How do you install a soap dispenser in a kitchenaid dishwasher? do you have to take the door apart?

When you open the door there are screws around the outer edge of the door (heads facing in when the door is closed). Remove them and the door separates in two halves exposing the soap dispenser.

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) Maytag 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) Maytag 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) Maytag 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... Please revert for any further assistance.

Daniel

the dispenser has to be changed. there is a spring that might not be spring back to open . its easier to replace then to get the kit and rebuild your dispenser.

Water does not come into the washer

Most of the time the dispenser unit fails. It has a wax motor syetem and it just fails. Since you have to takethe door apart,I would suggest calling for service.

Good Luck!

I took the door apart and found the degertent door solinoid looking like it over heated and melted to the cover flap and the insulation. See picture. I can't post pic as the max is 150kb.
I applied power and it only got hot and wouldn't operate.
Next I go to Kitchenaid for a replacement - FREE it should be.

Hi tking01 The soap dispenser draw is operated by an electrical solenoid. It sounds like your solenoid has failed and needs replacing. This unit is located within the door itself. Regards

gagaweaver, couple of things you want to check here. Check the upper spray arm for any clogged holes or cracks along the edges. Position it in the 12:00 position and run the dishwasher for a little, open the door and verify that it has rotated. Make sure the water entering the dishwasher is min. 120 degrees, use a thermometer. Makes sure that there is no large pans or dishes blocking the upper spray arm from spraying onto the inner door. If all that checks out. You will have to remove the lower spray arm, filter cover and chopper cover to make sure the chopper screen is not coated or plugged up. If it is, it will prevent a good flow of water to the upper spray arm. Catriver..post back.