Detergent door does not open, it completes cycle without using the detergent

Was the dispenser cup wet when you added detergent?
Make sure the dispenser cup is dry before adding powdered detergent. If dispenser cup is wet, the detergent can clump.
Is the cycle incomplete?
If the previous cycle did not complete, the detergent can become caked in the dispenser cup if it is left sitting in the dishwasher.
Is the detergent old?
Older detergent exposed to air will clump and not dissolve well, which will cause the dispenser door to stick to the detergent. Replace detergent if necessary and store the detergent in a tightly closed container in a cool dry place.
Is the water temperature too low?
For best washing and drying results, water should be 120oF (49o C) as it enters the dishwasher.
Were items blocking the dispenser that kept it from opening?
Items blocking the detergent dispenser will keep it from opening. Make sure water action can reach the dispenser.
Detergent guidelines

• Use automatic dishwashing detergent only.
• Other detergents can produce excessive suds that can overflow out of the dishwasher and reduce washing performance.
• Store tightly closed detergent in a cool, dry place.
• Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning.
• Add detergents just before starting the cycle.
• The amount of detergent to use depends on the hardness of your water and the type of detergent.
• If you use too little, dishes won't be clean.
• If you use too much in soft water, glassware will etch.
• Suggested fill amounts are for standard powdered detergent. Amounts may vary if you use liquid or concentrated powdered detergent. Follow instructions on the package when using these detergents.
• Water hardness can change over a period of time. Find out your water's hardness by asking your local water department, water softener company, or county extension agent.

That is about the time it should start to heat the water.if its not heating at all then this could be the problem.when you say it ends i'm wondering if it has pump out the water or stopped with water in it.If they don't heat then they generally don't progress any further.the detergent door probably hasn't had a chance to open yet.

Hello, Yes the door should be open at end of wash,either the dispenser is faulty or the p.c.b. If you dont want to go to the exspense of new dispenser etc.Try putting tablet ( I presume you are using tablets ) in the cutlery basket.If you are using powder then it will have to be repaired.

Hope this helps.

if you are using a detergent with lemon in it stop. The "film" you are seeing is actually the stainless being etched. You can get some of it off by wiping the door down with diluted CLR on a soft sponge. Then only use detergent without lemon

Make sure there are no leaks from the machine. look behind it and check the water inlet hose and connectors for any damage. Also look under the machine for any water as this may indicate a leak from the internal hose and pipe work and / or water pump. Also check that the outlet hose is completely clear of debris and soap scum build up and check that the filter is clean.

To keep the machine clean of waste build up and to keep any bad odours away
1. Remove all items from the washer.
2. Open the dispenser drawer and 2/3 cup (160 mL) of liquid chlorine bleach to the bleach compartment. DO NOT use more than 2/3 cup (160mL) of bleach per cycle as this will lead to product damage.
3. Close the washer door and dispenser drawer.
4. Select the Clean Washer cycle or a full wash cotton 104 F wash (40 C). DO NOT use any higher temperature as this will cause unnecessary fumes
5. Press Start and allow cycle to complete.
6. After the cycle is complete, leave the door open slightly to allow ventilation and drying of the washer interior.
7. Repeat the cleaning procedure monthly

hello. i can help you.
When the detergent cup doesn't open, check these:

Timer
Bi-metal switch or wax motor
Detergent cup, itself
Timer On many dishwashers, a plastic actuator arm mechanically links the timer to the detergent cup. When the timer reaches the proper time in the cycle, the timer activates a lever that opens the detergent cup. If the linkage is broken or defective, the cup stays closed after you've closed it. Check the link and repair or replace it, as necessary.

Bi-metal switch or wax motor A bi-metal switch is a simple electrical device that deforms when electricity is applied to it. The degree of this deformation can be engineered to concise standards.

The timer energizes the bi-metal switch inside your dishwasher door--directly behind the detergent cup--when the detergent cup should open. When energized, the bi-metal switch deforms away from the detergent cup latch, which opens the detergent cup. If the bi-metal switch is defective, it may not deform enough to open the cup. If that happens, you need to replace it.

On some dishwashers, the bimetal switch is wired through the heating element or motor circuit. If the element is broken (or open), or if the motor is drawing low current because of a low-fill situation, the bi-metal switch doesn't open properly.

Newer dishwasher models use a wax motor instead of a bi-metal switch. It's a sealed unit with wax that heats up and pushes a piston through to open the door. The wax motor, controlled by the timer, mechanically opens the door.

Detergent cup, itself The detergent cup itself can become clogged with old dried detergent that prevents it from opening. Sometimes just cleaning the cup takes care of the problem. If not, you probably need to replace the entire cup assembly

The cycles times are too long If your dishwasher's cycle times are too long, check these:

Water pre-heating
Cycle not completing
Water pre-heating Your dishwasher may pre-heat the water. If so, and if the water entering the dishwasher is cool, the heater may take up to half an hour to heat the water.

To avoid the wait, increase the incoming water temperature before turning on the dishwasher. Do that by running the kitchen sink faucet until the water runs hot. Or increase the temperature of the hot water to the entire house at the hot water heater.

Warning! To lessen the risk of scalding, don't set the hot water heater temperature higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cycle not completing See "The cycle doesn't complete" section.

Use gel run a few cycles and help clear and then don't overfill w gel soap

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..

Well the 2nd part of your question is probably the the reason it doesn't clean. If the soap door doesn't open then the dishes will probably not be cleaned. So.. I would focus on why the door doesn't open first.. is it sticking from old soap residue? If so, clean the dispenser with white vinegar and cycle it a few times without detergent and use the hottest/sanitary setting.. Then make sure you are using an approved dishwashing detergent for yuour wash cycle. Add some detergent to the dispenser and try cycling it without any dishes .. does the door open? If no, then you need to resolve that first.. If it does open, try running a cycle with about 1/2 the normal dish load and see if the door opened and the dishes came out clean.. Routinely, check and clean the drain filter so you aren't redistributing the food sediment from the previous load all over the next load of dishes.. Hope that helps..

its hard to say without knowing the model and brand if its a maytag then you can find a yellow plastic ribbon in the detergent dis pull it and unlock door