. If the problem is with the dispenser itself, it may be easier to replace the entire dispenser.

Dispenser Door Spring

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open during the wash cycle the dispenser door spring may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Latch

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser door latch may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Door Pin

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser door pin may have to be replaced.

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Dispenser Actuator

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser actuator may have to be replaced.

Dispenser

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the entire dispenser assembly may have to be replaced.

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Wax Motor

There is an electrically powered device called a wax motor which opens the detergent dispenser. If the dispenser is broken and will not open to release the detergent, the wax motor might need to be replaced.

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Bi-Metal

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the bi-metal actuator might be burned out or defective. The bi-metal is a simple metal loop which acts as a latch for the dispenser door. As electricity is applied to the metal loop, the loop deforms and bends away from the latch, releasing it. If the bi-metal is burned out it won't deform or release the detergent door.

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Dispenser Slide

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser slide may need to be replaced.

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Dispenser Repair Kit

If the dispenser is broken this dispenser kit may need to be replaced.

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Main Control Board

The main control board provides power to nearly every component of the dishwasher including the detergent dispenser. If the dispenser will not actuate the main control board might be defective. You should first check for more common parts. Many times control boards are replaced unnecessarily because the problem was not diagnosed properly.

God bless you . see the photo attached.

Dispenser Lever

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser lever might need to be replaced.

Detergent Dispenser Cover

If the detergent dispenser cover is broken and the detergent dispenser doesn't work, the dispenser assembly should be replaced.

Wax Motor Actuator

If the dispenser will not release the detergent the actuator connected between the wax motor and the dispenser might be broken. Check the wax motor actuator and replace it if necessary.

Dispenser Lid

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser lid may have to be replaced.

Detergent Dispenser

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the problem is often related to the release mechanism. If the problem is with the dispenser itself, it may be easier to replace the entire dispenser.

Dispenser Door Spring

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open during the wash cycle the dispenser door spring may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Latch

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser door latch may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Door Pin

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser door pin may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Actuator

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser actuator may have to be replaced.

Dispenser

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the entire dispenser assembly may have to be replaced.

Wax Motor

There is an electrically powered device called a wax motor which opens the detergent dispenser. If the dispenser is broken and will not open to release the detergent, the wax motor might need to be replaced.

Bi-Metal

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the bi-metal actuator might be burned out or defective. The bi-metal is a simple metal loop which acts as a latch for the dispenser door. As electricity is applied to the metal loop, the loop deforms and bends away from the latch, releasing it. If the bi-metal is burned out it won't deform or release the detergent door.

Dispenser Slide

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser slide may need to be replaced.

Dispenser Repair Kit

If the dispenser is broken this dispenser kit may need to be replaced.

Main Control Board

The main control board provides power to nearly every component of the dishwasher including the detergent dispenser. If the dispenser will not actuate the main control board might be defective. You should first check for more common parts. Many times control boards are replaced unnecessarily because the problem was not diagnosed properly.

Gd bless you

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 //../

The solenoid that opens the detergent door may have had water leak into it. Remove the inner panel from the main door, remove the solenoid mechanism and it's core. With the core out, clean the solenoid interior and the core surface with hot water. The core should fall out of the solenoid by gravity if it is clean. DO NOT OIL THE CORE OR SOLENOID. If there are signs of water entry to the solenoid, check the detergent dispenser seal for damage. Try using a tab type of detergent rather than liquid or powder. Make sure the release mechanism is clean as well. Hope this repairs your problem!

Can't help on the lock release, but will say that OFTEN the detergent will not dump if it is filled too much. Leave a little space.

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)

detergent door does not 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

l

There's an answer at: http://www.partselect.com/dishwasher+cup-wont-open+repair.htm.

Pretty in depth, but not a simple fix.