Dishwasher Dispenser Not Dispensing Soap

Inspect the dishwasher detergent container for damage. If the detergent container is broken or damaged, replace it.

Inspect the lid for damage. If the dispenser lid is broken or damaged, replace it.

If a dispenser part is broken and you don’t want to disassemble the detergent dispenser to replace the part, you can replace the entire dispenser.

If the dispenser door spring is defective, the dispenser might not open during the wash cycle. Inspect the dispenser door spring for damage. If it is bent, broken, or damaged in any way, replace it.

If the dispenser latch is defective, the dispenser won’t open or close properly. Inspect the dispenser door latch for damage. If the latch is damaged, replace it.

If the dispenser door pin is defective, the dispenser won’t open or close properly. Inspect the dispenser door pin for damage. If the pin is damaged, replace it.

If the dispenser actuator is defective, the dispenser won’t open or close properly. Inspect the dispenser actuator for damage. If the dispenser actuator is damaged, replace it.

If you don’t want to disassemble the dispenser to replace a part, you can replace the entire dispenser. Additionally, if the dispenser isn’t working and the entire dispenser is worn out, replace the dispenser.

The bi-metal actuator is a metal loop which acts as a latch for the dispenser door. As electricity is applied to the bi-metal, it deforms and bends away from the latch, releasing it. If the bi-metal is burned out, it won’t release the dispenser door. To determine if the bi-metal has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the bi-metal does not have continuity, replace it. In addition, make sure that the dishwasher is getting enough water. If the water level is too low, the wash motor may not draw enough current through the bimetal, causing the bimetal not to bend enough to work properly.

If the dispenser slide is damaged, the dispenser won’t open or close properly. If the slide is broken or damaged, replace it.

The dishwasher's pump and motor assembly circulates the water through the wash arms during the wash and rinse cycles. If the pump and motor assembly is defective, the wash cycle may be interrupted and the dispenser will not be activated to release the detergent. In this case, the pump and motor assembly will need to be replaced.

There needs to be adequate space between the dishes and the dispenser. Inadquate space can prevent the dispenser door from opening or prevent water from mixing with the detergent. If a large item is placed in front of the dispenser the detergent will not get rinsed out properly. Leave some space between the dishes and don't place large plates or pans in front of the dispenser.

A dishwasher's water inlet valve opens following a short drain cycle to fill the tank with water in preparation for the wash cycle. If the inlet valve is faulty and the tank does not fill, the wash cycle may be interrupted and the dispenser will not be activated to release the detergent. In this case, the water inlet valve will need to be replaced.