Whirlpool Washer Dispenser Problems
Whirlpool Washing Machine Water Inlet Valve
The dispenser uses water from the inlet valve to flush out the detergent and fabric softener from the dispenser. If the water flow is too slow the dispenser will not distribute the detergent and softener properly. The water inlet valve requires at least 20 psi to function properly. First, check the water pressure to determine that it is adequate. If the water pressure is adequate, replace the water inlet valve.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Detergent Container
The dispenser’s detergent container could be clogged, misaligned, or damaged, and unable to dispense its contents properly. Inspect the detergent container for any damage and replace if necessary.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Dispenser
A washer detergent dispenser not working is often the result of low water pressure in the home or a defective water inlet valve not supplying water to the dispenser. However, it’s also possible the dispenser drawer is obstructed or damaged and not allowing the detergent to be dispensed. You should inspect the drawer for any obstructions or damage and replace the component if necessary.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Siphon Break
Some dispensers use a siphon tube. If the siphon tube gets plugged you may get a diluted mixture of detergent, bleach, or fabric softener remaining in the tray. Make sure the dispenser compartment trays and siphon tubes are clean.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Board
A washer detergent dispenser not working is often the result of low water pressure in the home or a defective water inlet valve not supplying water to the dispenser. However, it’s also possible the appliance’s control board is not sending power to the dispenser water valves or dispenser actuator at the proper times. You can use a multimeter to help determine if voltage is reaching these components. If not, the control board will need to be replaced.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Drawer
A washer dispenser not working is often the result of low water pressure in the home or a defective water inlet valve not supplying water to the dispenser. However, it’s also possible the dispenser drawer is obstructed or damaged and not allowing the detergent, bleach, or fabric softener to be dispensed. You should inspect the drawer for any obstructions or damage and replace the component if necessary.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Dispenser Actuator
The dispenser actuator controls what compartment tray the water gets diverted to. If the actuator gets stuck the water will not get diverted to the proper compartment leaving the detergent, bleach, or added softener behind.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Main Control Board
Since a washing machine’s main control board provides voltage to nearly all of the washer’s electrical components, a faulty board may not be sending power to the dispenser to release the detergent, bleach, or fabric softener, although this is not a common problem. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test the power output terminals on the board after reviewing the appliance’s wiring diagram.
Low Water Pressure from House Supply
A washer detergent dispenser not working is often the result of low water pressure in the home or a defective water inlet valve not supplying water to the dispenser. Water pressure below 20psi can cause the detergent dispenser to not rinse out properly and the tub to fill slowly. Check the water pressure to determine if it is sufficient.
Fabric Softener Dispenser in Agitator
Undiluted fabric softner is thick and needs to be mixed with water to empty properly from the agitator cup. The softener should empty during the first spin cycle. If there is still softener left in the cup, try cleaning out the holes in the cup and below the cup in the agitator. You can also try diluting the softner with more water. A washer that is not spinning fast enough will also cause the softener to stay in the cup.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Dispenser Housing
Some washer models has the water inlet valve built into the dispenser housing. If the inlet is malfunctioning, water may not be entering the dispenser to flush out the detergent into the tub. On these models, the dispenser housing will need to be replaced if the water inlet valve is determined to be defective.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Dispenser Drawer
On some washer models, a dispenser drawer is used to hold the detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. If the drawer is misaligned or damaged, the contents may not be dispensed properly. Inspect the dispenser drawer for any damage and replace if necessary.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Diverter Motor
On some washer models, a diverter motor is used to determine where water will be sent to flush out the detergent, bleach, or fabric softener into the tub. If the diverter motor is malfunctioning, the dispenser will not work properly. You can use a multimeter to test the diverter motor for electrical continuity to help determine if the part is defective.
Washer not level
If the washer is not level the incoming water may be unable to rinse the detergent out of the dispenser into the tub during the wash cycle. If the washer is wobbling when you push on it, the leveling legs will need to be adjusted. Use a level across the top front and top side of the washer and adjust the legs as needed.
Clogged Bleach Dispenser Tubing
Most machines do not use a bleach dispenser. If you do have one it will direct the bleach to the bottom of the tub to mix with the water. If the bleach is backing up into the dispenser, the tubing from the dispenser to the bottom of the tub is plugged and will need to be cleaned. Otherwise follow the bleach recommendations in your owners manual.