Frigidaire Dishwasher: burning smell, wash assembly melted

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Frigidaire dishwasher is emitting a burning smell and shows signs of a melted wash assembly, it may indicate overheating issues. Common causes include excessive heat from the heating element or foreign objects melting and in contact with hot components. This situation requires immediate attention to prevent further damage.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire dishwasher burn smell guidance — common causes include shorted heating element, timer, drain valve, control board, and pump/motor assembly. Brand parts may be specified by model number for accurate match.

Possible Causes

Excessive heat causing plastic wash arm or spray arm to melt

How to Identify: Visible deformation or melting of plastic parts; arms closer to or contacting the heating element during cycles. May see warp or discoloration on the plastic spray arm.

Part: Lower and/or upper spray arm / wash arm

Melted foreign plastic object contacting heating element

How to Identify: Burning plastic odor only after cycle, visible melted plastic on or around heating element or tub floor; foreign plastic pieces not part of dishwasher.

Part: Dishwasher interior / heating element

Faulty heating element overheating

How to Identify: Heating element is discolored, blistered, or has electrical short symptoms; melting or burning odor present without foreign object; dishwasher may overheat water.

Part: Heating element

Electrical component failure (control board / pump motor overheating)

How to Identify: Burning electrical odor or smell during operation; possible smoke; other electrical symptoms like failure to complete cycle; no visible melted dishwasher plastic inside tub.

Part: Control board, pump/motor assembly, wiring

DIY Solutions

Inspect and remove foreign melted plastic

Easy 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: safety gloves, plastic scraper or wooden spoon
  1. Disconnect power to the dishwasher by unplugging or switching off breaker.
  2. Open dishwasher and remove racks to access the bottom tub area.
  3. Visually inspect for melted plastic items near the heating element or tub base.
  4. Use a plastic scraper or wooden spoon to carefully remove melted plastic once fully cooled.
  5. Clean the area with mild detergent and run a rinse cycle to reduce odor.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before touching interior components.

Check spray arm positioning and secure it

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver (if required)
  1. Turn off and disconnect power.
  2. Remove lower dish rack to access spray arms.
  3. Inspect spray arms for correct seating and free rotation; ensure they are not loose.
  4. Reinstall or replace spray arms securely so they do not drop towards the heating element.
  5. Test rotation manually before restoring power and running a short cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Power off before adjusting parts.

Professional Repairs

Replace melted spray arm or wash arm assembly

Estimated Cost: $40–$90

Heating element inspection and replacement

Estimated Cost: $50–$150 for parts, plus labor

Electrical troubleshooting and control board / motor repair

Estimated Cost: $100–$300+ depending on parts

When to Call a Professional

Burning smell persists after removing melted plastic and correcting spray arm positioning
Smoke visible, electrical burning odor, or dishwasher stops mid‑cycle
Repeated melting of dishwasher components, indicating underlying overheating

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect and secure spray arms periodically: Melting from spray arm contacting heating element due to misalignment
    Frequency: every 3 months
  • Only place dishwasher‑safe plastics on top rack: Plastic melting incidents
    Frequency: every load
  • Clean filters and tub interior regularly: Foreign debris trapping and potential contact with heat sources
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher burning smell, wash assembly melted?
Common causes include excessive heat from the heating element, melted foreign plastic, or faulty electrical components.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher burning smell, wash assembly melted myself?
Inspect for melted plastic near the heating element and check spray arm positioning; ensure all parts are properly secured.
How much does it cost to fix burning smell, wash assembly melted?
Professional repairs can range from $40–$90 for parts, and $50–$300+ for labor depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for burning smell, wash assembly melted?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if there are signs of electrical failure or extensive damage.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Overheating due to a faulty heating element
  • Improper installation or obstruction in the wash assembly
  • Worn out or damaged wash assembly causing friction

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the heating element. Ensure power is off, remove the lower spray arm, and disconnect the heating element from the wiring harness. Install the new heating element and reassemble the dishwasher.

  2. Check for obstructions in the wash assembly. Remove the lower spray arm and inspect for any debris or blockages. Clean thoroughly and reassemble.

  3. Replace the lower wash assembly if it is damaged. Remove the old assembly, install the new one, and ensure it is properly seated to avoid friction.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Replacing warped dishwasher heating element + wash assembly?

Community Discussions

burning/melting plastic smell, lower wash assembly melted

Replace the heating element and lower wash arm.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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