What would cause a Whirlpool Dishwasher DU1148XTPB3 Soap Dispenser's trigger/spring to continuously try to open the soap dispenser after it has been opened.

here are a few possible causes for a dishwasher soap dispenser's trigger/spring to continuously try to open the dispenser after it has been opened:

The trigger/spring mechanism may be damaged or broken. This could be caused by normal wear and tear over time, or it could be the result of a foreign object getting stuck in the mechanism.
The dishwasher's control board may be malfunctioning. If the control board is not functioning properly, it could send a signal to the soap dispenser to continuously open and close.
There may be a problem with the dishwasher's timer or motor. If the timer or motor is not working properly, it could cause the soap dispenser to malfunction.
To troubleshoot the problem, you could try cleaning the soap dispenser and checking for any foreign objects that may be stuck in the mechanism. You could also try resetting the dishwasher by turning off the power and unplugging it for a few minutes, then plugging it back in and turning it on. If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to call a professional for further assistance or to consider replacing the soap dispenser.

There are two reasons why it can happen:

1. Too much dishwashing detergent (There may be build up from before causing caking and so it's not dispensing the soap tablet)

2. You will notice a tiny spring inside your dishwasher detergent dispenser. This spring is triggered during the washing cycle and causes the dispenser door to pop open. A broken spring can prevent this from happening. If the spring is clean with no food, suds, or obvious buildup preventing it from working, it likely needs replacing.

I had a similar issue and found this website really helpful. Hope this helps.

https://www.expressrepair.ca/why-doesnt-dishwasher-dispense-soap/

Whirlpool dishwashers use a wax motor or a solinoid to release the door at a specific time during the cycle. So for proper cleaning the soap cup is nessesary . The part isn't that expensive and fairly simple repair.

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
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

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

From your description even when the soap dispenser opens it is opening late which is why all the soap does not dissolve.

Try adding only half as much soap and see if it opens then - even a little spilled soap catching on that little latch mechanism can cause it to be difficult to close and stick opening.

Also make sure that the spring that controls the door is not broken.

Symptoms:
Dispenser lid is open. Caked powder at (what would be during normal operation) bottom edge of soap dispenser or caked powder fallen onto dishes or dishwasher bottom. There may be loose powder in rest of dispenser or spilled down inside door or onto dishes underneath dispenser.

Solution:
Keep the area around the soap dispenser lid clear when loading the top tray.

Explanation:
The soap dispenser needs to swing open during the wash cycle. In many dishwashers the top tray has an indentation as wide as the lid of the dispenser. This allows the top tray to be as large deep as possible while still allowing space for the dispenser lid to open. People often pack their dishwasher with things overhanging this gap.

During the wash cycle the catch will release but the overhanging cutlery or crockery prevents the lid from opening all but a few degrees. Some water will splash in but not enough to wash out the soap powder. The soap powder at the bottom of the dispenser will then cake.

When the front door is opened the spring loaded lid, which is partly open, will of course swing fully open and you'll be convinced that the lid opened normally during operation. If this is the problem then if you're very careful and open the door very slowly you can actually hear the lid flip open. Also, depending on when the lid opens, how far it opened during operation and how fast you open the door you may find soap powder spilled down to cover the dishes at the front or down the inside of the door. This happens when you first open the door and obviously there couldn't be loose powder there if the powder had emerged while there was water washing around. Seeing the lid open as you open the door is a lot harder but can be done on some machines.

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!