Frigidaire Dishwasher: making unusual noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Frigidaire dishwasher making unusual noises like rattling, grinding, or buzzing? These sounds can occur during any cycle and may indicate underlying issues. Common causes include foreign objects in the pump area, worn motor bearings, or dishware obstructing spray arms. Identifying and addressing these problems early can enhance your dishwasher's performance and lifespan.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire noise guide differentiates normal sounds from abnormal rattling, grinding, and suggests specific component issues
  • Parts guides highlight spray arm bearing rings and pump components as common noisy-failure parts with available replacements

Possible Causes

Foreign object (debris) caught in filter/sump area or pump impeller

How to Identify: Grinding or scraping noise during wash/drain cycles; stopping machine and removing lower rack to inspect for debris.

Part: Filter/Sump/Pump impeller

Worn or damaged circulation pump motor bearings

How to Identify: Loud humming or droning noise throughout wash cycle; noise persists after clearing debris.

Part: Circulation pump motor

Obstruction or collision from dishware or spray arms

How to Identify: Clunking/rattling noise; manually spin spray arms to check free rotation.

Part: Spray arms/loaded dishes

Faulty water inlet valve making buzzing/whistling noise

How to Identify: Buzzing/squealing noise during fill stage; noise changes with water fill.

Part: Water inlet valve

DIY Solutions

Clear debris from filter and sump

Easy 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, flashlight
  1. Turn off power to dishwasher
  2. Remove bottom rack and filters
  3. Inspect and clear any debris from filter, sump and visible pump area
  4. Reassemble and run test cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before reaching inside

Check and reposition dishes/spray arms

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Open dishwasher and unload bottom rack
  2. Ensure no dishes or utensils block spray arms
  3. Manually spin spray arms to ensure free rotation
  4. Rearrange items and run dishwasher

Inspect spray arms and bearing rings

Moderate 30-45 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver
  1. Disconnect power
  2. Remove spray arms
  3. Inspect for wear or cracked bearing rings
  4. Replace worn parts before reinstalling
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power

Professional Repairs

Replace circulation pump or motor assembly

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace damaged wash or drain impellers

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

When to Call a Professional

Persistent grinding or humming after debris removal
Water inlet valve suspected with buzzing during fill
Internal pump/motor failure suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter and sump regularly: Debris-induced noise and pump obstruction
    Frequency: monthly
  • Ensure proper loading: Spray arm blockage and rattling noises
    Frequency: each use
  • Visual inspection of spray arms: Wear-related noise from spray arm assemblies
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher making unusual noise?
Common causes include debris in the filter, worn motor bearings, or dishware obstructing spray arms.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher making unusual noise myself?
Clear debris from the filter, ensure dishes aren't blocking spray arms, and check for wear in spray arm bearings.
How much does it cost to fix making unusual noise?
Professional repairs can range from $30 to $400 depending on the part that needs replacement.
When should I call a technician for making unusual noise?
Call a technician if DIY solutions fail or if the noise persists, indicating a more complex issue.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged pump motor bearings
  • Debris caught in the impeller or spray arm
  • Loose or damaged dishwasher components (e.g., racks, spray arms)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect the pump motor bearings for wear. If damaged, replace the pump motor assembly. Ensure power is off before starting. Remove the lower spray arm, unscrew the motor cover, and replace the motor. Reassemble and test.

  2. Check for debris in the impeller or spray arm. Remove the spray arm and clean it thoroughly. Clear any blockages in the impeller area. Reattach and run a short cycle to test.

  3. Inspect all components for looseness or damage. Tighten any loose screws and replace damaged parts. Pay special attention to the racks and spray arms. Test the dishwasher after reassembling.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Can you diagnose which dishwasher part I need to replace bas...

Community Discussions

sound issue

Pump motor bearings are likely shot, requiring a new motor/pump assembly.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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