How to replace a dishwasher detergent dispenser
This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing the dishwasher detergent dispenser. The dispenser in the dishwasher door houses the main wash detergent cup and the rinse aid compartment. A hinged cap covers the detergent cup until the electronic control board—or the timer, in some models—signals the cap's latch to pop open. During the last rinse, the rinse aid compartment releases a small amount of rinse aid. If you find any dispenser parts damaged or the dispenser doesn't open when activated during the cycle, replace it with a manufacturer-approved dishwasher part.
Use these instructions to replace the detergent dispenser in Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, JennAir and Amana dishwashers. You also can use the same basic steps to replace the dispenser in some LG, Samsung, Frigidaire, Electrolux and GE dishwashers.
Replacing a dishwasher detergent dispenser video.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off electrical power
Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher.
To verify that power is disconnected, make sure the control panel doesn’t light up when you press a control button or the power button.
PHOTO: Shut off the house circuit breaker to disconnect power.
- 02.
Remove the outer door panel and control panel
With the dishwasher door open, remove the Torx screws from the inner door panel. Support the outer door panel with one hand as you remove the final 2 screws so the outer door panel doesn't fall.
Separate the outer door panel and control panel slightly from the inner door panel, and let the outer panel rest on the floor while you disconnect the user interface control wire harness from the control panel.
Pull off the outer door panel and control panel.
PHOTO: Remove the outer dishwasher door panel.
- 03.
Remove the dispenser
Unplug the dispenser wire harness from the inner door.
Remove the mounting bracket screws and pull off the mounting bracket, letting it hang by the dispenser wire harness.
Release the dispenser locking tabs and pull the dispenser out of the door.
PHOTO: Remove the dishwasher detergent dispenser.
- 04.
Install the new dispenser
Insert the new dispenser and engage the locking tabs.
Reinstall the mounting bracket and secure it with the screws.
Plug in the dispenser wire harness.
PHOTO: Install the new dishwasher detergent dispenser.
- 05.
Reinstall the outer door panel and control panel
Position the outer door panel and control panel close enough to the inner door so you can reconnect the user interface control wire harness.
Reconnect the user interface control wire harness and attach the outer door panel and control panel to the inner door panel.
Reinstall the mounting screws.
Tip: Use the longer screws to secure the control panel.
PHOTO: Reinstall the outer door panel.
- 06.
Restore electrical power
Reset the house circuit breaker or plug in the dishwasher to restore electrical power.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your dishwashers
Choose a symptom to see related dishwasher repairs.
Main causes: broken door spring, damaged or broken door hinge…
Main causes: not using rinse aid, rinse aid dispenser failure, broken heating element, malfunctioning vent, drying fan f…
Main causes: water supply problem, stuck overfill float, clogged water inlet valve screen, water inlet valve failure…
Main causes: light switch beside the sink turned off, lack of power, bad dishwasher door switch, control system failure,…
Main causes: improper loading, low water temperature, improper detergent dosage, detergent dispenser failure, spray arm …
Main causes: glass or popcorn kernel stuck in the chopper blade, drain line vibrating against the cabinet, debris in was…
Main causes: clogged kitchen sink drain, clogged drain hose, drain check valve damaged, drain pump failure, control syst…
Main cause: damaged rack height adjuster…
Main causes: damaged or stuck spray arm, leaking door seal, damaged door hinge, leaky heating element water seal, cracke…
Most common repair guides to help fix your dishwashers
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dishwasher.
How to replace a dishwasher water inlet valve
If your dishwasher fills constantly or won't fill at all, the water inlet valve has failed. You can replace it in about …
How to replace a dishwasher detergent dispenser
Dishes need dish detergent to get clean. Learn how to replace a dishwasher detergent dispenser with easy step-by-step i…
How to replace a dishwasher door outer panel
If your dishwasher door is dented or you want it to match your cabinets or other appliances, this guide shows how to rep…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your dishwashers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your dishwasher.
Get tips on completing essential holiday cleaning tasks to brighten your home.…
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…