KitchenAid dishwasher timer got stuck/dispenser not opening

therhett17 · Mar 15, 2023

Update:

Tried everything again last night and the dispenser didn't open this time... I have the front cover off and watched the bi-metal strip during the time it should've tripped and it never did. Going to take it apart again and see if something needs to be adjusted maybe

qsd-dan · Mar 15, 2023

Remove the leads to the bi metals and carefully inspect them. The seals on the dispenser cups and doors can leak, causing corrosion on the terminals of the wires and/or the bi-metal connections.

repairguy · Mar 15, 2023

Someone please correct me if I’m wrong but the machine needs to be filling to the correct water level in order for the dispenser to open properly. If the machine is under filling the motor doesn’t draw the correct amperage and the bimetal doesn’t respond correctly.

combo52 · Mar 15, 2023

Hobart designed KitchenAid dishwasher detergent dispensers

Yes, do you need a full charge of water to put enough load on the motor since the five metal is wired in series with the motor.

You can also adjust the bimetal loosen the two screws and adjust it, so it just barely catches the little finger on the dispenser release arm, that way as a bimetal starts to deflect it all released properly these dispensers were a little touchy to get right, but then they worked pretty well.

And yes if it’s leaking, it may not work properly but I doubt yours is leaking. This was a pretty lightly used dishwasher .

John

kenmoreman · Mar 15, 2023

Posibility

Checkthe wires going to the heating element. Make sure they are both connected. The bi metal is powered thru the heater resistence.

therhett17 · Mar 16, 2023

Working again!

I took the wires off and examined everything, luckily no corrosion anywhere and it doesn’t appear there have been any leaks. I took the advice of adjusting it to barely touch the latch and it has worked two consecutive times, so I’m going to hope that was the fix! Thanks again for the tips and tricks y’all!

I also found a technicians sheet in the dishwasher that I thought I’d share for those interested!