Frigidaire Dishwasher: making loud noises

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Frigidaire dishwasher is making loud noises like grinding, rattling, or banging, it's likely due to foreign objects in the filter or damaged spray arms. These unusual sounds can occur during any cycle, indicating potential issues that need addressing to avoid further damage and ensure proper operation.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire documentation specifically indicates spray arms hitting tall items can produce clunking sounds and recommends proper loading.
  • Frigidaire-focused repair resources identify pump/motor and impeller as common noise-causing parts and provide part-specific solutions.

Possible Causes

Foreign objects or debris in filter, sump, or pump area

How to Identify: Grinding or rattling noise primarily during wash cycle, visible debris at bottom of tub on inspection

Part: Filter / sump / pump assembly

Damaged or blocked spray arms

How to Identify: Banging or thumping sounds that vary with wash arm spin; spray arms hit dishes or racks

Part: Spray arms

Worn or failing circulation pump bearings or motor

How to Identify: Loud humming or grinding throughout cycle, persistent noise even after clearing debris

Part: Circulation pump motor

Drain pump obstruction or failure

How to Identify: Loud buzzing/grinding during drain phase; water may not drain completely

Part: Drain pump or impeller

Loose internal components (panels, racks, hoses)

How to Identify: Rattling noises that change when the unit vibrates or door is pressed; check items not secured

Part: Internal fasteners, panels, racks

DIY Solutions

Clean filter, sump, and check for debris

Easy 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver (if needed for access), gloves
  1. Disconnect power to dishwasher and open door
  2. Remove bottom rack, locate and remove filter and sump cover
  3. Inspect for debris (glass, bones, food particles) and clear out
  4. Reassemble filter and run a short cycle to test noise
  5. Re-load dishes properly ensuring nothing obstructs spray arms
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before inspecting internal parts

Check spray arms for obstructions or damage

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver (if needed), toothpick or brush
  1. Turn off power and water supply
  2. Remove bottom and (if accessible) upper spray arms
  3. Clean spray holes with brush/toothpick and ensure arms spin freely
  4. Check for cracks or warping and replace if damaged
  5. Reinstall arms and run test cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper reattachment to avoid leaks

Professional Repairs

Replace pump or motor assembly

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace spray arms or bearings

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after DIY debris removal and spray arm checks
Loud grinding or humming indicating possible motor/pump failure
Water does not drain and pump replacement appears needed

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter and sump area: Noise from debris buildup
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect spray arms and clean spray holes: Spray arm obstruction and related noise
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher making loud noises?
Loud noises can be caused by foreign objects in the filter, damaged spray arms, or failing circulation pump bearings.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher making loud noises myself?
Clean the filter and sump for debris and check spray arms for obstructions or damage.
How much does it cost to fix making loud noises?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $400 for pump or motor assembly replacements.
When should I call a technician for making loud noises?
Call a technician if self-repairs are unsuccessful or if the issue persists after cleaning and checking components.

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

  • Worn or damaged circulation pump
  • Debris obstructing the spray arms
  • Faulty motor or motor bearings

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and clean the circulation pump. Remove any debris that may be obstructing it. If the pump is damaged, replace it with a new one.

  2. Check the spray arms for clogs. Remove them and clean any debris or buildup. Ensure they spin freely after cleaning.

  3. Inspect the motor and motor bearings for wear. If they are damaged, consider replacing the motor assembly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Dishwasher works, but is getting louder and louder (with lin...

Community Discussions

getting louder and louder, almost as if it was straining, struggling, whining to operate

Check the circulation pump for debris or consider replacing it if it's failing.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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