Laura, I am answering your email here. The detergent dispenser doors are held closed by the bi-metal springs that are screwed into the detergent dispenser. In you email, you said that the door does not have the same tension as it used to have. Does it still lock in place when you close it? The doors are spring loaded so maybe the spring broke.
But the way it works is this: The door gets closed and held in place by the bimetal device. When it is time to open the dispenser door, the timer switches the motor power thru the bimetal for a few seconds and as the current flows thru it, it will heat up and bend out of the way of the indent on the detergent door actuator and it will snap open. Then it switches the motor power back thru the timer. It will do this 2x as it has to open both doors. Even if you don't close them both, it will still run the power thru the bimetals even if the door is open.
You will need to remove the front panel to see this.
DO NOT TOUCH THE BIMETALS WHILE THE MACHINE IS RUNNING AS THERE CAN BE POWER SITTING ON THEM AND YOU CAN GET A NASTY SHOCK. IF YOU NEED TO ADJUST THEM OR CHANGE THEM.TURN THE POWER OFF TO THE MACHINE.
So, start with a visual inspection of than is going on and inspect the back of the dispenser for broken or binding parts.Also, make sure that the small wires going to the bi-metals have not rusted away as well.
Another common failure was the small roll pin that attached the det. door shaft to the locking arm. They usually rusted away or broke. It is not hard to fix but you may have a hard time finding one that fits. You can try Ace Hardware.
See what you can see and find. Spare detergent dispensers are available from members or on ebay.
Comes to the Rescue!
