The Dishwasher Second Soap Cup Is Not Opening

Faulty Timer

• Dishwasher soap dispensers rely on a timer to activate the switch and release the soap during a particular point in the washing cycle. If the timer of the dishwasher is off or if the lever associated with the timer is broken, it will not spring open and release the soap. If the issue is associated with a faulty timer or lever mechanism, the motor that controls the timer and lever will need to be replaced.

Improper Loading

• Sometimes there is a simple answer as to why a dishwasher does not dispense the soap. If dishes or items loaded into the dishwasher rest up against the door, they can cause the dispenser to not spring open. Open the dishwasher and make sure utensils, dishes and other items are not resting against the door or in a position to be pushed up against the door during the cycle to see if this solves the issue.

Grime and Buildup

• Hard water, lime or even soap buildup inside the dishwasher dispenser could cause it to stick during the cycle. Open the dishwasher and check around the rim of the dispenser cup for grime or buildup. Dishwashers should be cleaned at least once a month to remove any soap or hard water buildup to keep the dishwasher functioning at its best. Dishwasher cleaning agents are available that you set inside the dishwasher and then run through to clean out any buildup.

Faulty Wax Motor

• Newer models of dishwashers rely on a wax motor to release the dispenser doors during the cycle. As the wax inside the motor heats up with the rising temperature inside the unit, the wax will push out a specialized piston to spring the dispenser open. A wax motor that is faulty will require professional replacement and disassembly of the dishwasher’s motor.