Frigidaire Dishwasher: not working

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not working, you may notice no lights, sounds, or motor activity when trying to start a cycle. This lack of response can be frustrating and may indicate several underlying issues, including problems with the door latch, power supply, or control board. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire official support specifically notes Delay Start and Child Lock settings can prevent dishwasher from starting.
  • Control boards and thermal fuses are listed in repair guides as components that can prevent operation if failed.

Possible Causes

Door latch/door switch not engaging

How to Identify: Dishwasher will not start, control panel unresponsive, clicking the door won’t lock; often stops the machine from detecting closed door.

Part: Door latch / Door switch

Child lock or Delay Start activated

How to Identify: Dishwasher appears off but controls are locked; lock icon or delay timer displayed.

Part: Control settings

Power supply issues (breaker or water supply off)

How to Identify: No lights or sounds; tripped breaker or water supply valve closed; other appliances on same circuit may be affected.

Part: Circuit breaker / power / water supply

Blown thermal fuse

How to Identify: Dishwasher has power to control panel but won’t start; multimeter shows no continuity at fuse.

Part: Thermal fuse

Control board failure

How to Identify: No response despite proper power and door latch; other components tested functional.

Part: Main control board

Faulty wire harness or internal wiring issue

How to Identify: Intermittent or no power transmission internally; visual signs of damage or multimeter continuity test fails.

Part: Wire harness

DIY Solutions

Verify door closure and disable locks

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Open dishwasher door and firmly close until latch clicks
  2. Check control panel for child lock or delay start icons and disable per manual
  3. Attempt to start a cycle again

Check circuit breaker and power supply

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Locate home breaker panel and check for tripped dishwasher circuit
  2. Reset breaker if necessary
  3. Ensure dishwasher is plugged in (if model uses plug) or hardwired properly
  4. Try starting dishwasher
⚠️ Safety First: Do not touch wiring inside dishwasher while breaker is on

Test thermal fuse continuity

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver
  1. Turn off power at breaker
  2. Remove access panel to locate thermal fuse
  3. Use multimeter to test continuity across fuse
  4. Replace fuse if no continuity
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before accessing internal parts

Professional Repairs

Replace door switch or latch assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Repair or replace wire harness

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher shows signs of internal electrical failure (burn marks, smells)
Multimeter tests indicate failed internal components
Door latch or control board replacement beyond DIY skill

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect and clean door latch area: False door open indications
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run a diagnostic cycle and check for error codes: Unnoticed control issues
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher not working?
Common causes include a faulty door latch, child lock activation, or power supply issues.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher not working myself?
Verify door closure, check power supply, and test the thermal fuse for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix not working?
Professional repairs can range from $50 for a door switch to $400 for a control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not working?
If DIY solutions fail or if issues seem complex, it's best to consult a professional.

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. Installed a new touchpad/display board switch, and it is working again.

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Frigidaire Galley Dishwasher intermittent ER code -- moistur...
  2. Dishwasher recommendations

Community Discussions

intermittent ER code, controls not working

Installed a new touchpad/display board switch, and it is working again.

DIY View on Reddit →

stopped working

Recommendations for Bosch and KitchenAid dishwashers.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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