You’re loading your Amana dishwasher, excited to have clean dishes ready for the next meal. But when the cycle ends, you notice something’s off – there’s no rinse aid dispensed.
Your first thought is to blame yourself for not filling the dispenser properly, but after checking, you realize that’s not the issue.
So, why isn’t your Amana dishwasher dispensing rinse aid? Well, the primary reason for this issue is either the dispenser itself or the main control board.
In this article, I will explain why the Amana dishwasher not releasing the rinse aid and what you have to do to troubleshoot this problem.
Why is my Amana dishwasher not using rinse aid?
Several reasons exist why your Amana dishwasher’s rinse aid dispenser isn’t working. It could be due to a buildup of detergent clogging the dispenser, a broken dispenser lid or cap that causes the rinse aid to leak out, or a broken spring, hinge, or trigger that prevents the dispenser from opening.
However, here’s a list of potential culprits:
- Clogged dispenser due to detergent or debris buildup.
- Damaged or cracked dispenser cap or lid.
- Malfunctioning dispenser components like springs, hinges, or triggers.
- Control board or timer malfunction.
- Clogged dispenser tube or nozzle.
- Low rinse aid level in the dispenser.
- Incorrect or expired rinse aid type.
- Incorrect or malfunctioning dispenser setting.
Amana dishwasher rinse aid not dispensing
In short: To troubleshoot your Amana dishwasher that isn’t dispensing rinse aid, start by inspecting the dispenser cap, checking for clogs or buildup, and verifying the dispenser components. If these are OK, replace the dispenser unit.
| Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Detergent clogs the dispenser or its outlets. | Clean the dispenser and its surroundings, wipe away buildup, and rinse with water. |
| Failed trigger, spring, or hinge. | Inspect the dispenser for broken components, replace parts, or replace the dispenser. |
| Circuit board failure. | Replace the control board with a new one. |
Step 1: Do the basic check
Let’s start with checking the basic things first. Often, people jump straight into complicated fixes without taking the time to thoroughly examine the issue.
I know, you already did so. But there may be things, you don’t know about. Here’s a closer look at the basic steps:
♦ Check if the rinse aid compartment is empty: Sometimes, the rinse aid dispenser appears to not be working because it’s empty. Check the compartment to make sure there’s enough rinse aid. If it’s empty, refill it and see if the problem is resolved.
♦ Make sure the rinse aid setting is turned on: If the rinse aid setting is turned off, the dishwasher won’t dispense rinse aid even if there’s enough of it in the compartment. Check the dishwasher’s user manual to find out how to turn on the rinse aid setting.
♦ Check for clogs in the rinse aid dispenser: Over time, the dispenser can become clogged with mineral deposits or debris, preventing the rinse aid from dispensing. To check for clogs, remove the rinse aid dispenser and clean it thoroughly.
♦ Ensure the rinse aid dispenser cap is tightly closed: If the rinse aid dispenser cap is not tightly closed, the rinse aid can leak out, preventing it from being dispensed during the wash cycle. Check the dispenser cap and tighten it if necessary.
Step 2: Going deeper
If everything I told you to check is OK, and your dishwasher is still not dispensing the rinse aid, then there might be a problem with either the dispenser’s moveable parts or with the main control board.
♦ Check the dispenser’s moving parts
The rinse aid dispenser uses some movable parts like triggers, springs, and hinges to release the rinse aid. But what if any of these are broken?
The dispenser will remain closed and not be able to release the rinse aid. That’s it!
Replacing the broken dispenser parts is pretty simple. First, inspect the dispenser thoroughly and determine which component is broken. Once you have identified the faulty component, purchase a replacement part online like Amazon, and then install the new part.
♦ Main control board is faulty
Similar to how the brain controls the human body, the control board is responsible for regulating the dispenser unit in your dishwasher.
If it is damaged or fails, replacing it is the only way to get the dishwasher back in working order.
WARNING: Replacing the damaged main board can be a bit complicated. If you are not comfortable doing the repair yourself, call a professional dishwasher repair service to replace the board for you.
Prevention measures
Prevention measures are always better than trying to fix a problem. Keep the following things in your consideration:
- Regularly clean the dishwasher.
- Use high-quality rinse aid.
- Avoid using too much detergent.
- Use surge protectors.
- Turn off the device when not in use.
F.A.Q.s
Q: Can I use any brand of rinse aid in my Amana dishwasher?
Most rinse aids should be compatible with your Amana dishwasher. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer or consult the user manual.
Q: Can I refill my rinse aid dispenser with homemade rinse aid?
No! Homemade solutions might not have the right chemical composition to work effectively with your dishwasher and could even damage the dispenser or other parts of the machine.
Q: How often do I need to replace my rinse aid dispenser?
There’s no set timeline for when you need to replace your rinse aid dispenser. However, if you notice that it’s not working properly, such as if it’s not releasing rinse aid during the cycle, it might be time to replace it.
Additionally, if the dispenser is cracked or damaged, it should be replaced to prevent leaks or further damage.
Abdul Kader is the CEO and founder of Homespoiler.com. With his expertise in electronics repair, he provides in-depth information on how to fix appliances, wiring, and other electrical-related issues. More about us