Dishwasher soap dispensers operate with manual or electric switches.
Located on the inside of the door, the dishwasher soap compartment is designed to release detergent at a preset time in the wash cycle. One of several fully automatic dishwashers produced by Sears Brands, the Kenmore Elite dishwasher soap dispenser operates when a timer sends a brief pulse of electricity to an electromagnetic switch known as a solenoid. If the soap dispenser fails to operate, the malfunction can be isolated through the process of elimination with a standard multimeter.
Instructions
1. Remove the screws from the edge of the door casing with a screwdriver. Remove the door casing and gasket with your fingers.
2. Locate the cylindrical-shaped solenoid switch, positioned between the soap dispenser and the timer. Disconnect the wires from the solenoid terminals with a screwdriver.
3. Set a multimeter to the "1X" or "ohm" setting. Touch either meter probe to either of the solenoid contact terminals. Touch the second meter probe to the remaining solenoid terminal. Any meter reading above zero indicates the solenoid is functioning properly, identifying the timer as the cause of the malfunction. A zero meter reading indicates the solenoid is the cause of malfunction and requires replacement.
4. Install a new solenoid. Remove the solenoid mounting screws from the solenoid with a screwdriver. Wiggle the solenoid from the panel with your hand. Place a new mounting gasket over the base of the new solenoid and secure the new solenoid in place with mounting screws and a screwdriver. Connect the wires from the timer to the terminals on the new solenoid with a screwdriver.
5. Replace a faulty timer. Remove the wires from the terminal contacts of the old timer with a screwdriver. Remove the mounting bolts or screws from the base of the timer with a wrench or screwdriver, depending on design.
6. Install the new timer gasket over the new timer. Secure the new timer to the dishwasher with the mounting screws or bolts, using a screwdriver or wrench. Connect the terminal wires to the new timer with a screwdriver.
7. Set the door gasket in place between the door casing sections. Reattach the door casing with screws and a screwdriver.
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