My GE Profile Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Is Not Opening

General Electric (GE) Profile dishwashers have a soap dispenser built into the door of the appliance. After the dispenser is filled with dish soap, you must close the lid to retain the soap in the dispenser, which opens during the wash cycle. Because the soap is contained in the dispenser, a nonfunctioning dispenser renders the dishwasher useless until the dispenser is repaired.

Soap Dispenser

The purpose of the soap dispenser is to house the dish soap and release it during the wash cycle. The soap dispenser has a lid that automatically opens at the appropriate time, using a wax motor actuator to release the latch. If the dispenser lid does not open, soap will not be released into the wash tub during the wash cycle.

Wax Motor Actuator

The detergent dispenser has a wax motor actuator which operates the detergent lid. When the actuator is energized, it pulls a plunger, opening the dispenser lid. If the lid does not open, the wax motor actuator must be removed and a new one installed.

Accessing the Wax Motor Actuator

Before making any repairs on your dishwasher, turn off the power supply in your service panel. Open the dishwasher door, then remove the screws securing the inner door panel to the door. Lift the inner door panel and lean it against the wash tub opening, revealing the wax motor actuator.

Replacing the Wax Motor Actuator

Snap the old max motor actuator out of the dispenser, then remove the wire connectors from the two terminals on the bottom of the component. Connect the two wires to the terminals on the new wax motor actuator, then snap the component back into the dispenser. Ensure that the actuator's plunger is firmly seated in the housing of the dispenser. After the wax motor actuator is installed, replace the inner door panel and restore power to the dishwasher.

References

• Part Select: How to Replace a Dishwasher's Wax Motor
• Repair Clinic: Wax Motor Actuator