The soap dispenser stopped opening. I disassembled the door and found that the wax motor (I assume it was a wax motor) had literally melted/burned - it was misshappen, darkened, and had melted the flexible plastic cover “sheet” that hangs over it.
I ordered a replacement dispenser from this site (Whirlpool W10224430) and replaced it, but still no joy. I would rather do some more testing before shelling out another ~$75 for a new control panel. Does anyone have a technician’s repair manual or similiar? Any advice? Thanks!
Here are your parts
Replacement parts for WHIRLPOOL KUDP02CRWH2 Undercounter Dishwasher | AppliancePartsPros.com
Here is a tech sheet
http://www.servicematters.com/docs/wiring/Tech%20Sheet%20-%208572216.pdf
Looking at the wiring diagram the dispenser looks like it uses a solenoid not a wax motor.
Could be the solenoid coil shorted or partially shorted and blew the triac on the board that supplies power to it.
I would try the diagnostics.
Also it is always a good idea to check new parts, it is not unheard of that a new part is defective.