Dishwasher detergent not dispensing

Common reasons your dishwasher detergent not dispensing

The most common reasons your dishwasher detergent is not dispensing are a broken detergent dispenser, defective electronic control board or a clogged water valve.

46% of the time it's the
Detergent Dispenser

31% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board

13% of the time it's the
Water Valve

10% of the time it's the
Something else

Schedule your dishwasher repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 19.7M dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.

Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

Detergent Dispenser Replacement

When your dishwasher isn't dispensing detergent or rinse aid during the cycle, a faulty dispenser assembly might be to blame. Typically, detergent dispensers contain internal switches, latches, and other components to release detergent and rinse aid at the right times during the cycle. Since it can be challenging to determine if a broken dispenser is causing the issue, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Repair Technician inspect your dishwasher. If the detergent dispenser is indeed broken, they will replace it accordingly.

How to replace a dishwasher detergent dispenser

Electronic Control Board Replacement

If your dishwasher isn't dispensing detergent, a faulty electronic control board might be the culprit. The internal logic and relays within the electronic control board are responsible for sending electrical current to the dishwasher dispenser, enabling it to open the lid latch and dispense the detergent. If the internal logic becomes corrupted or the relays fail, it can prevent the dispenser from working properly. It's recommended to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect the dishwasher and replace the electronic control board if it's found to be defective.

How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board

Water Valve Replacement

If the detergent dispenser isn't functioning, it may have an internal issue that's stopping it from opening. Inside the detergent dispenser, there's an internal switch that releases the latch, allowing a spring to snap the dispenser lid open during the cycle. A broken spring, faulty switch, or defective latch can prevent the dispenser from working properly. It's best to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert replace the detergent dispenser if it's not working as expected.

How to replace a dishwasher water valve

What to expect when you experience a dishwasher detergent not dispensing issue

Advice for fixing the detergent not dispensing problem

Fixing most issues with detergent not dispensing typically requires replacing either the detergent dispenser, electronic control board, or water valve. However, since there are numerous potential causes, a thorough diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important for understanding the cost of the repair.

Sears Home Services provides these tips for a dishwasher detergent that is not dispensing

If your dishwasher isn't dispensing detergent, there could be several reasons why. To prevent replacing parts that aren't necessary, we suggest having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to find out what's causing the problem. Our technicians have a lot of experience in figuring out all kinds of issues with dishwashers.

How to handle a dishwasher detergent not dispensing diagnosis

Identifying issues with modern appliances can be challenging without the right knowledge and training. Simply swapping out parts without employing proper diagnostic techniques may result in ineffective repairs. Over the past decade, appliances have become highly advanced, with many models incorporating electronic components that are challenging to assess. As a result, do-it-yourself repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming progressively more complex.

What our customers say about us

With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.

Kirsten A, Oxford, PA