Front loader detergent not emptying during normal cycle

8 years ago

I have a Kenmore front load washer. During the "Normal" cycle the detergent does not empty. Works normally during all other cycles. So this does not seem to be an issue with the detergent drawer.

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Larisa Batchelor

8 years ago

I had that issue years ago. Rather than try and figure it out I added the detergent to the drum before adding clothes. Not sure why mine did it only on normal cycles. I didn’t use normal often though. Hope someone else can chime in as to why it’s doing it only for that cycle though.

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Comments (7)

boba1
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
How long have you had this washer? What's the model number? What's the load size you are attempting to wash?
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Warner Kell
8 years ago
Mine had this same problem, a kenmore elite front load washer made by LG. Come to find out they have made a new liquid soap detergent cup, which fixes this issue. It’s relatively inexpensive and now all detergent is Dispersed properly.
HU-599118136
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Model number 796.40441900. Owned for about 6 years I think. The size of the load does not matter. It only matters if I select "Normal". Any other mode seems to work fine.
dadoes
8 years ago
796 indicates sourced from LG. This model uses multiple inlet solenoids to direct water flow during fill through the appropriate dispenser cup. The hot valve is a single solenoid. The cold valve is an assembly with four solenoids. Could be one of the solenoids is not working. In some cases water flow from more than one solenoid merges together to direct into the correct cup.
Warner Kell
8 years ago

Looks like dadoes is right, the cold inlet valve has been updated/enhanced, it’s a pretty easy and inexpensive fix, the solenoid could be letting in water too slowly, not allowing the siphon action to work in the detergent dispenser. I did check the detergent dispenser and that has not been changed/updated part number, so I’m thinking the inlet valve.
dadoes
8 years ago
The main detergent cup probably is flushed with either hot water, cold water, or a combination of both depending on what temperature is being input.

The Normal cycle is used for garnering the machine's EnergyStar rating and is the most restricted regards to water temperature ... so it likely fills primarily with cold water, then adds a bit of hot (or warm) during the last minute or few seconds.

The OP didn't clarify exactly which other cycles he/she uses vs. Normal ... but most of them (even Delicate) probably fill with warmer water than Normal and get a stronger flow through the detergent dispenser for a longer period of time.

This is all speculation without having access to observe the machine's operation.