KitchenAid dishwasher dilema

[dalangdon]

My fabulous KitchenAid dishwasher (model KDS-16)is having issues with its soap dispensor. The little snap mechanism on the soap dispensor no longer snaps. So far, my solution has been to overload the pre-wash chamber, set it on full cycle and hope for the best (which actually works quite well) but I know I should address this issue.

Anyone have any ideas about what I should do? No repair people will touch it - they just tell me to buy a new dishwasher (which I find intensely annoying. If I want a new appliance, I would be at Sears, not at home waiting for a repairman ;-)

 

[coldspot66]

Is the detergent cup blue or white? The round white one is no longer available from K/A. Could be the bimetal that controls the cup is bad or a burnt wire going to it. Let me know, maybe I can help.

 

[dalangdon]

it's a white cup. I had orginally assumed that the snap mechanism was just clogged or something, but it seems like it might be more than that. I will investigate tonight.

 

[gadgetgary]

Prewash portion

I have a KA KUDS220T with a white soap dispenser. The prewash cover has no spring back. The wash portion works perfectly. There really isn't a problem since the prewash simply snaps open after initial water heating to release the detergent. The only problem is if I use the Soak 'n Scrub cycle. This supposedly requires three detergent fills. But I have just used the two and have not had a problem. Don't know if I should try to have it repaired. It really has not affected its performance.

Gary

 

[kenmore1978]

investigation

"it's a white cup. I had orginally assumed that the snap mechanism was just clogged or something, but it seems like it might be more than that. I will investigate tonight."

And what did your investigation reveal?

 

[gyrafoam]

I just replaced the dispenser on my KDS-15. It was getting the power---just wouldn't pop open anymore. Got one used from a friend who has a repair business. I guess thats the key----get in touch with someone who might have a spare part on hand---I'd try a local person who specializes in working on KAid. Good luck!!