Detergent Dispenser, Soap Dispenser, Rinse Agent Dispenser, Dispenser Assembly, Spring-Operated Dispenser, Dual Compartment Dispenser

W11412300, W11092649, W10082957, AP6009657, PS11743952

Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Kenmore

WhirlpoolWDT750SAKZ, WDT750SAHZ, WDT970SAHZ, WDT990SAHZ, WDF518SAHZ, WDF520SAHZ, WDF530PAHZ, WDF540PAHZ, WDF550SAHZ, WDF560SAHZ, WDF570PAHZ, WDF590SAHZ, WDTA50SAHZ, WDTA80SAHZ, WDTA90SAHZKitchenAidKDTM404KPS, KDTM464KPS, KDTM474KPS, KDTM484KPS, KDTM494KPS, KDTM504KPS, KDTM514KPS, KDTM524KPS, KDTM534KPS, KDTM544KPS, KDTM554KPS, KDTM564KPS, KDTM574KPS, KDTM584KPS, KDTM594KPSMaytagMDB4949SKZ, MDB5050SKZ, MDB5949SKZ, MDB6949SKZ, MDB7949SKZ, MDB8949SKZ, MDB9949SKZJenn-Air(Various models compatible with Whirlpool/KitchenAid dishwasher platforms - verify compatibility by matching dispenser part number)Kenmore (Whirlpool-Made)(Various models compatible with Whirlpool dishwasher platforms - verify compatibility by matching dispenser part number)

Professional Repair Time: 30-45 minutes
DIY Repair Time: 45-60 minutes
Difficulty Rating: Moderate (3/5) — Requires unplugging dishwasher, turning off water supply, disconnecting and labeling electrical connector, removing old dispenser, installing new dispenser, reconnecting electrical connector, testing operation

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: This repair involves working with electrical components and the dishwasher door. Always unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet and turn off the water supply before beginning work to prevent electrical shock and water damage. If uncomfortable with this repair or unfamiliar with electrical safety procedures, hire a qualified appliance technician. IMPORTANT: Allow any residual water in the dishwasher to drain completely before beginning work.TOOLS REQUIRED: Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, nut driver or socket set (typically 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch), needle-nose pliers, flashlight, work gloves, towels.IMPORTANT: This dispenser is specific to certain Whirlpool/KitchenAid dishwasher models. Verify your dishwasher model is compatible before ordering.

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet to ensure complete power disconnection. CRITICAL: Never work on the dishwasher while it's plugged in.
2. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher by closing the water inlet valve (typically located under the sink).
3. Open the dishwasher door to access the interior.
4. Allow any residual water to drain from the tub by tilting the dishwasher slightly or using towels to absorb water.
5. Locate the detergent dispenser on the inner door panel. The dispenser is typically mounted near the top center of the door, with a visible compartment cover.
6. Take multiple photos of the dispenser location, electrical connector position, mounting configuration, and component positions before disassembly. CRITICAL: Electrical connections must be exact for proper reassembly and safe operation.
7. Take detailed close-up photos of: the electrical connector and wire connections (typically 2 wires), wire colors and routing, mounting screw or clip locations, and dispenser orientation.
8. Disconnect the electrical connector from the dispenser by pressing the release tab and pulling the connector straight off. Caution: Do not pull on the wires—press the release tab and carefully remove the connector. CRITICAL: Do not touch the solenoid coil.
9. Label the wires with tape or markers indicating their positions before disconnection. CRITICAL: Incorrect wiring causes dispenser malfunction or electrical hazards.
10. Remove the mounting screws or clips securing the dispenser to the door panel using a Phillips or flathead screwdriver.
11. Carefully remove the old dispenser from the door panel. Caution: Do not touch the solenoid coil or spring mechanism.
12. Inspect the old dispenser for damage indicators: solenoid coil not responding to electrical signal (coil failure, most common), spring mechanism broken or fatigued (mechanical failure), compartment covers stuck open or closed (latch mechanism failure), detergent residue buildup preventing covers from opening (clogging), electrical connector corroded or damaged (corrosion), or visible cracks in plastic housing (physical damage). This confirms the diagnosis.
13. Inspect the door panel mounting area for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the mounting area thoroughly.
14. Inspect the electrical connector in the dishwasher wiring harness for corrosion, burning, or damage. If the connector shows signs of damage, it should be cleaned or replaced before installing the new dispenser.
15. Clean the door panel area where the dispenser mounts, removing any detergent residue, lint, or debris.
16. Unpack the new W11412300 detergent dispenser from its packaging.
17. Compare the new dispenser to the old one to verify dimensions, compartment configuration, mounting bracket design, electrical connector type, and overall design match.
18. Inspect the new dispenser for any shipping damage before installation. The plastic housing should be intact with no cracks or damage, compartment covers should move freely, the spring mechanism should be intact, electrical connector should be clean and undamaged, and the solenoid coil should be intact.
19. Position the new dispenser on the door panel, aligning the mounting holes with the door panel mounting points. Important: The dispenser orientation must match the old dispenser per your detailed photos.
20. Install the mounting screws or clips to secure the dispenser to the door panel. Tighten firmly but not excessively. Caution: Over-tightening can crack the plastic housing or damage mounting points.
21. Connect the electrical connector to the new dispenser according to your detailed photos and labels. Push the connector firmly onto the dispenser terminals until it clicks into place. CRITICAL: Incorrect connections cause dispenser malfunction or electrical hazards.
22. Verify the electrical connector is fully seated by trying to pull it off—it should not come off without pressing the release tab.
23. Inspect the electrical connection for proper seating and alignment.
24. Verify the dispenser is securely mounted with no excessive play or movement.
25. Manually test the dispenser (optional, requires power): Plug in the dishwasher and set it to a wash cycle. Listen for a clicking or buzzing sound from the dispenser as the solenoid activates. Observe the compartment covers to verify they open when the solenoid activates. If the dispenser doesn't respond, verify the electrical connection is secure.
26. Close the dishwasher door.
27. Turn on the water supply by opening the water inlet valve.
28. Restore electrical power by plugging in the dishwasher.
29. Run a test cycle to verify proper dispenser operation:Set the dishwasher to a normal wash cycle with no loadPress startMonitor the cycle—listen for the dispenser solenoid clicking or buzzingObserve the compartment covers opening (if visible through the door window)Complete the cycle and verify dishes are clean (if running with a load)
30. Check for any unusual sounds or leaks during the test cycle.
31. Run a full wash cycle with a load of dishes to verify proper operation over an extended period.
32. Monitor for proper performance during the full cycle: detergent dispensing at the correct time, rinse agent dispensing at the correct time, no detergent leaking from the dispenser, and dishes being cleaned properly.
33. If the dispenser operates normally and dishes are cleaned properly, the repair is complete.

Safety Notes: Always unplug the dishwasher and turn off water supply before working on electrical components. Label all electrical connections before disconnection to ensure correct reassembly. Verify the electrical connector is fully seated before testing. Test operation thoroughly before considering the repair complete. This repair requires electrical knowledge and typically takes 30-45 minutes for a qualified technician. If uncomfortable working with electrical components, hire a professional appliance technician.

1. The W11412300 is a spring-operated dual compartment dispenser specific to certain Whirlpool/KitchenAid dishwasher models—always verify your dishwasher model is compatible before ordering. Whirlpool manufactures dishwashers with different dispenser types (spring-operated, solenoid-activated, manual, etc.) and different mounting configurations. Installing the wrong dispenser type causes improper detergent dispensing or complete failure. Always verify your dishwasher model's dispenser type and part number before ordering. The W11412300 is a spring-operated dual compartment dispenser. If your dishwasher requires a different dispenser type, order the correct dispenser.
2. Before replacing the detergent dispenser, always verify the control board is sending the activation signal—a faulty control board is often misdiagnosed as a failed dispenser. The dispenser requires an electrical signal from the control board to activate the solenoid. If the dispenser is not opening, verify the control board is sending the signal. This requires testing with a multimeter or observing the solenoid for activation (clicking or buzzing sound). If the control board is not sending the signal, the control board may be faulty—not the dispenser.
3. Detergent residue buildup is a common cause of dispenser failure—the compartment covers may be stuck closed by dried detergent. If the dispenser is not opening, remove the dispenser and inspect the compartment covers and spring mechanism for detergent residue buildup. Clean the dispenser thoroughly with warm water and a soft brush to remove all detergent residue. If the covers open freely after cleaning, the dispenser does not need replacement. If the covers still don't open after cleaning, the spring or latch mechanism has failed and the dispenser must be replaced.
4. The solenoid coil is the most common failure point—if the solenoid doesn't respond to the control board signal, the dispenser must be replaced. The solenoid coil receives an electrical signal from the control board and activates the spring-loaded mechanism. If the solenoid is not responding (no clicking or buzzing sound when activated), the coil has failed and the dispenser must be replaced. Test the solenoid by setting the dishwasher to a wash cycle and listening for the clicking or buzzing sound when the dispenser should activate. If no sound is heard, verify the electrical connection is secure. If the connection is secure and no sound is heard, the solenoid has failed.
5. Improper electrical connections cause dispenser failure and potential fire hazard. If the electrical connector is loose or corroded, the solenoid cannot receive the activation signal from the control board. Always connect the electrical connector firmly to the dispenser terminals, ensuring it clicks into place. After connection, gently tug the connector to verify it's secure. If the old dispenser connector shows signs of burning or corrosion, clean the connector thoroughly or replace the wiring harness before installing the new dispenser.
6. The spring mechanism provides the mechanical force to open the compartment covers—if the spring is broken or fatigued, the covers cannot open. The spring is pre-loaded when the compartment covers are closed. When the solenoid activates, it releases the latch, allowing the spring to push the covers open. If the spring is broken or has lost tension, the covers will not open even if the solenoid activates. Inspect the spring mechanism by manually opening and closing the compartment covers—they should snap open with force when the latch is released. If the covers open slowly or don't open fully, the spring has failed and the dispenser must be replaced.
7. If the new detergent dispenser fails immediately after installation (within the first few cycles), the cause is typically: incorrect electrical connections, faulty control board, detergent residue buildup, or defective replacement dispenser. Verify the electrical connector is fully seated and correctly positioned. Verify the control board is sending the activation signal by listening for the solenoid clicking or buzzing. Verify the compartment covers are clean and free of detergent residue. If everything else is correct, the replacement dispenser may be defective—contact the supplier for a replacement or refund.
8. Using the wrong type of detergent causes dispenser failure and poor cleaning performance. The W11412300 is designed for use with powdered or liquid dishwasher detergent in the main compartment and liquid rinse agent in the rinse compartment. Do not use hand dish soap, laundry detergent, or other non-dishwasher detergents—these create excessive suds and can damage the dispenser. Always use detergent specifically labeled for automatic dishwashers. Follow the manufacturer's recommended detergent amount—using too much detergent causes residue buildup and dispenser clogging.
9. The rinse agent compartment requires periodic refilling to ensure proper drying and spot-free dishes. The rinse agent (also called rinse aid) is dispensed during the final rinse cycle to help water sheet off dishes, reducing water spots and improving drying. The rinse compartment typically holds enough rinse agent for 30-60 wash cycles. Check the rinse agent level regularly and refill when low. If the rinse agent is not dispensing, verify the rinse compartment is filled and the compartment cover is closing properly.
10. Proper dispenser mounting is critical for reliable operation and leak prevention—the dispenser must be securely mounted to the door panel with no gaps or movement. If the dispenser is not mounted properly, the compartment covers may not seal correctly, causing detergent leakage. After installing the new dispenser, verify it's securely mounted by trying to move it by hand—it should not move. Tighten any loose mounting screws. Verify the compartment covers close completely and seal properly.
11. After replacing the detergent dispenser, run a test cycle with detergent to verify proper operation before considering the repair complete. Load the detergent compartment with the recommended amount of detergent. Set the dishwasher to a normal wash cycle. Monitor the cycle—the dispenser should activate (clicking or buzzing sound) during the main wash phase. After the cycle completes, open the dishwasher and verify the detergent compartment is empty (detergent was dispensed). If the detergent is still in the compartment, the dispenser did not open—verify the electrical connection is secure and the control board is sending the activation signal.
12. The detergent dispenser lifespan is typically 8-15 years with average use, but can be shortened by detergent residue buildup, hard water deposits, excessive detergent use, or manufacturing defects. Factors that shorten dispenser life include: detergent residue buildup (clogs compartment covers and spring mechanism), hard water deposits (corrode solenoid and latch mechanism), excessive detergent use (accelerates residue buildup), using wrong detergent type (damages dispenser components), and repeated manual opening of compartment covers (wears spring and latch mechanism). To extend dispenser life, use the correct detergent type and amount, clean the dispenser regularly to prevent residue buildup, use a rinse agent to reduce hard water deposits, and avoid manually opening the compartment covers during operation.

• Detergent not dispensing during wash cycle (dispenser not opening, most common symptom)
• Rinse agent not dispensing (rinse compartment not opening)
• Dispenser door stuck open or closed (latch mechanism failure)
• Detergent leaking from dispenser (seal failure or improper closure)
• Dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly (detergent not being released)
• Burning smell from dispenser area (solenoid overheating or electrical failure)
• Complete dispenser failure (solenoid not responding to control board signals)
• Detergent residue buildup in dispenser (clogging preventing cover opening)
• Dispenser compartment covers not opening (spring or latch mechanism failure)
• Inconsistent detergent dispensing (intermittent solenoid operation)
• Water spots on dishes (rinse agent not dispensing)
• Cloudy or hazy dishes (insufficient rinse agent)