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KitchenAid Dishwasher dispenser not dispensing soap

If your KitchenAid dishwasher soap dispenser is not opening, the most likely problem is a broken dispenser lever, followed by a damaged detergent dispenser cover, a cracked detergent container, or a broken dispenser lid. In some cases, replacing the entire detergent dispenser is the simplest fix if one of the internal dispenser parts has failed. A bad control board can also keep the dishwasher detergent dispenser from working, but that is much less common and should be checked only after the mechanical dispenser parts. When your KitchenAid dishwasher is not dispensing soap, the detergent door may stay shut through the cycle, leaving dishes dirty after the dishwasher cycle and making it seem like the dishwasher is not washing properly. Start by inspecting the dispenser lever, dispenser cover, detergent container, and dispenser lid for wear, binding, or visible damage. If needed, you can replace the complete detergent dispenser assembly. To make sure you get the exact replacement part for your specific KitchenAid dishwasher, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com and match the right dispenser lever, dispenser lid, detergent dispenser, or control board to your machine.

01 - KitchenAid Dishwasher Dispenser Lever

If the dishwasher dispenser lever is broken, it can cause the dispenser not to open or close properly. Inspect the dispenser lever for damage. If the lever is broken, replace it.
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02 - KitchenAid Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser Cover

Inspect the dispenser cover for damage. If the dispenser cover is broken, replace it.
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03 - KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Board

The control board provides power to nearly every component of the dishwasher. If there is a problem with the control board, it might not send voltage to the detergent dispenser, preventing the dispenser from opening. However, this is not likely the case. Control boards are often misdiagnosed—make sure you check more commonly defective parts before replacing the control board
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04 - KitchenAid Dishwasher Detergent Container

Inspect the dishwasher detergent container for damage. If the detergent container is broken or damaged, replace it.
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05 - KitchenAid Dishwasher Dispenser Lid

Inspect the lid for damage. If the dispenser lid is broken or damaged, replace it.
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06 - KitchenAid Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser

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.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher not dispensing soap?
My KitchenAid dishwasher detergent door won't open during the cycle. What should I check first?
Could a bad control board cause my KitchenAid dishwasher detergent dispenser not to work?
Should I replace one dispenser part or the whole detergent dispenser assembly?
How do I find the right KitchenAid dishwasher detergent dispenser parts for my model?

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