Frigidaire Dishwasher: not functioning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Frigidaire dishwasher? If it won't start any cycle, showing no sounds or lights, you're not alone. This problem can arise due to several common issues, including power supply problems, door latch failures, or control panel malfunctions. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Official guidance notes specific settings like child lock and delay start can prevent start function.

Possible Causes

Dishwasher not receiving power

How to Identify: No lights on control panel and no response when pressing buttons; breaker tripped or GFCI outlet tripped.

Part: Power supply / circuit breaker / power cord

Door latch or door switch failure

How to Identify: Dishwasher won’t start and door doesn’t click securely; sometimes panel remains unresponsive if door not correctly latched.

Part: Door latch assembly / door switch

Control panel or electronic control board failure

How to Identify: Buttons unresponsive or control board shows error codes; dishwasher does not start even when power and door are correct.

Part: Control panel / electronic control board

Child lock or delay start setting activated

How to Identify: Dishwasher appears off but cannot start cycle; specific lights for child lock or delay start may be lit.

Part: Control settings

Water supply is off

How to Identify: Dishwasher powers on but won’t start filling with water; possibly shuts off immediately when start is pressed.

Part: Water inlet / supply valve

Blown thermal fuse or internal safety cut-off

How to Identify: No power to control board despite correct external power; dishwasher is completely dead.

Part: Thermal fuse

DIY Solutions

Check Power Supply and Reset Breaker

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Locate home breaker panel and ensure the dishwasher circuit is not tripped.
  2. If tripped, switch it fully off and then back on.
  3. If plugged into a GFCI outlet, press Reset on the outlet.
  4. Try plugging another device into the same outlet to verify power.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not work on electrical panel if uncomfortable; consider electrician help.

Ensure Door is Fully Closed and Latch Engaged

Easy 2–5 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Open and close the dishwasher door firmly until an audible click.
  2. Inspect the latch area for debris and clean around it.
  3. Ensure nothing in rack obstructs door closing.

Disable Child Lock or Delay Start

Easy 2–3 minutes
Tools Needed: User manual (optional)
  1. Look for child lock or delay start indicator on control panel.
  2. Follow manual instructions to cancel child lock or delay start (often holding specific buttons).
  3. Try starting a normal cycle.

Soft Reset the Dishwasher (Power Cycle)

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Turn off dishwasher power at circuit breaker or unplug if possible.
  2. Wait 1–2 minutes.
  3. Restore power and attempt to start.

Professional Repairs

Replace Door Latch or Door Switch

Estimated Cost: $40–$120

Replace Control Panel or Electronic Control Board

Estimated Cost: $150–$500

Replace Thermal Fuse

Estimated Cost: $20–$60

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher shows signs of electrical damage (burn marks, smell)
Control board appears faulty after DIY resets
Replacing internal components like thermal fuse, control board, or motor parts

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and clean door latch area: Door latch-related non-start issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Test dishwasher power circuit: Unexpected power-related failures
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher not functioning?
Common causes include power supply issues, door latch or switch failure, and control panel malfunctions.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher not functioning myself?
Check power supply, ensure the door is closed, disable child lock, and try a soft reset.
How much does it cost to fix not functioning?
Professional repairs can range from $20 for a thermal fuse to $500 for control panel replacement.
When should I call a technician for not functioning?
If DIY solutions fail or if the control panel is faulty, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Recommendations for Bosch dishwashers, particularly the 800 series and 500 series, which have good drying performance.

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

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

  1. repair 2016 frigidaire gallery dishwasher control board for ...
  2. I need a new dishwasher that actually DRIES dishes. Recommen...

Community Discussions

broken dishwasher

Recommendations for Bosch dishwashers, particularly the 800 series and 500 series, which have good drying performance.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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