Dishwasher repair questions

[Stephen Tashiro]

My old Kenmore dishwasher needs some inspection and repair. The chamber in the door that flips open on the second wash cycle to dispense detergent doesn't reliably flip. The upper and lower arms would probably benefit from having mineral deposits cleaned out of them. Anyone have advice or links about how to do these tasks?

I think the upper arm is easy enough to do, I don't see how the lower arm is attached. Must I take the door apart to see what's gonig on with the detergent dispenser?

[Myk Rian]

I think the upper arm is easy enough to do, I don't see how the lower arm is attached. Must I take the door apart to see what's gonig on with the detergent dispenser?

Yes. That's where it all happens. Probably a solenoid that activates it.