Frigidaire Dishwasher: error code

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing an error code on your Frigidaire dishwasher? These alphanumeric codes indicate issues with power, drainage, heating, and more. Common codes include PF, HO, LO, and others. Identifying the specific code can help diagnose the problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Codes PF, HO, LO, i-series, CL, iC0, UO/UF and others are specific manufacturer diagnostic outputs used across many Frigidaire dishwasher models
  • Codes like dP, FL, RT, Sd, UL may indicate relay test modes rather than faults

Possible Causes

Power failure during cycle

How to Identify: Error code PF on display; cycle stops unexpectedly after power interruption.

Part: Power supply / control board

Low or inappropriate water temperature (heat delay)

How to Identify: Code HO or Hd appears, especially at start; water remains cold or warms slowly.

Part: Water heater/temperature sensor

Drain line restriction or clog

How to Identify: Codes i20, i40, or iF0; water remains in tub after cycle.

Part: Drain hose / filter / pump

Drain or wash motor fault

How to Identify: Code i50; poor circulation or water not draining.

Part: Drain/wash motor

Water heating system failure

How to Identify: Code i60; water does not heat properly.

Part: Heating element / thermostat

Electronic control failure

How to Identify: Code iC0 or CE; multiple functions fail.

Part: Control board

Door not latched or door switch fault

How to Identify: Code CL or Cd; dishwasher won’t start.

Part: Door latch / switch

DIY Solutions

Soft reset dishwasher

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Press and hold the Start/Cancel button for ~3–5 seconds.
  2. If that doesn’t clear, turn off circuit breaker to dishwasher for 3–5 minutes.
  3. Restore power and attempt a new cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off properly before resetting.

Refill rinse aid

Easy 2 minutes
  1. Open dishwasher door and locate rinse aid dispenser in detergent area.
  2. Refill with appropriate rinse aid until indicator shows full.
  3. Close dispenser and run a cycle to clear code LO.

Clear drain hose and filters

Moderate 20–45 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Bucket, Brush
  1. Disconnect power and water supply.
  2. Remove lower dish rack and clean filter/sump of debris.
  3. Inspect drain hose for kinks or clogs and clear them.
  4. Reassemble and run a short cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working near electrical components.

Run hot water before starting dishwasher

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Turn on hot water at nearest sink until water runs hot.
  2. Start dishwasher immediately so hot water enters machine first.
  3. This can help prevent HO errors related to low water temps.

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty heating element or thermostat

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Replace control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace drain or wash motor

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Error codes persist after DIY steps (e.g., control board, motor, heater issues)
Water leaking into base pan (i30) not resolved by tightening hoses
Electric shock risk when working near wiring or internal components

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters and sump: Drain clogs and related i20/i40 error codes
    Frequency: monthly
  • Refill rinse aid regularly: LO error and improves drying performance
    Frequency: as needed
  • Inspect door latch and seals: CL door error and water leakage
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher error code?
Common causes include power failure, low water temperature, drain clogs, and door latch issues.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher error code myself?
Try a soft reset, refill rinse aid, clear drain hose, or run hot water before starting.
How much does it cost to fix error code?
Professional repairs range from $80 for heating elements to $400 for control board replacements.
When should I call a technician for error code?
If DIY fixes fail or if the issue involves complex components like the control board, contact a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

67%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty water inlet valve (1 mentions)
  • Clogged filter or strainer (1 mentions)
  • Faulty switch assembly (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Removing and cleaning the filter and strainer

    Success rate: 25.0%
  2. Replacing the water inlet valve

    Success rate: 25.0%
  3. Purchasing and installing a compatible switch assembly

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

Community Discussions

ER code

Purchased a compatible part from Sears Parts Direct which resolved the issue.

Persistent 'ER' error code

Replace the water inlet valve due to potential solenoid failure.

.40 error code

Removing and cleaning the filter and strainer allows the dishwasher to run without the error code.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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