Dishwasher Tablet Dispenser Not Working

Learn the main reason your dishwasher soap dispenser isn t opening.

Dishwasher tablet dispenser not working. The dishwasher is not opening the soap dispenser door. I believe it gets hot water and runs normally. An automatic dishwasher detergent dispenser door can become stuck for a few different reasons. The normal water temperature for dishwasher tablets to dissolve is 120 160ºf.

Step 4 read the manual to see if your dishwasher releases detergent via a bi metal release which depends on electrical current to release the catch on the detergent dispenser. Cover should close tightly. Some experts recommend placing the detergent tablet directly in the dishwasher tub and bypassing the dispenser completely. Well it s time to channel your inner nancy drew and solve this mystery.

2 water not hot enough one of the causes why your dishwasher tablet is not dissolving is that the water is not hot enough. Some problems are easy to fix while some require more work. If using gel detergent the detergent may be left in dispenser too long before using. Start dishwasher soon after adding gel detergent.

The dishwasher runs the complete cycle but never uses any of the detergent. If the hot water temperature in your dishwasher measures below 110f 115f it may not be enough to dissolve certain brands of tablet. Maybe a little bit but about 80 of it is still there. You ve got a mystery on your hands.

The soap door does not seem to be open at end of cycle. Repairs are basically the same no matter what brand of automatic dishwasher you have although specific parts might be required. If the dispenser doesn t open your dishwasher might need a new timer or wax motor which awaits its signal from the timer to open the detergent dispenser cup. If i use dishwasher detergent tablets the tablet will not dissolve.

What steps can i take to fix this problem and get my dishwasher working again. The dishwasher is not dissolving the tablet. If the wax motor is not working properly then the dispenser door will not open to release the detergent. Make sure dispenser is dry before adding powder detergent.

If your dishwasher is not equipped with a thermostat or temperature monitors then you need to check the temperature of the water manually using a thermometer. Do not allow detergent to dry out in dispenser. Simply wipe out the dispenser with a clean damp sponge and then dry it thoroughly or use a mild household cleaner to remove any debris or residue. Dry the dispenser thoroughly before placing a new tablet inside.

The wax motor acts as a solenoid when activated by the dishwasher s timer or control and the piston operates the mechanism that will release the catch for the dispenser door. How to test a dishwasher wax motor with a multimeter.