Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Troubleshooting (7 Problems Fixed!)

Frigidaire Gallery dishwashers are efficient in cleaning, user-friendly, and energy-saving, but that doesn’t mean they don’t fail. They do like every other dishwasher, and that’s where learning basic Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher troubleshooting is the key.

With the right troubleshooting guide, you can troubleshoot a Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher that won’t start, clean, drain, dry, fill up with water, close, or spray water. But still, you may want to troubleshoot the various error codes that pop up. 

So, I’ll discuss the reasons behind the seven issues and recommend applicable fixes to help you troubleshoot them. That, however, doesn’t mean that you’ve to do everything DIY, as some problems are best left to dishwasher experts. 

Let’s get into it!

In a hurry? Below is a quick Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher troubleshooting guide. 

Quick Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Troubleshooting Guide

7 Common Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Problems 

Here are seven common Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher issues you can troubleshoot:

1. Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Won’t Start

Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Not Starting No Power 

If your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher is not starting and it has no power, the reason is likely to be a power supply issue. In such a case, watch out for the following:

• Power loss – Your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher won’t power on if there’s no power.
• Loose/unplugged power cord – If the power plug is loose or unplugged, the dishwasher won’t receive any power and will, therefore, not start. 
• Tripped breaker – During a power surge, the circuit breaker may trip up to protect the dishwasher. When it does, it cuts off the dishwasher’s power supply. 
• Faulty outlet – The dishwasher won’t get any power if the wall outlet is defective. You can tell if it fails the multimeter continuity test. 
• Blown-up fuse – The fuse will likely blow up during a power surge and cut off the dishwasher’s power supply. Such a fuse lacks continuity. 

Fix 

Check if it’s power loss. If not, ensure the power cord is well plugged in and reset the breaker if it’s tripped. Meanwhile, test the outlet’s and fuse’s continuity with a multimeter and replace them if they lack continuity. 

Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Won’t Start But Has Power

Sometimes the Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher won’t start despite having power. If so, the issue could be any of the following:

• Water supply problem – If the water supply is off or blocked or the water pressure is lower than 20 psi, your dishwasher won’t receive water and will fail to start. 
• Wrong setting – Settings like Child Lock and Delayed Start will stop the dishwasher from starting. Child Lock locks its control panel, while Delayed Start only allows it to start at a scheduled time. 
• Unlatched door – The dishwasher won’t start if the door is not latched. It could be due to a broken latch or not locking the door. 
• Faulty start button – Don’t expect the dishwasher to start if the start button is defective or broken. 

Fix 

Check your dishwasher’s water supply to ensure it’s turned on and free of blockage and that the pressure is okay. Cancel Child Lock or Delayed Start, depending on what is active, and ensure the door is latched. Test the start button with a multimeter and replace it if it has no continuity.

2. Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Not Cleaning

The work of the dishwasher is to clean the dishes. So, nothing annoys than when your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher won’t do that, and the reason could be any of the following:

• Low water pressure – If the water pressure is below 20 psi, your dishwasher may fail to receive sufficient water to clean your dirty dishes. 
• Low water heat/temperature – If the water temperature is lower than 120⁰F, the water won’t be hot enough to clean the dishes.
• Improper loading – The dishwasher may fail to clean the dishes if the dishes are improperly loaded. 
• Excess detergent – Extra detergent will produce excess suds, which may prevent the dishwasher from cleaning the dishes. 
• Clogged inlet valve – A clogged water inlet valve restricts water flow across it into the dishwasher. As a result, the dishwasher won’t have enough water for cleaning.
• Clogged sump filter – The sump filter restricts water flow into the dishwasher if blocked, just like the inlet valve. 
• Blocked or non-alternating spray arm – If the spray arms are blocked or fail to alternate, the dishwasher won’t clean the dishes. 

Fix 

Adjust the water pressure to at least 20 psi if it is lower and the water temperature to at least 120⁰F. Load the dishes properly into the dishwasher and reduce the amount of detergent. 

Clean the inlet valve and sump filter if dirty, and unblock and reposition the spray arm if blocked or non-alternating. 

3. Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Not Draining

Consider these possibilities if your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher won’t drain:

• Clogged drain – The dishwasher won’t drain water if the drain is clogged. 
• Clogged sump filter – The sump filter obstructs water flow and could be why your dishwasher won’t drain. 
• Blocked windings or impeller – The impeller won’t push water down the drain if the impeller or the windings are blocked. 
• Air-locked drain hose – Air may form within the drain hose to prevent the dishwasher from draining. 
• Faulty drain pump – A defective drain pump won’t pump out water from the Gallery dishwasher. 
• Burnt electronic board – A burnt electronic board affects the dishwasher’s ability to drain off excess water. 

Fix 

Clean/unclog the drain, sump filter, windings, and impeller to promote better drainage by the dishwasher. Meanwhile, check the drain pump and electronic board for faults and replace them. 

4. Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Not Drying

Having wet dishes is annoying, but the issue is fixable. Here are common reasons why a Frigidaire dishwasher won’t dry the dishes:

• Turned-off heat-dry switch – Unless the heat-dry control is on, the dishwasher won’t dry the dishes. 
• Blocked vent – If the dishwasher vent is not correctly opened, it leaves water on the dishes. 
• Broken wires – Broken wires interfere with the dishwasher’s heating ability, interfering with drying.
• Burnt heating element – Once it burns out, the heating element fails to heat the dishwasher, preventing it from drying the dishes. 
• Faulty high-limit thermostat – A bad high-limit prevents the heating element from getting hot and won’t dry the dishes.
• Faulty fan motor – A defective fan motor fails to drive moisture away from the dishes. 
• Failed control board – Since a failing control board affects all the dishwasher’s functions, the dishwasher cannot dry the dishes. 

Fix 

Turn on the heat-dry switch if it’s off, unblock the dishwasher vent if it’s clogged, and call an expert to check for broken wires or faulty components. 

5. Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Not Filling with Water

The dishwasher should fill up to properly clean the dishes. That, however, may not happen due to any of these issues:

• Turned-off water supply – If the water supply is off, the dishwasher won’t receive any water. 
• Stuck float – If the float sticks in an up position, it may block the dishwasher from filling up with water.
• Incorrectly placed drain hose – A poorly positioned drain hose (less than 20 inches off the ground) may prevent the dishwasher from receiving adequate water. 
• Open door – The dishwasher may fail to fill up with water if the door is not latched correctly. It could be due to failing to shut the door well. 
• Obstructed overfill protection – Overfill protection’s job is to prevent an overfill. The dishwasher may, however, fail to fill up if something is blocking the overfill protection. 
• Faulty water inlet valve – A faulty inlet valve restricts water from flowing into the dishwasher, and that stops it from filling up. 
• Defective float switch – The float switch can also prevent the dishwasher from filling up if it’s non-operational. 
• Failed control board – Lastly, a failed control board stops most dishwasher functions, including filling up with water. 

Fix 

Turn on the water supply if it’s off, and reposition the float if it’s stuck. Place the drain hose at least 20 inches off the ground, properly shut the dishwasher door, and un-obstruct the overfill protection.  And if the water inlet valve, float switch, or control board is not working, replace it. 

6. Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Not Closing

Generally, the Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher door may fail to close due to any of these issues:

• Unaligned door – If the door is out of alignment, it won’t close, which may even prevent the dishwasher from running. 
• Damaged hinge, door latch, or door cables – If the door hinge, door latch, or door cable is damaged, the dishwasher door won’t close. 

Fix 

Try realigning the door; if it doesn’t close, replace it. You may replace the entire door if the hinge, door latch, or door cable is faulty. 

7. Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Not Spraying Water

Lastly, consider these issues if your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher won’t spray water:

• Clogging – Your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher won’t spray water if the sump pump, spray arm, chopper blade, or water inlet valve is clogged. So, check all these components for obstruction. 
• Component failure – The dishwasher may also fail to spray water because of a failed component such as the float switch, pressure switch, or control board. 

Fix 

Check the sump pump, spray arm, chopper blade, and water inlet valve for clogging and clean them to unclog them. However, consider replacing the float or pressure switch if they fail the multimeter continuity test or the control board if none of the other components is faulty. 

Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Troubleshooting Error Codes

Below are the most everyday Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher error codes and their troubleshooting:

Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Reset

You can reset the Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher by holding the ‘Start-Cancel’ button on the control panel for at least 3 seconds. Release the button when the display goes off, and wait about 5 minutes before starting the dishwasher.

What should I do if the wire harness of my dishwasher is loose or damaged?

If you discover that the wire harness of your dishwasher is loose or damaged, it is important to take swift action to resolve the issue. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Carefully inspect all wire harnesses: Start by examining all the wire harnesses within your dishwasher. Look for any visible signs of loose connections or damage, such as frayed wires or disconnected plugs.

2. Focus on connection points: Pay close attention to the connection points of the wire harnesses, as burn marks or blackened areas near these points might indicate electrical problems. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to prevent any further damage or safety hazards.

3. Disconnect the power: Before proceeding with any repairs, ensure that your dishwasher is completely disconnected from its power source. This will protect you from the risk of electrical shock during the maintenance process.

4. Replacement considerations: Assess the severity of the damage to determine if a replacement is necessary. If the wire harness is significantly damaged or cannot be securely reconnected, it is advisable to replace it rather than attempting repairs. A new wire harness will ensure proper power transmission and functionality.

5. Obtain the correct replacement: Contact the manufacturer of your dishwasher or an authorized service center to obtain the appropriate replacement wire harness. Provide them with the model and serial number of your dishwasher to ensure compatibility.

6. Follow installation instructions: When you have the necessary replacement wire harness, carefully follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. Make sure to secure all connections properly, ensuring they are tight and free from any potential hazards.

7. Test for functionality: After installing the new wire harness, reconnect your dishwasher to the power source and perform a test run. Run a cycle and monitor the dishwasher’s performance to ensure that the heating element is receiving adequate power and that the dishes are drying properly.

Remember, if you are unsure or uncomfortable performing any electrical repairs, it is always recommended to seek assistance from a qualified technician or professional service provider to avoid any risks.

How can I test the heating element assembly for continuity?

To test the heating element assembly for continuity, you can follow these steps:

1. Begin by making sure the appliance is unplugged and disconnected from any power source to ensure safety.

2. Locate the heating element assembly within the appliance. It is usually positioned near the area where heat is generated, such as an oven or a heating element in a dryer.

3. Obtain a multimeter, a device commonly used for measuring electrical values. Set the multimeter to the continuity or resistance mode. This mode allows you to determine whether there is a continuous path for electricity to flow through the heating element assembly.

4. Once the multimeter is set, touch the two probes of the multimeter to the terminal ends of the heating element assembly. The terminals can typically be found at each end of the heating element.

5. The multimeter will display a reading to indicate whether there is continuity. If the heating element assembly has continuity, the multimeter will show a low resistance value, usually close to zero or a specific range specified by the manufacturer. This indicates that electricity can flow freely through the heating element.

6. On the other hand, if the heating element assembly does not have continuity, the multimeter will display an open circuit or a high resistance value. This suggests that there is a break or damage in the heating element, and it needs to be replaced.

7. If the multimeter indicates that the heating element assembly has no continuity, it is recommended to replace it with a new one to ensure proper functioning of the appliance.

Remember, always prioritize safety when performing any electrical tests, and if you are unsure about the process, it is advisable to seek professional assistance or consult the appliance’s user manual for specific instructions.

What part should I replace if the heating element of my dishwasher has failed?

If the heating element of your dishwasher has failed, the part you should replace is the heating element itself. Dishwashers rely on the heating element to heat up during the drying cycle, and if it is not functioning properly, the dishes won’t dry effectively. To check if the heating element has burned out, you can use a multimeter to test for continuity. If there is no continuity, it means the heating element has failed and needs to be replaced. Keep in mind that some dishwasher heating elements come with a resettable fuse that may trip and prevent voltage from reaching the element. In such cases, pressing the reset button on the fuse can restore power to the heating element. However, if the heating element still doesn’t work after resetting the fuse, replacing it is the recommended course of action.

Why are my dishes coming out too wet even though I selected the heated dry option?

Does the cycle being used have the heated dry option?
To address this, confirm the cycle you are using has heated dry or check if the heated dry option is selected.

Having wet dishes can be quite frustrating, but fear not, there are several possible reasons why your Frigidaire dishwasher may not be drying the dishes effectively. Here are some common culprits to consider:

1. Turned-off heat-dry switch: It is crucial to ensure that the heat-dry control is switched on. Without this setting, the dishwasher will not activate the necessary heat to dry the dishes thoroughly.

2. Blocked vent: A clogged dishwasher vent can hinder the proper release of moisture, resulting in wet dishes. Make sure to check that the vent is clear and unobstructed for optimal drying performance.

3. Broken wires: Faulty or broken wires can disrupt the dishwasher’s ability to generate heat, thus hampering the drying process. It is advisable to have a professional technician examine the wiring and address any issues if necessary.

4. Burnt heating element: A burnt-out heating element can no longer generate the required heat to dry the dishes. If you suspect this may be the case, you should consider having the heating element inspected and replaced if needed.

5. Faulty high-limit thermostat: The high-limit thermostat plays a crucial role in regulating the temperature of the dishwasher. If it becomes faulty, it can prevent the heating element from reaching the necessary temperature for effective drying.

6. Faulty fan motor: A malfunctioning fan motor fails to properly circulate air and remove moisture from the dishwasher, resulting in wet dishes. Professional assistance may be required to diagnose and replace a faulty fan motor.

7. Failed control board: A malfunctioning control board can impact the overall functioning of the dishwasher, including its drying capabilities. If you suspect an issue with the control board, it is best to consult a professional technician for further assessment and potential repairs.

To address these potential issues, make sure to turn on the heat-dry switch if it is off, check and clear any blockages in the vent, and consider seeking professional assistance to inspect and fix any faulty components like wires, heating elements, high-limit thermostats, fan motors, or control boards. By addressing these possible causes, you can help ensure that your dishwasher effectively dries your dishes, leaving them clean and ready to use.

Closing Thought

Above is a Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher troubleshooting guide for everyday dishwasher problems. So, whether your dishwasher won’t start, clean, or dry, or perhaps it won’t fill up, drain, spray water or close its door, you can troubleshoot it DIY, and it starts with the above basics.