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  1. Repair

Dishwasher dispenser not working

Common reasons your dishwasher dispenser not working

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

  • 46%

    46% of the time it's the
    Detergent Dispenser

  • 31%

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

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Water Valve

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

    Detergent Dispenser Replacement

    If the detergent dispenser isn't working, it might be due to an internal issue that's stopping it from opening. Inside the detergent dispenser, there's a 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. It's best to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert replace the detergent dispenser if it's not working properly.


    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    If the dishwasher detergent dispenser isn't working, it may be due to a faulty electronic control board. The internal logic and relays in the electronic control board are responsible for sending electrical current to the dishwasher dispenser, which opens the lid latch and dispenses the detergent. If the internal logic becomes corrupted or the relays fail, it can prevent the dispenser from working properly. It's a good idea to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect the dishwasher and replace the electronic control board if it's found to be defective.

    Water Valve Replacement

    If the detergent dispenser isn't working, it might have a problem inside that's stopping it from opening. There's a switch inside the detergent dispenser that releases the latch, so a spring can snap the lid open during the cycle. If the spring is broken, the switch doesn't work properly, or the latch is defective, the dispenser won't work. When the detergent dispenser isn't working, it's best to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert replace it.

    What to expect when you experience a dishwasher dispenser not working issue

    Fixing a dispenser not working problem

    Fixing most issues with the dispenser not working typically requires replacing either the detergent dispenser or the water valve. However, since there are many 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 recommends these steps for fixing a dispenser that is not working

    If the dishwasher dispenser isn't working, 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 experience diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

    What to watch for with a dishwasher dispenser not working diagnosis

    Figuring out issues with modern appliances without the right knowledge and training can be hard. If you don't use the right diagnostic techniques, trying to fix your dishwasher problem might mean just guessing and swapping out parts. Appliances, especially in the last decade, have gotten very advanced, with lots of electronic parts that are tricky to test. Doing repairs yourself on the latest appliance models is getting much harder.

    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

    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

    Repair Dishwasher Resources

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    Title image for blog article "How Does a Dishwasher Air Gap Work?"
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    Learn how an air gap works in the drain system of a dishwasher.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Portable Dishwasher Work?"
    7 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a portable dishwasher works.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Recirculation Pump Work?"
    5 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a recirculation pump works in a dishwasher and how to troubleshoot pump problems.

    Glossary Terms

    Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

    A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

    A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.

    A furnace blower motor is a crucial component of a home heating system that drives the fan responsible for circulating air throughout the HVAC system and into the living spaces of the home.

    Common dishwasher symptoms to look out for

    These dishwasher brands may also experience dispenser not working