Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Not Opening? Here’s Why

If the soap dispenser in your dishwasher doesn’t open, this effectively means your dishwasher isn’t working as it needs soap to be able to clean the dishes properly.

In this article, we will discuss the main components within your dishwasher that might be causing your soap dispenser to not open and how you can fix them.

Check the dispenser unit for damage

Before you look into any of the components that make the dispenser work, start by giving the whole dispenser unit a good inspection to see if there are any obvious signs of it being damaged or cracked. 

Try to open and close the unit to make sure it isn’t stuck. If it gets stuck, give it a good clean, and then check if this solves the problem. If it is cracked or heavily damaged, replace the whole unit as they are difficult to repair. If there are no signs of damage, you can start checking the components listed below.

Check the bi-metal actuator

The first component to check is the bi-metal actuator. This component is a metal loop that acts as a latch that allows the dispenser door to open when electricity is applied to it. When it becomes faulty, your dispenser door will not open and release any detergent or powder.

To check the bi-metal actuator, you’ll need a multimeter. Here’s how to test it:

1. Turn the power off to your dishwasher by unplugging it or turning the circuit breaker off.
2. Locate the bi-metal actuator (check your user manual if you’re not sure of its location).
3. Once you locate the component, get your multimeter and test it for continuity.
4. If the test shows no continuity, replace the bi-metal actuator. If it does have continuity, move on to checking the next component.
5. If you replace the bi-metal actuator, plug your dishwasher back into the power, turn it on, and check if the problem has been solved. If the dispenser still doesn’t open, move on to checking the next component.

Check the dispenser door pin

In your soap dispenser door is a pin that holds it in place. When the pin becomes bent out of shape or faulty, it might stop the door from opening when it needs to. 

Here’s how to check the door pin:

1. Open the dishwasher door.
2. Open the soap dispenser door.
3. Locate the pin and check to see if it’s damaged. If the pin is okay, move on to checking the next component.
4. If it’s damaged, replace the pin and then check if the problem has been solved. If not, you’ll need to check the next component.

Check the dispenser actuator

Your soap dispenser has an actuator that helps the door open. If it becomes defective, the dispenser won’t be able to work properly. 

To check the dispenser actuator, you need to:

1. Open the dishwasher door.
2. Open the soap dispenser door.
3. Locate the dispenser actuator (check your manual if you’re not sure which part it is) and then check to see if it’s damaged. If the actuator is okay, move on to checking the next component.
4. If it’s damaged, replace the actuator and then check if the problem has been solved. If not, you’ll need to check the next component.

Check the dispenser door spring

The dispenser unit has a spring in the door that helps the dispenser to open during a wash cycle so that soap can get into your dishwasher. Sometimes, the spring can become defective, which will stop your dispenser from opening. 

Here’s how to check the door spring:

1. Open the dishwasher door.
2. Open the soap dispenser door.
3. Locate the door spring and check to see if it’s damaged or has become bent out of shape. If the door spring is not damaged, move on to checking the next component.
4. If it’s damaged, replace the spring, and then check if the problem has been solved. If not, you’ll need to check the next component.

Check the dispenser latch

The next component to check is the dispenser latch. The latch is a key component within the dispenser unit that helps it to open. If defective your dishwasher won’t work properly.

To check the latch, you need to:

1. Open the dishwasher door.
2. Open the soap dispenser door.
3. Locate the latch (consult your user manual if you’re not sure where it is) and check to see if it’s damaged. If the latch is okay, move on to checking the next component.
4. If the latch is damaged, replace it and then check if the problem has been solved. If not, you’ll need to check the next component.

Check the dispenser lever

The next component to check is the dispenser lever. The lever helps the door to open when it needs to, and if it becomes faulty, your dishwasher won’t work correctly.

To check the dispenser lever, you need to:

1. Open the dishwasher door.
2. Open the soap dispenser door.
3. Locate the lever (if you’re not sure where it is, consult your user manual) and check to see if it’s damaged. If the lever is not damaged, move on to checking the next component.
4. If it’s damaged, replace the lever and then check if the problem has been solved. If not, you’ll need to check the next component.

Check the dispenser slide

In the dispenser unit is a small slide that helps the door to open and close. If it becomes damaged, the door might not be able to open, and soap won’t be able to get into your dishwasher during a wash cycle.

Checking the dispenser slide is simple, you just need to: 

1. Open the dishwasher door.
2. Open the soap dispenser up.
3. Locate the slide and inspect it for any signs of damage.
4. If it’s damaged, replace the slide and then check if the problem has been solved. Hopefully, at this point, your dishwasher soap dispenser is working again. If not, consider replacing the whole dispenser unit.