How to Repair a Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Not Opening

There’s only one result when the soap dispenser fails to open during a wash cycle: dirty dishes—and nobody wants that.

It’s frustrating to open the dishwasher door after running a cycle only to find that the soap dispenser hasn’t released the detergent, and you don’t know why.

This article explains why this can happen and how to fix the issue, including repairing broken parts of the soap dispenser if necessary.

Fixing a dishwasher soap dispenser that won’t open

Let’s run through the most likely causes and solutions, starting with the simplest ones first.

Something is obstructing the dispenser

A common cause of the soap dispenser not opening is that it’s obstructed by a tall or protruding item on one of the racks. If an item, such as a pot handle or tall baking tray, is pressed against or near the dispenser, it may block it from opening.

After loading the dishwasher, check that there are no items placed in a way that could cause this problem. Rearrange or remove items if so.

The dispenser needs cleaning

A buildup of grime, such as detergent and food residues, around or inside the dispenser assembly may impede its ability to open.

Inspect all parts of the dispenser to see if this is the case and clean it thoroughly with dish soap and a soft cloth, sponge, or brush if required.

The dispenser door is damaged

If the door of the detergent dispenser has warped or melted from high heat, or has somehow cracked, you will need to replace the entire dispenser assembly.

Here are the typical steps involved:

1. Unplug the dishwasher for safety.
2. Order a new replacement detergent dispenser that is compatible with your dishwasher model.
3. Open the dishwasher door and remove the screws around the edge of the inner door panel.
4. Separate the inner door panel from the outer door panel to access the dispenser assembly.
5. Disconnect any wires connected to the detergent dispenser. Take a photo beforehand to reference later.
6. Unscrew the screws or release the clips securing the dispenser. Then, push the dispenser out through the door to remove it.
7. Install the new detergent dispenser by securing it in place with the screws or clips and connecting the wires.
8. Reassemble the inner and outer door panels using the screws you removed earlier.

The dispenser door spring is damaged

The dispenser’s door springs open during a cycle to release the detergent into the tub. However, if the spring is faulty, that might not happen as it should.

For many dishwasher models, you can simply open or remove the soap dispenser door to inspect the small spring it uses. If the spring looks rusted, corroded, or stretched out, it will need replacing.

On many dishwashers, you can just replace the spring. However, if that’s not possible, you may need to replace the entire dispenser assembly following the steps outlined in the section above.

How to remove the dispenser door or access the spring to replace it varies among different dishwasher models. Nonetheless, it’s generally a very simple task you can complete yourself.

The wax motor is faulty

The wax motor activates the mechanism that releases the catch on the detergent dispenser door during a wash cycle at the appropriate time. If it becomes faulty, the detergent dispenser won’t open as expected.

If you’ve already ruled out damage to the detergent dispenser as a cause, it’s worth testing the wax motor. Here’s how to do that:

1. Unplug the dishwasher for safety.
2. Open the dishwasher door and remove the screws around the perimeter of the inner door panel.
3. Separate the outer door panel from the inner door panel to access the wax motor.
4. The wax motor is usually located near the detergent dispenser.
5. Inspect the wax motor for signs of damage or any loose wires or connections.
6. Disconnect the wires connected to the wax motor.
7. Use a multimeter set to ohms to test the wax motor for continuity. Press the multimeter’s probes against the motor’s terminals.
8. A reading of infinity means it’s faulty and needs replacing. A reading close to zero ohms suggests it has continuity and is likely functioning correctly.
9. To replace, order a new wax motor, remove the old one by unscrewing or unclipping it, then install the new one in its place, being sure to connect its wires correctly.
10. Reassemble the dishwasher door.

The bi-metal switch is defective

The bi-metal switch in a dishwasher releases the dispenser door when the right temperature is reached during a wash cycle. Not all dishwashers have a bi-metal switch as they’re more common in older models, so check whether your dishwasher has one before proceeding.

To check whether this component is faulty, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dishwasher.
2. Remove the inner or outer door panel to access the bi-metal switch.
3. Close the soap dispenser door and press the bi-metal actuator with a screwdriver to see if it releases the catch, opening the door.
4. If it doesn’t, it’s likely misaligned. You may be able to fix it by carefully adjusting the bi-metal switch’s position.
5. Next, disconnect the wires from the bi-metal switch and test the component with a multimeter set to ohms.
6. A reading close to zero ohms means it is likely functioning correctly. An infinite reading means it’s faulty and needs replacing.
7. To replace, order a new bi-metal switch that’s compatible with your dishwasher model.
8. Remove the old bi-metal switch by unscrewing or unclipping it.
9. Install the new bi-metal switch in the old one’s place, being sure to connect the wires to the correct terminals.
10. Reassemble the door panels.

Still not fixed?

If you’ve tried the fixes above without success, or if you don’t feel confident carrying out any of these repairs yourself, we recommend calling in a professional to inspect and repair your appliance.

There might be an issue with the dishwasher timer, which isn’t an easy problem to fix as it often requires specialized equipment and is quite complex.