D/W detergent door doesnt open during operation.

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.

Check your wash arms - make sure the holes or nozzels are clear (not blocked), and make sure they are free to turn. Make sure you are not over-loading the dishwasher or placing a large pan in front of the soap dispenser. Next is to check to see if enough water is going into the DishWasher (DW). This varies with different models, so it's hard to tell you how much is enough. Also, what kind of detergent are you using? We find that powders seem to work better than liquids and gels , and tablets sold by Finish Corporation and Cascade work better than powders. Next thing to check is to make sure the heater is working to heat the water during the wash cycle. (Listen for the soap dish to open, then open the door 10 or 15 minutes later and see if the water is hot.) If your dishwasher has a removable filter, you need to take that out and clean it at least once a month. And finally, if your dishwasher is all encrusted with calcium and hard-water deposits, you probably need to run a dishwasher cleaner in the machine. (Use Dishwasher Magic, or Finish Corp's Dishwasher cleaner, or Glisten, or even Lemi-Shine detergent-booster powder or their dishwasher cleaner.
Hope this helps!

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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) 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

May be detergent door operating relay/solenoid not working. Check dispenser and watch the latch area for free operation.

I have had this problem on a dishwasher IF I overfilled with powdered detergent. It would cake and the door would not open. Now I always leave a little space.

An automatic dishwasher detergent dispenser door can become stuck for a few different reasons. Some problems are easy to fix, while some require more work. Repairs are basically the same no matter what brand of automatic dishwasher you have, although specific parts might be required. Fortunately, even if the detergent dispenser needs to be replaced, the problem is not an emergency. The dishwasher will clean dishes fine even with a stuck detergent dispenser.

Fixing a Stuck Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser
1. Step 1 Move the basket that holds silverware as far from the detergent dispenser as possible, or make sure no tall items are blocking the dispenser. Also, keep other items such as plates and pans away from the dispenser. Anything that winds up touching the dispenser during the wash cycle can cause the dispenser door to stay closed. Run the dishwasher to see if this solves the problem.
   
2. Step 2 Remove the front door panel according to your instruction manual, or find the manufacturer's instructions online, which will probably be in a PDF file. The panel is typically held on by 6 to 8 screws along the edge, which you can see when the door is open. With most models, you won't need to remove the screws at the bottom of the door, which are part of the hinge assembly.
   
3. Step 3 Clean the detergent dispenser thoroughly from the inside of the dishwasher and the exterior side as well. Accumulated detergent and other material can interfere with the spring mechanism or halt the pivot action of the door. Use very hot water and a micro-sized brush. You also can use a mix of hot water and vinegar.
   
4. Step 4 Most dispensers have a bimetallic strip or switch, attached by screws, which triggers the door release. With the front door panel removed, locate the switch, and push on it gently with a screwdriver until the dispenser door opens. You might simply need to adjust the alignment of the switch.
   
5. Step 5 Purchase a new switch if re-aligning the old one does not fix the problem. Typically, these switches cost under $10. See Resources for a link to different manufacturers where you can buy the part.
   
6. Step 6 Label the two wires connected to the switch so you can correctly reconnect them afterward, and then remove them from the terminals by holding the slip-on connectors --- not the wires --- and pulling firmly. Use a pair of needle-nosed pliers for a better grip. Then remove the switch from the dispenser by removing the screws holding it in place. Connect the wires to the terminals of the new switch, and attach the new switch to the detergent dispenser. Replace the door panel.
   
7. Step 7 Run the dishwasher again to see if the switch replacement has done the trick. If not, decide whether to replace the entire dispenser according to the manufacturer's instructions, or call a repair technician.
   

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,
  
  
  please try this...
  imer:
          On mechanical set ups the timer is attached to the detergent cup by an actuator arm. This arm is usually plastic, and if it is broken or otherwise defective then the detergent cup wont be opened. Check the linkage to make sure it is functioning correctly.
  Bi-metal switch or wax motor:
          The bi-metal switch is simply a very precise device that warps, bends, or otherwise deforms when power is supplied to it. The timer operates the bi-metal switch, which inside the dishwasher door. Then the switch is supplied with power and it is working properly, the bi-metal switch deforms away from the latch holding the detergent cup closed and the cup opens dumping the detergent into the washer.
          Some dishwashers have this switch wired through the motor power feed or the heating element. If they are defective then the detergent door will not operate correctly. If the switch itself is defective then you will need to replace it. Another type of mechanism is a wax motor. Wax motors are sealed units filled with wax and found in newer dishwashers and work by heating the wax and forcing up a piston which in turn mechanically opens the detergent cup door. This type of device is also controlled by the timer.
   
  Detergent cup:
          Sometimes the detergent cup becomes built up with old detergent that prevents it from opening correctly. It's usually a simple fix to clean this out. If cleaning it is impossible then you may need to replace the cup assembly.
  
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