Frigidaire Dishwasher: not washing

Possible Causes

Clogged spray arms

How to Identify: Poor water distribution, visible debris blocking spray arm holes; arms may not spin freely.

Part: Upper and lower spray arms

Faulty circulation pump or wash impeller

How to Identify: Dishwasher fills but no strong water spray; unusual pump noise (humming, grinding during cycle.

Part: Circulation pump / wash impeller

Malfunctioning control board affecting water inlet or pump power

How to Identify: Dishwasher appears to run cycles but fails to actuate pump or valves; inconsistent operation.

Part: Electronic control board

Water inlet valve issue / poor water pressure

How to Identify: Inadequate water fill leads to weak spray; low household water pressure present.

Part: Water inlet valve

Improper loading or detergent use

How to Identify: Spray arms blocked by dishes; too much/too little detergent used; incorrect cycle selected.

Part: User operation

DIY Solutions

Clean spray arms

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: small brush, toothpick, warm water

1. Remove upper and lower spray arms according to your model instructions.
2. Rinse under warm water to remove debris.
3. Use a toothpick or brush to clear holes.
4. Reinstall and ensure they spin freely.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher power is off before removing components.

Clean or replace dishwasher filter

Easy 10-15 minutes

Tools Needed: warm water, soft brush

1. Locate filter in bottom of dishwasher.
2. Remove and rinse under warm water.
3. Brush away trapped debris and reinstall.

Check and adjust loading/detergent

Easy 5-10 minutes

1. Ensure dishes are spaced to not block spray arms.
2. Use recommended dishwasher detergent and correct amount.
3. Select appropriate cycle for soil level.

Professional Repairs

Replace circulation pump or wash impeller

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300

Control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $450

Water inlet valve replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher still fails to wash after cleaning spray arms and filter.

Unusual noises from pump or motor during operation.

Control board or electronic errors suspected.

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean filter and spray arms: Clogs that reduce water flow and cleaning effectiveness
  Frequency: monthly
• Inspect water inlet and hoses: Restricted water supply issues
  Frequency: semi-annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher not washing?

Common reasons include clogged spray arms, faulty circulation pump, or improper loading.

How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher not washing myself?

Clean spray arms, check the dishwasher filter, and ensure proper loading and detergent use.

How much does it cost to fix not washing?

Professional repairs can range from $80 to $450, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not washing?

If DIY fixes don't work or if you suspect a circulation pump or control board issue.

References & Sources

• Frigidaire Dishwasher - Not Cleaning Official

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Faulty wash motor (1 mentions)
• Defective valve (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Replace wash motor

   Success rate: 0.0%

2. Replace valve or controller board

   Success rate: 33.0%

Community Discussions

Recently my Frigidaire dishwasher stopped working. The heating mechanism seems to be working fine, but there's no water or any kind of wash cycle happening. It just heats up, nothing else.

Repair cost estimates for the valve and controller board provided, along with a recommendation for a new dishwasher model.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair