Frigidaire Dishwasher: not drying

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a Frigidaire dishwasher not drying? If your dishes remain wet or dripping after the wash cycle, it can be frustrating. This issue may stem from incorrect settings, inadequate rinse aid, or improper loading. Understanding the common causes can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore your dishwasher's drying capabilities.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire models have multiple drying options (Heat Dry, Sahara Dry, PowerPlus Dry); selecting appropriate one improves drying.
  • Air Dry option relies on airflow and may leave dishes wet; normal on some models.

Possible Causes

Incorrect cycle settings or absence of heat dry option

How to Identify: Dishwasher drying setting not selected or running a quick wash/air dry cycle that doesn’t include heated drying.

Part: Dishwasher control settings

Low or no rinse aid use

How to Identify: Rinse aid reservoir empty or set too low; dishes have water sheeting issues.

Part: Rinse aid dispenser

Improper loading and airflow blockage

How to Identify: Dishes are overcrowded, nested, placed concave-up trapping water.

Part: Dish loading arrangement

Inadequate inlet water temperature

How to Identify: Hot water entering the dishwasher is below recommended, leading to ineffective drying.

Part: Household hot water supply

Faulty heating element

How to Identify: No heat felt during dry cycle; multimeter shows no continuity.

Part: Heating element assembly

Vent not opening or vent fan failure

How to Identify: Vent doesn’t open during cycle; moist air not expelled; manual blockage may be present.

Part: Drying vent/vent fan motor

Faulty wire harness to heating element

How to Identify: Heating element receives no power despite integrity; visible wiring damage.

Part: Wire harness

Faulty control board or sensor (e.g., turbidity) affecting drying phase

How to Identify: Dishwasher skips or prematurely ends dry cycle; error codes present.

Part: Control board/turbidity sensor

DIY Solutions

Select proper cycle and enable heated dry

Easy 1 minute
  1. Ensure cycle includes heated drying (avoid quick wash or air-dry only modes)
  2. Enable Heat Dry or Sahara/PowerPlus Dry option in settings before starting

Refill and adjust rinse aid dispenser

Easy 2 minutes
  1. Open rinse aid dispenser on dishwasher door
  2. Refill with appropriate rinse aid
  3. Adjust dispenser setting to higher level if available

Correct dish loading for airflow

Easy 3–5 minutes
  1. Do not overcrowd racks; space dishes to allow air circulation
  2. Place bowls and concave items downward or at angle to avoid water pooling
  3. Unload bottom rack first to prevent water dripping onto cleaned dishes

Run hot water at sink before dishwasher

Easy 2–3 minutes
  1. Run hot water at kitchen sink until hot
  2. Start dishwasher immediately to ensure hot water enters dishwasher
  3. Select appropriate wash/dry cycle

Test heating element for continuity

Moderate 20–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver
  1. Disconnect power to dishwasher at breaker
  2. Remove lower access panel and racks to access heating element
  3. Disconnect element wiring and test continuity with multimeter
  4. Replace element if no continuity
⚠️ Safety First: Always cut power before servicing electrical parts

Professional Repairs

Replace heating element assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Repair or replace vent/vent fan assembly

Estimated Cost: $60 - $200

Control board or sensor replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Heating element tests show no continuity or visible failure
Vent or vent fan motor malfunction diagnosed
Control board errors or drying cycle skips despite correct settings

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly refill rinse aid dispenser: Poor drying due to low rinse aid
    Frequency: monthly
  • Periodically check and clean dishwasher vent area: Vent blockage and moisture retention
    Frequency: every 3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher not drying?
Top causes include incorrect cycle settings, low rinse aid, improper loading, and a faulty heating element.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher not drying myself?
Try selecting the proper cycle, refilling rinse aid, loading dishes correctly, and running hot water before starting the dishwasher.
How much does it cost to fix not drying?
Professional repair costs range from $50 to $300 depending on the issue, such as heating element or vent assembly replacement.
When should I call a technician for not drying?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if you suspect a faulty heating element or control board, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the turbidity sensor.

    Success rate: 33.0%

  2. Consider affordable dishwashers with good drying capabilities.

    Success rate: 33.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Looking to replace dishwasher.
  2. Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher not drying

Community Discussions

not drying

Replace the turbidity sensor.

DIY View on Reddit →

doesn't dry dishes well

Recommendations for affordable dishwashers with good drying capabilities, including KitchenAid and ASKO.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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