Help with a Hotpoint Dishwasher.

[strongenough78]

Hey everyone! I was wondering if I could get some help with my Hotpoint Dishwasher. Model# HDA489M-25AW. The detergent door doesn't open when it's supposed to. I always have to wait til the main wash cycle starts, and then go in and flip it open myself. I had to have the apartment repairman fix it since it never stayed closed before. And since then it now stays closed. I'm hoping this is a simple fix that I can do myself. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[strongenough78]

My bad......

I'm not sure of the year the dishwasher was made. I'm assuming either late 80's or early 90's if that helps.

 

[appnut]

I'm not going to be much help, but this is a common problem with these GE dishwashers. I think there's some sort of spring loadeed meachanism in which the spring breaks off or something like that.

 

[strongenough78]

lol appnut......

Any help is appreciated, thank you I have been searching around the net and was able to find some info about it.

 

[gadgetgary]

Vern

Are you using 'liquid' DW detergent?
I found the same problem in my KA when I used liquid. A simple cleaning and the detergent dispenser opened properly.
Never went back to liquid.
Powder only!

 

[stevet]

Take a powder!

Have seen the same happen to many of the new dispensers on the new machines.. IIRC, The same was said about having to go back and to use the powders per the Kitchenaid forum.

Also, take a look at the parts breakdown at sears.com/parts and type in your model number. Sometimes seeing the actual breakdown will help you determine the cause and remedy of the problem.

 

[strongenough78]

Gary and Steve

I always use powder, never liquid. The door has never worked right from the time I moved in here. At first it wouldn't stay shut, and when the maintenance man fixed it, he didn't do something right cause since then, it'll close but not open unless I do it by hand. I've been looking around the net and was able to find some info about them. Looks to be a simple fix. Possibly a spring or the lever from the timer.