Before testing the bimetal assembly, unplug the
dishwasher or shut off the power at the fuse
box or breaker
panel to avoid an electrical shock hazard.
The detergent cup in your dishwasher
opens automatically when signaled by the timer control. If the
detergent cup does not open, it is most likely to be one of three
things.
If it is gummed up with detergent grime; it
may simply need to be cleaned. Usually the washing action of
the dishwasher is enough to clean the dispenser, but detergent
may have gotten into the workings and requires interior access
for cleaning.
Many dishwashers use a bimetal switch to electrically
trigger the detergent cup to open. When current is applied to
the switch, the metal in the device moves and allows the detergent
cup to spring or drop open.
Finally, if it is not receiving the signal
to open, that suggests a problem with the timer control or the
wiring.
To service the detergent cup and
bimetal switch, it is necessary to access the interior of the
door. Access varies by model; on some models the interior panel
is removed, on others, the exterior panel. It may be possible
to simply remove the decorative front panel by removing the a
retaining clip or strip along the top, sides or bottom. However,
often access is more involved as described on the next page.
Before testing the bimetal assembly, unplug the
dishwasher or shut off the power at the 