You loaded your GE dishwasher with dirty dishes to have them cleaned.
You ran a complete wash cycle for a long time, but when you unloaded the dishwasher, you were shocked to find that none of the dishes were clean, despite the water draining successfully.
After inspecting the dishwasher, you found that the soap dispenser did not open during the wash cycle, which caused the dishes to remain dirty and wet.
Now, you’re wondering why the dispenser did not release the rinse aid or open. Right?
Well, In this article, I will break down what causes a GE Dishwasher soap dispenser to not open and what you need to do to troubleshoot it.
Why GE Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Not Opening
Soap dispenser in your GE dishwasher isn’t opening due to a malfunctioning wax motor, a broken spring, improper loading of dishes, or heavy clogging in the dispenser.
Aside from this, a faulty control board and damaged bi-metal release can also prevent the soap dispenser from opening during a wash cycle.
How to fix GE Dishwasher soap dispenser not opening
- Examine the dispenser to see if it has clogged with detergent residue. Clean any accumulated build-up if you find it.
- Check if any adjacent components, such as springs or hinges, are broken or damaged. Replace any faulty parts as necessary.
- If the dispenser unit appears to be broken, replace it with a new one.
Step 1: Do some basic check
Let’s start 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 some things you don’t know about. Here’s what you need to do:
♦ Clean the soap dispenser: Inspect the dispenser closely if you can see any blockage or debris that is preventing the soap dispenser from opening. Take a toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush and clean the dispenser area and remove any buildup or clogs.
♦ Unstuck the dispenser latch: Make sure the dispenser latch is not stuck. It’s a crucial component that let the dispenser unit open and If defective, the dispenser will not be able to release the soap. Try gently prying it open with a small tool, such as a screwdriver, and replace it if necessary.
♦ Check the timer and water temperature: If the timer is not working correctly, it may not send the signal to release the soap dispenser. Similarly, if the water temperature is too low, the soap may not dissolve from the dispenser. Ensure the timer is working and the water temperature is where it should be!
Remember: You may face difficulty identifying the components I mentioned above. If so, consult your user manual for help. You will find the detailed identification there.
Step 2: Going deeper
If you have performed all the required inspections and everything appears to be in order, possible that the moveable parts of the dispenser or the main control board are not operating correctly.
♦ Check the moving parts
The soap dispenser relies on movable parts such as triggers, springs, and hinges to release the soap. But what if any of these are broken?
The dispenser will remain closed and fail to dispense the soap. Isn’t it?
Replacing the broken dispenser parts is pretty simple. To replace the faulty part, inspect the dispenser thoroughly, identify the broken component, purchase a replacement online, and install it.
♦ Main control board is defective
The control board in your dishwasher plays a crucial role in regulating the dispenser unit, much like the way the brain controls the human body.
If the board is damaged or fails, the soap dispenser will not receive the signal to open the door, and sometimes you may hear some beeps.
In such cases, the only way to restore the functionality of the dishwasher is by replacing the board.
Listen up: if you are not comfortable replacing the damaged main board yourself, do not even think about attempting the repair. Call a professional dishwasher repair service to handle the replacement for you.
F.A.Q.s
Q: Why is the soap dispenser in my GE dishwasher not opening?
It might be due to clogging caused by detergent residue, a malfunctioning dispenser unit, broken or damaged springs or hinges, or a faulty dispenser latch mechanism.
Q: What should I do if I find detergent residue clogging the soap dispenser?
In case of clogging, clean the dispenser thoroughly to remove any accumulated detergent residue.
You can use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub away the build-up. Rinse the dispenser with warm water afterward.
Q: How do I know if the dispenser unit itself needs to be replaced?
If the soap dispenser appears to be physically broken or if it fails to open even after cleaning and checking for other issues, it may be necessary to replace the entire dispenser unit with a new one.
Q: What are some common signs of a malfunctioning soap dispenser in a GE dishwasher?
Some common signs of a malfunctioning soap dispenser in a GE dishwasher include detergent remaining in the dispenser after a wash cycle, dishes not being cleaned properly, and the dispenser lid not closing or opening properly.
Q: Where can I purchase a replacement soap dispenser for my GE dishwasher?
You can contact the authorized GE appliance parts distributor or check online retailers that specialize in dishwasher parts to purchase a replacement soap dispenser specifically designed for your GE dishwasher model.
Q: How can I prevent the soap dispenser in my GE dishwasher from malfunctioning?
To prevent the soap dispenser in your GE dishwasher from malfunctioning, only use the recommended detergent, avoid overfilling the dispenser, and clean the dispenser regularly. You should also check the dispenser for any blockages or damage.
Abdul Kader, a handy guy and experienced founder of a TV repair shop in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is mainly an expert in understanding and repairing different types of issues with Smart TVs and providing helpful insights on how to keep them in good working order. Read his Full Story.