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WhirlpoolGold Dishwasher dispenser doesn't open

16 years ago

Does anyone know if a soap dispenser can be fixed w/o spending too much $$$$? I prefer not to get a new dishwasher because

I really like this dishwasher. My dishes are very clean. I've never used a rinsing agent (hard to believe in S. CA) and have no spotting. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

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Comments (7)

dadoes
16 years ago
You can try finding the part via your machine's model number at any of the online parts sources such as www.searspartsdirect.com or www.repairclinic.com or www.partstap.com. That'll give you an idea of the cost for the part. Add service tech labor to that if you can't DIY.
janicedallas
Original Author
16 years ago
Question, do you think it could be the electronic board telling it not to open? I probably am using the wrong words here but a friend mentioned that possibility.
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I like Jerrod's suggestion to look at the clean out area at the pump, what ever that is called, lower left front. His comment makes sense to me. Carolina, front loaders clean mechanically too, it tumbles the clothing into a pool of water. This pool of water is, I believe, calculated for depth depending on the programmed cycle. For example "dress shirts" cycle has a deep pool and softens fall of the tumbled clothes. "Whites" is a shallower pool and the fall with each tumble is more aggressive. I also doubt that the 3 hour trip for the washer did anything, unless they tipped the machine onto its side. I have transported 2 old Mieles 6 hour distances without the shipping struts. One machine, the struts were missing, the other I tried using my modern struts and only got one inside to sort of brace the drum. Anyway the machines are fine. Getting jostled down a flight of stairs with a dolly to the basement, without the struts in place. One machine I opened and tested the shocks, as @Linus (Bjorn) suggested and they were perfect.
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weissman
16 years ago
check out repairclinic.com - they offer help for dianosing problems as well as selling parts.
janicedallas
Original Author
16 years ago
I have emailed repairclinic.com. What a great site. I hope they can help. Thank you BOTH so much.
ci_lantro
16 years ago
It could one of several different things, Janice. Could be as simple as a spring getting out of place or as complicated as the board. If it's a touch pad type, you could try cutting the power to it for a few seconds--unplugging or switching off the breaker. If that doesn't fix it, then you can switch DW detergent to those Cascade action packs that you just toss in the DW. Depending on how old the DW is, it may not be worth the expense of a service call and parts.

I had the same problem with a Whirlpool dishwasher. As I recall, some of the plastic inside the door had broken. I ended up replacing it with a nearly new DW that I found at a garage sale.
janicedallas
Original Author
16 years ago
Now, why didn't I think of that. Much cheaper than repairs. I will try the electric shut off and let you know. Repair clinic says it will reply in a few days. This dishwasher is the first I have ever had that didn't leave spots on my glasses w/o the jet dry. I have been reading about all the cleaning/drying problems others are having with the best of the best and it would be just fine with me to keep this one.
Thanks again
janicedallas
Original Author
16 years ago
Repair Clinic response
YOUR REQUEST

Soap dispenser does not open. The dishwasher runs great except we have to put the timer on and wait awhile to open the soap dispenser manually. I called a repair shop and he was vague about the cause perhaps being the circuit board. Any advice would be appreciated. By the way you were rec. by the gardenweb forum - what a great site this is.

Dear Madam/Sir,

Thank you for your recent inquiry (#1496544), sent on 3/26/08 at 10:51 pm, regarding your 1999 Whirlpool Dishwasher, model: GU980SCGS2.
Timer

On many dishwashers, a plastic actuator arm mechanically links the timer to the detergent cup. When the timer reaches the proper time in the cycle, the timer activates a lever that opens the detergent cup. If the linkage is broken or defective, the cup stays closed after you've closed it. Check the link and repair or replace it, as necessary.

Bi-metal switch or wax motor

A bi-metal switch is a simple electrical device that deforms when electricity is applied to it. The degree of this deformation can be engineered to concise standards.

The timer energizes the bi-metal switch inside your dishwasher door--directly behind the detergent cup--when the detergent cup should open. When energized, the bi-metal switch deforms away from the detergent cup latch, which opens the detergent cup. If the bi-metal switch is defective, it may not deform enough to open the cup. If that happens, you need to replace it.

On some dishwashers, the bimetal switch is wired through the heating element or motor circuit. If the element is broken (or open), or if the motor is drawing low current because of a low-fill situation, the bi-metal switch doesn't open properly.

Newer dishwasher models use a wax motor instead of a bi-metal switch. It's a sealed unit with wax that heats up and pushes a piston through to open the door. The wax motor, controlled by the timer, mechanically opens the door.

Detergent cup, itself

The detergent cup itself can become clogged with old dried detergent that prevents it from opening. Sometimes just cleaning the cup takes care of the problem. If not, you probably need to replace the entire cup assembly

Get your dishwasher sparkling clean and lemon fresh with Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner.

RepairClinic.com RepairGuru Staff

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