
Encountering dishwasher dilemmas like dishes refusing to dry or stubborn food residue can turn kitchen cleanup into a headache.
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
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 19.7M dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If detergent remains clumped in its compartment, broken dispenser latches or solenoids may block release. Your dishes won’t come out fully clean. To fix it fast, book dishwasher service.
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
Service Call
Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!
James G, Hillsboro, MO
Daniel
Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.
Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO
Encountering dishwasher dilemmas like dishes refusing to dry or stubborn food residue can turn kitchen cleanup into a headache.
Find out how to fix a dishwasher not filling with water.
Learn about the costs of replacing your dishwasher in 2025 and get expert advice on dishwasher replacement from Sears Home Services.
Find out the most common problems with Bosch dishwashers and learn effective troubleshooting tips. Get expert advice from Sears Home Services.
A dishwasher basket is a removable container designed to securely hold small items like cutlery and utensils during the wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning without loss or damage.
A dishwasher end panel is a finishing piece installed on the exposed side of a dishwasher, primarily when it is at the end of kitchen cabinetry, to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look in the kitchen.
A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.
A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.