Answer:
The top comes off with 3 little screws in the back, you will see a linkage on the left that controls where the water goes (ie. soap, bleach, softner) it is stuck. It warps as it ages. You can move it back to a straighter alignment and it will work for a while, I JB welded a metal bar to the top to assist holding it. problem fixed. The last answer is wiggling the flap it controls which can make it free as well but does not address the probem. The top slide back after those screws come out, about 3 inches then lifts off.
good luck.
Dave