Detergent Dispenser on a Whirlpool Dishwasher Replacement

Is your dishwasher failing to dispense detergent or showing signs of a malfunctioning dispenser? Don’t let detergent woes leave your dishes less than sparkling; learn how you can replace the dispenser on your Whirlpool dishwasher with minimal stress and basic tools. And the best part? A step-by-step how-to video is available right below to guide you through the entire repair process!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

On a Whirlpool dishwasher, the detergent dispenser WPW10671905 is responsible for holding and releasing detergent during the wash cycle, allowing your dishwasher to effectively clean your dishes. Common signs that indicate the need for replacement include detergent not dispensing, the door not opening properly, or visible damage to the dispenser. Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your dishwasher back in working order. So, let’s get started!

If you need any replacement parts for your appliance, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser WPW10671905

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards, and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Tools and materials needed

• Replacement part (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• Torx 15 driver
• Needle nose pliers
• Flathead screwdriver
• 3/16″ nut driver

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly and removal

1. Start by opening the dishwasher door fully.
2. Use a Torx 15 driver to remove the screws holding the front panel. There are four screws on each side.
3. Once all screws are removed, lift the door slightly; the front panel will drop down.
4. Carefully lift the front panel off and set it aside.
5. With the front panel removed, locate the detergent dispenser in the middle of the door.
6. Use tape to hold the shield out of the way for better access.
7. Use needle-nose pliers to compress the locking tabs on the wire harness holders and pull them out.
8. Pull the wires out of the holder and press the locking tab on the wiring harness using a flathead screwdriver. Carefully pull the plug out and set it aside.
9. Use a 3/16-inch nut driver to remove the screws holding the bracket in place. Once all screws are out, pull the bracket off and set it aside.
10. Remove any shields blocking access to the detergent dispenser, including pulling out a paper shield and unfurling a black one.
11. Lift the two diagonal locking tabs on the dispenser using a small flathead screwdriver. Push the dispenser slightly inwards to clear the tabs.
12. Hold onto the dispenser, open the door fully, and lift the detergent dispenser off the door. Be careful not to let the door slam shut.
13. Clean the area where the new dispenser will go to ensure a good seal.

Step 2: Installation and reassembly

1. Make sure the wax motor is oriented correctly so the wiring harness can reach it. Snap the new dispenser into place.
2. Let the door close gently while you prepare to reassemble.
3. Pull the black shield down and hook it onto the dispenser. Hold it in place while inserting the white paper shield.
4. Align the bracket with the screw holes and secure it using the 3/16-inch nut driver. Tighten the screws enough for the gasket to seal against the inner door panel.
5. Plug the wiring harness back in and ensure it locks securely in place.
6. Route the wires back over the top and use the clips to hold them onto the bracket.
7. Carefully pull off the tape holding the black shield, allowing it to fall back into place.
8. Line up the tab on the door with the bracket on the frame on each side. Set the front panel in place and push it forward.
9. Lift the door open and use the Torx 15 driver to reinsert the screws that secure the front panel.
10. Once all screws are in place, close the dishwasher door.
11. Run a short cycle to ensure the new detergent dispenser is functioning properly.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the detergent dispenser WPW10671905 on your Whirlpool dishwasher. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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