The detergent flap does not open

How many cycles have you attempted? It may take a few cycles before the detergent pack becomes soft enough to run out and allow the latch to function properly.
Otherwise, if you can reply back with additional information such as model number, someone here on Fixya will be able to provide assistance.

Best regards,

Dispenser Lever

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser lever might need to be replaced.

Detergent Dispenser Cover

If the detergent dispenser cover is broken and the detergent dispenser doesn't work, the dispenser assembly should be replaced.

Wax Motor Actuator

If the dispenser will not release the detergent the actuator connected between the wax motor and the dispenser might be broken. Check the wax motor actuator and replace it if necessary.

Dispenser Lid

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser lid may have to be replaced.

Detergent Dispenser

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the problem is often related to the release mechanism. If the problem is with the dispenser itself, it may be easier to replace the entire dispenser.

Dispenser Door Spring

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open during the wash cycle the dispenser door spring may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Latch

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser door latch may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Door Pin

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser door pin may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Actuator

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser actuator may have to be replaced.

Dispenser

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the entire dispenser assembly may have to be replaced.

Wax Motor

There is an electrically powered device called a wax motor which opens the detergent dispenser. If the dispenser is broken and will not open to release the detergent, the wax motor might need to be replaced.

Bi-Metal

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the bi-metal actuator might be burned out or defective. The bi-metal is a simple metal loop which acts as a latch for the dispenser door. As electricity is applied to the metal loop, the loop deforms and bends away from the latch, releasing it. If the bi-metal is burned out it won't deform or release the detergent door.

Dispenser Slide

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser slide may need to be replaced.

Dispenser Repair Kit

If the dispenser is broken this dispenser kit may need to be replaced.

Main Control Board

The main control board provides power to nearly every component of the dishwasher including the detergent dispenser. If the dispenser will not actuate the main control board might be defective. You should first check for more common parts. Many times control boards are replaced unnecessarily because the problem was not diagnosed properly.

Gd bless you

Was the dispenser cup wet when you added detergent?
Make sure the dispenser cup is dry before adding powdered detergent. If dispenser cup is wet, the detergent can clump.
Is the cycle incomplete?
If the previous cycle did not complete, the detergent can become caked in the dispenser cup if it is left sitting in the dishwasher.
Is the detergent old?
Older detergent exposed to air will clump and not dissolve well, which will cause the dispenser door to stick to the detergent. Replace detergent if necessary and store the detergent in a tightly closed container in a cool dry place.
Is the water temperature too low?
For best washing and drying results, water should be 120oF (49o C) as it enters the dishwasher.
Were items blocking the dispenser that kept it from opening?
Items blocking the detergent dispenser will keep it from opening. Make sure water action can reach the dispenser.
Detergent guidelines

• Use automatic dishwashing detergent only.
• Other detergents can produce excessive suds that can overflow out of the dishwasher and reduce washing performance.
• Store tightly closed detergent in a cool, dry place.
• Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning.
• Add detergents just before starting the cycle.
• The amount of detergent to use depends on the hardness of your water and the type of detergent.
• If you use too little, dishes won't be clean.
• If you use too much in soft water, glassware will etch.
• Suggested fill amounts are for standard powdered detergent. Amounts may vary if you use liquid or concentrated powdered detergent. Follow instructions on the package when using these detergents.
• Water hardness can change over a period of time. Find out your water's hardness by asking your local water department, water softener company, or county extension agent.

go to searspartsdirect.com and put the model # in they will ship the part to you.

first thing you need to do is purchase a bottle of dishwaser cleaner from your groc store in the diswasher detergent section red the instructions on the label add it to the cutlery tray in an empty dishwasher upside down remove the paper seal off the top of the lid do not remove the wax seal place the bottle upside down in your dishwasher turn on hot water tap and run till it is hot next turn on your washer set it to wasn and let it run a full cycle. when washer finishes open it up when it cools and fill rinse dispenser in door with a good quality rinse agent like jet dry close dispenser and when dishwaser is full of dirty dishes turn it on the jet dry will make your galsses come out crystal clear w no film and the dishwaher cleaner will help all your dishes come cleaner.Use the dishwasher cleaner aroun 4-6 wekks it cleans all the inside of the dishwasher and removes a lot of **** aND RESIDUE THAT ACCUMULATES IN DISHWASHERS OVER TIME

Is water left in the dispenser at the end of the cycle?
About two tablespoons of water remaining in the dispenser compartment at the end of the cycle is normal. At the end of the wash cycle, fresh water automatically cleans the dispenser. Check that the cycle is complete before opening the dispenser drawer.
Is the dispenser drawer clogged?
A clogged dispenser can block the flow of water through the dispenser and cause water to leak out. Manually remove the dispenser, and clean any leftover detergent or additives that could clog the flow of water through the dispenser. Also, check that the detergent drawer is always completely closed during the cycle. If the drawer is not closed completely, water can leak out onto the floor.
Are the additives dispensing too early?
Here are a few things that can cause the additives (detergent, fabric softener or liquid chlorine bleach) to dispense early:

• Check that the dispenser is not overfilled. Do not fill past the MAX fill lines on the dispenser. Overfilling can cause early dispensing of liquid chlorine bleach and/or fabric softener.
• Check that the detergent separator is in the correct position. For liquid detergent, the separator should be in the front position. For powdered detergent, the separator should be in the rear position. If the separator is in the rear position while you are using liquid detergent, it will dispense immediately, which is not how it is designed to work.
• Use powdered HE detergent when using the DELAY WASH option. Liquid detergent may dispense prior to the start of wash.

Are the additives dispensing too late?
The additives will not dispense until the proper time if the DELAY WASH option is selected.

You may have to remove the washer top (three phillips screws at the back, then push top back about two inches and lift it off) then drill a hole in the top of the plastic dispenser to allow you to use an object like a screwdriver to maneuver the offending part around so it will drop down and allow you to open the dispenser drawer. Use foil tape to seal hole if you don't want to buy a new dispenser. Clean out blue plastic dispenser parts so detergent will siphon out completely. Pushing down on the center tab at the back of the dispenser should allow you to take the dispenser drawer the remainder of the way out. In the future, make sure you do not use over 1 tablespoon of HE soap (and 1 teaspoon of fabric softner) max per load. Even less if you have 2x or more detergent.

Not a solution but exactly the same problem. I should have sent the machine back (I bought mine about 2008 too) but by now, 2010, the machine is a complete waste of time and money. The soap dispenser fails to open every time, wasting money, water and my patience because I then have to hand wash after all. will try the suggested oil trick, but it was obviously a bad design to start with.

The opening of this dispenser is controlled by a wax motor for release. If you are unable to keep the latch shut you are probably looking at the spring and latch assy. This is not a hard job, but you have to open the inner door to get at the latch. Part numbers for the spring disp. flap is 912547. The latch (inside door) is 99001291. If you take your time and observe carefully the job will be easy. Catriver, post back.