Frigidaire Dishwasher: not spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not spinning, you may notice that the spray arms remain stationary during the wash cycle, leading to dirty dishes and poor cleaning performance. Common issues include blocked spray arms, low water pressure, or a clogged filter. Addressing these problems can restore your dishwasher's functionality.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire models may use proprietary wash arm supports and Blade Spray assemblies that require correct reassembly; misalignment can prevent proper spin.

Possible Causes

Spray arms blocked by debris or food particles

How to Identify: Spray arm holes clogged with visible debris; arms do not spin freely when moved manually

Part: Spray arms (upper and lower)

Low water pressure or circulation issues

How to Identify: Dishwasher sounds weak, dishes remain dirty, and both arms fail to spin; water may not enter with sufficient force

Part: Circulation pump or water inlet system

Clogged filter or pump area

How to Identify: Visible food debris in filter; water flow reduced; cleaning filter improves flow

Part: Filter area and circulation pump inlet

Damaged spray arm or support assembly

How to Identify: Cracks or broken pieces in spray arms; arms wobble or do not align correctly

Part: Spray arm or wash arm support

Faulty circulation pump or motor impeller

How to Identify: Pump hums or fails to build pressure; multimeter shows no continuity; arms stay stationary despite clean arms

Part: Circulation pump and motor

Control board or electronic issue preventing proper cycle

How to Identify: Dishwasher doesn’t progress through cycle properly; no water pump activation; error codes if equipped

Part: Electronic control board or user interface

DIY Solutions

Clean spray arms

Easy 10–30 minutes
Tools Needed: toothpick or small brush, warm water, vinegar (optional)
  1. Remove lower and upper spray arms per manual instructions
  2. Clear debris from all spray arm holes using a toothpick or small brush
  3. Soak arms in warm water or vinegar solution if heavily clogged
  4. Rinse and reinstall arms ensuring correct alignment
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power to dishwasher before accessing parts

Clean filter and pump inlet area

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, soft brush, warm water
  1. Turn off power and water supply
  2. Remove bottom rack and locate the filter assembly
  3. Remove and rinse filter under warm water; clear any debris
  4. Inspect pump inlet area accessible under filter and clear blockages
  5. Reassemble filter and test dishwasher
⚠️ Safety First: Power off before working inside dishwasher

Check for obstructions and proper loading

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Before starting cycle, manually rotate spray arms to check for contact with dishes
  2. Rearrange or remove items that block the spray arms
  3. Ensure upper/lower racks are seated properly to avoid interference

Professional Repairs

Replace circulation pump or motor impeller

Estimated Cost: $120–$350

Replace electronic control board or user interface

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

When to Call a Professional

If spray arms still do not spin after cleaning and checking water pressure
If pump or motor shows signs of electrical failure (noisy hum, no pressure)
When control board or electronic diagnostics indicate failure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean spray arms and filter: Debris buildup blocking spray arms and reducing water pressure
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run dishwasher with cleaning agent: Grease and mineral buildup inside spray arms and pipes
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher not spinning?
Common causes include blocked spray arms, low water pressure, or a clogged filter.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher not spinning myself?
Clean spray arms, check for obstructions, and clean the filter area.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning?
Professional repairs can range from $120 to $400, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not spinning?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if it's a complex problem like a bad pump.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogs or obstructions in spray arms (2 mentions)
  • Improper attachment of gaskets (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check for clogs or obstructions in the spray arms and ensure the pump is functioning properly.

    Success rate: 25.0%

  2. Check both gaskets for the upper rack spray arm and ensure they are properly attached.

    Success rate: 25.0%

  3. Replace the lower spray arm with a generic, straight spray bar to avoid balance issues.

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Frigidaire dishwasher lower spray arm not spinning
  2. Frigidaire dishwasher - upper rack spray arm not spinning
  3. Frigidaire Dishwasher middle and upper arms not spinning but...
  4. [Help] Frigidaire dishwasher upper spray arm won't spin

Community Discussions

lower spray arm not spinning

Replace the lower spray arm with a generic, straight spray bar to avoid balance issues.

DIY View on Reddit →

middle and upper arms not spinning but getting water

Check for clogs or obstructions in the spray arms and ensure the pump is functioning properly.

DIY View on Reddit →

upper rack spray arm not spinning

Check both gaskets for the upper rack spray arm and ensure they are properly attached.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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