Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - Dishwasher soap door does not open.

Lately, the soap door in my dishwasher does not open during the cycle. Can you tell me what causes these things to engage? How does it know when to open? Is it the soap reacting and just forcing the door to open.

Thanks a lot

These are usually "told" when to open by the timer. The timer sends a signal to a bi-metal strip. When the bi-metal strip recieves current it "springs/moves" to cause the opening of the door. Depending on the age of the DW it could be the bi-metal strip being broken, the timer connections to the bi-metal strip or a host of several other things.

What brand of DW?
Model number?
Age?


I am by no means an expert but attempt to explain the process of repair.

Good luck with your project.

Thanks.
It's a whirlpool. Mod# DU840DWGQ0.
I don't know if this helps.
There is a clear plastic round piece that i can unscrew, that sits above the soap dish. Does that have anything to do with it?
Where do I find the Bi-metal strip?

Thanks again

The Bi-Metal strip is located between the door panels. Over time the Bi-Metal strip breaks and must be replaced. The process of replacement is not hard and can be accomplished with a few common tools. The replacement part is not expensive and should be obtained or ordered before you start the repair.

Seperate the door panels by removing the screws in the side of the door. Locate the bi-metal strip and remove the connectors. This will be close to the despenser door. Make note of the connections and their orientation to make reinstallation easier.

You can check the contiunity of the bi-metal strip to make sure it is indeed bad.

Some newer models use a wax motor instead of the bi-metal strip.

Good luck with your project.