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  1. Repair
  2. GE
  3. GE Dishwasher
  4. Dishwasher detergent not dispensing

GE dishwasher detergent not dispensing

Common reasons your GE dishwasher detergent is not dispensing

The most common reasons your GE dishwasher detergent is not dispensing 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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    Most common repairs needed to fix a GE dishwasher

    Detergent Dispenser Replacement

    If the detergent dispenser is not dispensing detergent and/or rinse aid during the cycle, a broken dispenser assembly may be causing the problem. Most detergent dispensers have internal switches along with latches and other components to dispense detergent and rinse aid at the proper times during the cycle. Because it’s hard to tell whether a broken dispenser is causing the problem, have a Sears Home Services Repair Technician examine your dishwasher and replace the detergent dispenser if it’s broken.


    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    When the dishwasher detergent is not dispensing, a defective electronic control board could be causing the problem. Internal logic and relays in the electronic control board send electrical current to the dishwasher dispenser to open the lid latch and dispense the detergent. Corrupted internal logic or failed relays in the electronic control board could keep the dispenser from working. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert examine the dishwasher and replace the electronic control board if it’s defective.

    Water Valve Replacement

    When the detergent dispenser isn’t working, it could have an internal failure preventing it from opening. An internal switch in the detergent dispenser releases the dispenser latch so a spring snaps the dispenser lid open during the cycle. A broken spring, bad switch or defective latch can keep the dispenser from working. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert replace the detergent dispenser when it isn’t working.

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

    How is the detergent not dispensing problem fixed?

    Correcting most detergent not dispensing problems usually involves replacing the detergent dispenser, electronic control board or water valve. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher detergent that is not dispensing

    When the dishwasher detergent is not dispensing it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

    What to look out for with a dishwasher detergent not dispensing diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

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    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

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Rinse Aid Dispenser Work?"
    7 min readNov. 29

    Learn how a rinse aid dispenser works in a dishwasher and how to troubleshoot problems.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Dishwasher Air Gap Work?"
    5 min readNov. 27

    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.

    Additional possible GE dishwasher symptoms you may experience

    These dishwasher brands may also experience detergent not dispensing