Clicky

Frigidaire Dishwasher Troubleshooting Manual (4 Problems Fixed!)

Nothing suck than a Frigidaire dishwasher model that won’t work when you need it the most. However, running a Frigidaire dishwasher troubleshooting manual can help you fix most, if not all, the problems right from the comfort of your home.

The most common Frigidaire dishwasher problems include failure to finish a wash cycle, inability to drain, power supply issues, water supply problems, and incorrect dishwasher settings. A faulty drain solenoid valve and water pooling are other issues you may have to deal with.

In this guide, I’ll look at each of these problems and explain exactly why they occur and what you can do to fix them from home.

Frigidaire Dishwasher Troubleshooting

Frigidaire Dishwasher Troubleshooting Manual (4 Common Issues & Relevant Fixes)

The table below is a summary of the most common Frigidaire dishwasher problems as well as how to fix them:

 ProblemCause Solution
1.Frigidaire dishwasher not starting It could be because of power supply issues, water supply problems, faulty door latch, or incorrect dishwasher settings Ensure the unit gets power, set the water supply valve to on, replace the faulty door latch, and reset the unit to select the correct dishwasher settings 
2.Frigidaire dishwasher failing to finish a cycle Loose door latch, shorting from the thermal fuse, shorting from the main control board, or a faulty timer Tighten the door latch or replace if faulty. Replace the thermal fuse, inspect control board for loose connection, and replace the timer 
3.Frigidaire dishwasher failing to drainYou may be dealing with blocked garbage disposal, drain hose, pump belt, drainage pumpClean or replace these components accordingly to get the unit to start draining properly.
4.Water pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher  Food particles and other dirt have clogged the unit’s drainage systemClean the drainage system so that it’s free of dirt and debris. 

Let’s discuss these issues in more details to give you more troubleshooting insights.

1. Frigidaire Dishwasher Won’t Start

The following are reasons why your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start as well as how to fix each error to get the unit to start working again:

(a) Power Supply Issue

Frigidaire dishwasher will not start if not connected to a power source. Therefore, this is the first check you need to consider before looking for any other problem.

To solve this issue, just make sure you have the dishwasher properly plugged into a power source. Do not tap power from an extension cord to the dishwasher because most extensions cannot accommodate the required voltage.

Check below the sink if necessary to ensure the socket supplying power to the Frigidaire dishwasher is ON. In addition, confirm that the dishwasher’s circuit breaker is in the right position.

(b) Water Supply Problem

The dishwasher might be getting power but still not working. In such a case, the possible problem might be the water supply.

Check the water supply valve, the water inlet hoses, and the water pressure

Make sure the water supply valve is ON. If faulty, get the Edgewater Dishwasher inlet valve for replacement.

Edgewater Parts 154637401 dishwasher valve

Ensure the hose is in good condition, that it doesn’t have signs of damage or kinking. If there are kinks or damages on the hose, replace it.

Lastly, using a water pressure gauge, check for water pressure and make sure the reading is nothing below 30psi. To improve water pressure, do not run water on your washing machine, sink or shower.

(c) Incorrect Dishwasher Settings

Frigidaire dishwasher will not work if you are running an incorrect cycle. It will also boycott doing your dishes if you don’t have a wash cycle selected.

To avoid such an inconvenience:

  • Make sure you have selected a cycle and then press start.
  • Make sure the control panel doesn’t get wet because it might cause miscommunication in the dishwasher.

(d) Door Latch Problem

The door latch prevents water from leaking from the dishwasher, and the machine will therefore not start if there’s a problem with the door latch.

So, make sure the door latch properly closes if not you will need to have it replaced.

2. Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Finishing a Cycle

Frigidaire dishwasher can malfunction in the middle of a cycle and the possible explanation might be:

(a) The Door Latch is Loose

You already know by now that an improperly closed door is one of the reasons why a Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start.

But what if the dishwasher starts and then fails to finish a cycle? Well, there’s a high chance the door latch went loose.

I suggest that you tighten the door. However, if tightening the door latch doesn’t get the unit to work, you may have to replace the door latch altogether.

You can get a door latch kit compatible with your dishwasher model and do the replacement on your own, right from the comfort of your home.

Frigidaire 5304516818 Dishwasher Door Latch

(b) Shorting from Thermal Fuse

Your Frigidaire dishwasher might fail to finish a wash cycle because its thermal fuse is dirty, fouled, loosely attached, or broken.

The main function of a thermal fuse is to stop the kitchen appliance when it gets too hot. Since the fuse is shorting out, it will be hard to register the correct water temperatures.

Use a multimeter to gauge the thermal fuse. Replace the thermal fuse if the reading on multimeter show infinity.

(c) Shorting from the Main Control Board

Although rare, the Frigidaire dishwasher’s main control board can damage and begin to short out and stop the dishwater in the middle of a wash cycle.

In case the control board is causing of the problem, consider inspecting the board to find out what could be the issue. For example, there might be loose connection that needs adjustments, and these are usually an easy fix.

If the main control board is faulty, replace it. Ensure you buy a Frigidaire dishwasher specific control board, making sure the option you pick blends well in your model.

(d) Timer

The timer ensures the dishwasher turns on and then runs a wash cycle the right way. However, the unit will stop in the middle of a cycle if the timer is inaccurate.

Having the current defective timer replaced is the right thing to do.

3. Frigidaire Dishwasher not Draining

You will need to fix the drainage issue as quickly as possible the moment you realize it because the more the water stays in the unit, the more likely an odor will dominate your kitchen.

Here are the reasons why the dishwasher isn’t draining as well as how you can fix the problem fast: 

(a) Blocked Garbage Disposal

Make sure you remove the drainage knockout plug when installing the garbage disposal or the dishwasher won’t drain water very well.

Often check the garbage disposal for debris that could cause drainage issues.

(b) Blocked Drain Hose

The most likely reason why your Frigidaire dishwasher isn’t draining is a blocked drain hose. In other words, there may be large food particles stuck in the cause, causing improper drainage.

A kink on the hose might also be a reason why the dishwasher isn’t draining. So, frequently check the hose for kinks.

To unblock the drain hose:

  • Disconnect the drain hose from the sink pipe
  • Put one end of the hose into the bucket and run water into it.

The blockage will blow out into the bucket. The dishwasher is now free and can now drain used water. 

(c) Pump Belt

The pump belt will be unable to drain used water from the Frigidaire dishwasher if comes off – or if it slips.

Remove the access panel located beneath the dishwasher to access the pump belt and troubleshoot using the blocked drain hose instructions above.

(d) Blocked Filter or Glass Trap

Frigidaire dishwashers come with filters or glass traps that can fill with food debris, causing the drainage not to work.

You will need to retrieve the filter from the dishwasher and clean it. To retrieve the filter remove the dishwasher rack, silverware basket, and spray arm.

Use baking soda or vinegar with a sponge or a soft brush to clean the filter. Consider replacing the damaged glass trap or filter with a new one to prevent further damage to the motor seals and pump.

(e) Defective Drainage Pump

A defective drainage pump might be another very reason why your Frigidaire isn’t draining. More often than not, the pump becomes defective because of a faulty motor.

The damage to the drain pump’s motor can be electrical or mechanical. Often, replacing the impeller is the best thing to do to fix the damage.

Frigidaire 154844301 Motor Kit

You can use the multimeter to test the impeller. If the continuity test turns out negative, you have a damaged motor, which needs a replacement.  

4. Frigidaire Dishwasher Water Pooling in the Bottom

The first and the most important thing is switching off the dishwasher and removing the plug from the socket to get rid of the water inside the dishwasher.

  • Examine the drainage system and remove any debris that could create a blockage. Using a soft bristle brush and water clean the filter and spray arm.
  • If the water remains stagnant, consider assessing the supply line. Have a bucket when opening the supply line to hold the water that pours.
  • Watch out for clogs as the water runs into the bucket. Reattach the line and run an empty cycle. If nothing seems to work, consider running the garbage disposal, straightening the drain hose, or the drain line.

Now plug the dishwasher back into the power source, turn it on, and run a complete dishwashing cycle to ensure the dishwasher is draining wastewater properly.

Open the door latch to see whether the water still pools.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How I Reset a Frigidaire Dishwasher?

One the far right of the Frigidaire dishwasher is a cancel button that you can use to reset the unit. Press and hold down the button for about three seconds. (Belbien)

Another option is to disconnect the unit from the power and turn it back on after 5 seconds.

2. Why is My Frigidaire Dishwasher Start Button Blinking?

The start button of your Frigidaire dishwasher is blinking because the door is open. Other common cause include a faulty door latch, an issue with the control panel, and malfunctioning heating element.

3. Why is y Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Washing?

Your Frigidaire dishwasher isn’t washing because there’s a problem with the water inlet valve.

A water inlet valve is important because it allows water to get into the dishwasher tub several times when the unit is in use. If clogged with deposits or becomes defective, the dishwasher fails to get enough water to clean the dishes thoroughly.

Conclusion

I hope this Frigidaire dishwasher troubleshooting guide has helped you to figure out what problem your unit has and enabled you to fix the issue.