The detergent dispenser doesn't seem to opening at the right time. When the cycle is finished the powder is lying in the dishwasher. What would cause this?

There is a solenoid in the detergent dispenser that opens at the appropriate time to let the door open and drop detergent. The solenoid might be faulty if the door spring appears alright. One option is to stop using the powder detergent and switch to tablets. One tablet like Finish diamond in the cutlery basket does wonders.
Not sure if you can buy the dispenser to replace.

Check to make sure you are not blocking the soap dispenser door with a large platter or pan in front of it. The water will not be able to wash out of it.....

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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It should be okay to use dry bleach, if you follow the instructions on the bleach. Some bleaches require dissolving in water first, others can be used dry.

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

Try starting a cycle without using detergent at all. If the dispenser opens, you just need to use powder detergent because the tablets are too big for the dispenser. If it still doesn't work, replace the dispenser. Go to the link to see how to take the door apart and replace the dispenser.

http://www.appliancerepairlesson.com/2011/01/29/dishwasher-soap-cup-dispenser-replacement-dishwasher-repair/

Good luck

www.ApplianceRepairLesson.com

The best solution is to use the compressed powder cubes, the will fall to the bottom of the dishwasher as soon as the soap cup opens. New dishwashers use so little water that they dont do a good job of getting all the phosphate free detergent out of the cup. The cubes work fine and you will have no more residue

just fill the same holder that you would use for powder.

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.

Hi,
There are three common problems that cause the Soap Dispenser or Cup not toopen. I have a tip that will explain these problems in detail....

Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

heatman101