The cycle does not complete - it seems to end when the detergent doors should open - but this doesn't happen. Water is running in and out ok - spotless machine - detergent door easily opens manually. Any suggestions any one? Running out of plates!!

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/

Has the dispenser door open at end of cycle. If dispenser door is open but not fallen down to the tub means most likely the water arm pressure is not good enough to get flush down to the tub.

Door not open means dispenser failure or control board not giving power to dispenser at right time. In some cases dispenser door is stuck with harden earlier soap so it cannot open completely in the cycle.

Why not when opening the door at end of cycle, listen to dispenser area to see the flapper opening while you are opening the door. That means dispenser not opening properly in the cycle.

This issue is a hard solve sometimes. Don't wont to spend the money, then just use the tablets and through them in the tub in the beginning and say good bye to dispenser.

The main switch, which is driven by its own motor, needs replaced.
murf427

Check your drain hose to make sure no water from the sink is draining back into the dishwasher.
If it is,re-hook the drain hose up high under the sink.
Next.
Start the dishwasher without dishes or detergent.
Once the fill and was cycle begins,open the door and por in 1 quart of WHITE vinegar and resume the wash cycle to completion.

Assuming the detergent dispenser door does open, it is likely the water is not reaching the top arms. Put a cup in normal position on the top rack and see if there is any water in it at the end of the cycle.

Likely causes are blocked arms or water distributor or the wash impeller is not working in the pump. The dishwasher uses the same pump motor for wash and drain cycles. You can check this by hearing if the water is getting swashed around when the wash cycle is on.
Check the impeller and water feed as shown in this diagram.

Hope this helps.

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.

sounds like you mean when the unit is running you are getting water dripping from the bottom of the door panel. if you remove the door panel at the bottom where the door hinges you will find an overflow tray which runs the width of the door. This is probably blocked with food deposits.

If not you may be using too much detergent. try running with no detergent and see if there are any leaks.if you open the door mid cycle the water level shouldn't be any higher than the bottom spray arm. hope this helps

i have seen a problm perhaps similer to yours on several makes of dishwashers .. some washers have a flip up lid that normally covers the detergent cup .. if the upper basket is in the lower position (if its adjustable) then it blocks the flip up lid from opening ... this seems to be a design problem with several makes (probably all made by the same company ) .. if you put the upper tray in its up position then the door still doesnt open all the way but enough that the detergent gets washed out eventually .. that is if there is no large items just benieth that flip up lid .. if so that can block the water from getting into the detergent cup .. you end up with undesolved detergent still in the cup and in the washer at the end of the rince cycle .. very bad ... you may have a different problem .. for instance if the detergent cup door is not opening at all (bad opening mechanism) .. or if the pump screen is clogged then no water is circulated to desolve the detergent ..

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.

Dish Washer does not completely drain.