How to Replace Whirlpool Dishwasher Dispenser W10861000

Is your dishwasher leaving your dishes dirtier than when they went in? If your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag appliance isn’t dispensing detergent properly, a faulty dispenser might be the culprit. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide and a helpful how-to video just below to get your dishwasher back in pristine working order.

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If you find that your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag dishwasher is not dispensing detergent properly, the detergent dispenser may need to be replaced. This part frequently fails over time and prevents your dishwasher from cleaning dishes effectively.

Watch the whole repair

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.

Where is it located?

The detergent dispenser is located on the inner side of your dishwasher door. It holds both detergent and rinse aid, releasing them at the appropriate times during the wash cycle. If the dispenser is cracked or the release mechanism fails, soap and rinse aid won’t empty into your dishwasher properly.

Safety measures

When repairing any appliance, safety should always be your top concern. Take the following precautions when replacing your dishwasher dispenser:

• Turn off the power to the dishwasher at the breaker box and unplug it. This prevents electric shock.
• Wear protective gloves to avoid cuts from sharp metal edges.
• Use caution when removing door panels, which can be heavy.
• Lay down towels to avoid water spills or leaks.
• Work slowly and carefully at each step.
• Keep small children and pets away from the work area.

Materials needed

Before beginning this repair, make sure you have the following tools and parts ready:

• Torx T15 screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Dishwasher safe gloves
• Replacement dispenser (part # W10861000)

Now let’s get started with removing the dishwasher door!

Removing the dishwasher door

The first step in replacing the detergent dispenser is accessing the inner door where the dispenser sits. To do this detach and remove the outer door.

1. Turn off the power to your dishwasher, then open the dishwasher door fully.
2. Using a T15 Torx screwdriver, remove the screws from the outer perimeter of the door. There are typically 6-8 screws. Note that the top screws are longer than the bottom ones—make sure not to mix them up! Place the screws in a safe place.
3. Once all screws are removed, gently lift up the outer door panel.
4. Let the door tilt forward slightly.
5. Reach inside along the right edge to locate the wiring harness. This connects the control panel to the door components. 
6. Press the tab on the harness connector to release it, then set the outer door panel aside.
7. Carefully lift off the inner door panel, tilting it back to remove it completely. 
8. Set this piece aside as well.

Now that the dishwasher door is removed, detach the old detergent dispenser.

Removing the old dispenser

With the dishwasher door off, you now have access to the detergent dispenser housing. Removing the old dispenser involves disconnecting the wiring harness and releasing the mounting clips.

1. First, detach the wiring harness from the dispenser. There will be a small plastic clip securing the harness. 
2. Press down on the clip and gently pull the harness free from the dispenser.
3. Leave the harness hanging loosely—it will be disconnected fully in a later step.
4. Look along the sides of the dispenser housing and note the metal locking tabs that hold it in place. 
5. Disengage these tabs to get the dispenser out.
6. Insert a flathead screwdriver under the tabs and gently pry up to release them from the slots in the door. Take care not to bend them too far.
7. Once you’ve released the tabs, press inward along the edges of the dispenser housing. This will allow you to pull it free from the inner door.
8. With the housing loose, reach inside the door panel and pull the dispenser fully out. The old dispenser can now be set aside.

Now it’s ready to install the new replacement detergent dispenser.

Installing the new dispenser

Installing the new detergent dispenser takes just a few minutes. With the inner door panel lying flat, follow these instructions:

1. Make sure the new dispenser has the same electronic solenoid on the underside as the old one. This is what releases the detergent and rinse aid.
2. Line up the new dispenser into its opening on the inside of the door. 
3. Make sure the solenoid faces out toward you.
4. Press firmly along the edges of the housing to snap the dispenser into place. 
5. You should hear the metal locking tabs click.
6. Visually inspect the edges to make sure the dispenser sits flush and is locked in.
7. Close the dishwasher door temporarily and check that the dispenser clicks in properly from the outside as well.
8. If needed, reopen the door and make adjustments until the dispenser housing is properly seated.

Reconnect the wiring harness

1. Take the wiring harness and plug it back into the solenoid clip. 
2. Make sure the connection snaps securely.
3. Route the harness loosely through the holder clip on the door.

The new detergent dispenser is now fully installed! Next, reattach the dishwasher’s outer door.

Reinstalling the dishwasher door

With the repair complete along the inner door, we can now reinstall the outer door panel:

1. Set the outer door panel back into place on its hinges, lining up the tabs on the bottom with the receiver slots.
2. Tilt the panel back into place, lifting gently until the screw holes align.
3. Reach inside and reconnect the wiring harness to the main control board, pressing firmly until it snaps into place.
4. Pull any excess wiring back inside the door panel before closing it completely.
5. Insert two of the longer T15 Torx screws along the top corners to hold the outer panel in place temporarily.
6. Fully close the dishwasher door and check that the outer panel sits correctly. Make any necessary adjustments.
7. Once aligned, insert the remaining T15 screws along the perimeter of the door. Make sure no screws are missing or left out.
8. Tighten down all screws fully with your Torx screwdriver. Do not over-tighten.

With that, the detergent dispenser has now been replaced. All that’s left to do is test and confirm proper operation.

Completing the repair

You’re almost done with this simple dispenser replacement job. Just follow these final steps:

1. Restore power to your dishwasher and press the door latch to make sure it clicks properly.
2. Run a short test cycle and verify that detergent dispenses from the new housing.
3. Check underneath and above the door to ensure there are no leaks or other issues.
4. Dry any residual water or moisture before pushing your dishwasher back into place.
5. Confirm the dishwasher runs quietly and normally through a full cycle. Verify clean dishes!

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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