Maytag Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Door Stuck:... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The dishwasher's main control unit (MCU) sends a 120V AC signal to the soap dispenser solenoid at the appropriate time during the wash cycle. This voltage energizes the solenoid, which then releases the latch holding the dispenser door closed. A failure in any part of this circuit can prevent the door from opening.

Symptoms:

The customer reports that the soap dispenser door on their Maytag dishwasher remains closed throughout the entire wash cycle. Detergent is not dispensed, resulting in poorly cleaned dishes.

Possible Causes:

Defective dispenser solenoid
Jammed dispenser door mechanism
Faulty dispenser control board
Blocked dispenser nozzle
Low water pressure impacting dispenser operation
Wiring harness issue between control board and dispenser

Solution:

1

Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the breaker panel. Verify 0V AC at the dishwasher junction box with a multimeter.
2

Locate the soap dispenser assembly inside the dishwasher door. Typically held in place by screws, often T-20 Torx.
3

Visually inspect the dispenser door and mechanism for any obstructions or damage. Manually try to open the door.
4

Disconnect the wiring harness connected to the dispenser solenoid. Use a multimeter to check the solenoid coil for continuity. A reading of infinity indicates a failed solenoid.
5

If the solenoid has continuity, check the voltage at the wiring harness during a wash cycle using a multimeter. You should see approximately 120V AC when the dispenser is supposed to open.
6

If there is no voltage at the harness, the dispenser control board may be faulty and require replacement.
7

Reassemble the dispenser, restore power, and test the dishwasher to confirm the repair.

Safety Warning:

Always disconnect power to the dishwasher at the breaker panel before performing any repairs. Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures should be followed. Dishwashers operate on 120V AC, which can cause serious injury or death.

Prevention:

Regularly clean the soap dispenser and surrounding area to prevent buildup and blockages. Ensure adequate water pressure to the dishwasher. Use the correct type and amount of detergent as recommended by the manufacturer.

Expert Tip:

Many Maytag dishwashers have a diagnostic mode. To access it, press and hold the 'High Temp' and 'Sanitize' buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. This will display error codes and allow for component testing, including the dispenser solenoid.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the dispenser solenoid?

Disconnect the solenoid from the wiring harness. Use a multimeter set to ohms (resistance). Place the probes on the solenoid terminals. A reading other than infinity indicates continuity and suggests the solenoid coil is intact, though not necessarily fully functional.

•Where is the dispenser control board located?

The dispenser control board is usually integrated with the main control board, found behind the lower access panel of the dishwasher. In some models, it may be a separate, smaller board located near the dispenser assembly within the door panel.

•What is the correct voltage to test the solenoid with?

The dispenser solenoid typically operates on 120V AC. Use a multimeter set to AC voltage to measure the voltage at the solenoid wiring harness during the wash cycle when the dispenser should be releasing. Be careful not to touch any exposed wires while the unit is powered.

Maytag Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Door Stuck: Troubleshooting Guide

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the dispenser solenoid?

•Where is the dispenser control board located?

•What is the correct voltage to test the solenoid with?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: