Maytag Dishwasher Help.

[crash]

Hi,

Have a 7yr old maytag dishwasher that just started leaving the detergent in the dispenser tray after cycle, and dishes not cleaned.
Thought it might be something in the flap not openning during the cycle so I did a little looking and found this is controlled by a wax motor pushing the latch open when needed.
I took the wax motor out and applied 120 volts to it and nothing seemed to happen.(guess it may need to get a warmer temp before it actuates)
Put it back in after I broke off 2 of the little plastic clips that hold it on but did not seem to affect it's functionality.
Went through the cycle again and the same thing happened.
I opened the door slowly after the cycle was complete and the detergent door was open, but it was halfway open as it was hitting the top rack which i don"t know if it has always did this as it seems it would almost have to since i don't see anyway anything has changed in that part.
I thought it may have something to do with the lower spray tower not rising enough to spray water to wash out the soap dispenser.
I can't seem to pull the center tower up by hand, is this noraml?

Thanks for any help

Crash

[DIY Guy]

Usually you should be able to pull the tower up by hand. So you may be on the right track. Also, try twisting while lifting the tower.

If the door is opening now, then you motor seems to be working although you may need to replace it soon.

As to the door hitting the rack, I think that is normal, but I can't be certain without seeing it. As long as you installed back into the proper position, it isn't loose and the rack is pushed all the way in, I'd say that it is fine.