Frigidaire Dishwasher: scraping noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are you hearing a scraping noise from your Frigidaire Dishwasher during wash or drain cycles? This unsettling sound often indicates mechanical friction caused by foreign debris or worn components affecting the dishwasher's performance. Identifying the source of the noise can help restore your appliance to its optimal function.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire guides specifically mention pump blockage and impeller damage as common causes of grinding-like noises.

Possible Causes

Foreign object debris in pump or impeller

How to Identify: Scraping/grinding noise occurs when dishwasher is operating; visible debris in filter/sump; noise persists after ensuring racks and spray arms are clear

Part: Pump impeller / sump area

Damaged or warped wash impeller

How to Identify: Noise during circulation phase; inspect impeller for cracks/bends; uneven water spray or reduced cleaning effectiveness

Part: Wash impeller

Damaged or worn drain impeller

How to Identify: Grinding noise during drain cycle; visible damage on impeller when accessed

Part: Drain impeller

Worn pump motor bearings

How to Identify: Grinding/screeching noise not tied to debris; noise increases over time and may change pitch

Part: Circulation or drain pump motor bearings

Spray arm hitting dishes or misaligned components

How to Identify: Scraping noise during spray action; repositioned dishes eliminate noise temporarily; spray arm physically contacts rack or tall item

Part: Spray arms

DIY Solutions

Clear debris from filter, sump & pump area

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, towel
  1. Turn off power and water supply.
  2. Remove bottom rack, then remove and clean filter assembly and inspect sump area.
  3. Manually inspect and remove any visible debris from pump/impeller area.
  4. Reassemble and run a short cycle to check noise level.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing internal components

Inspect and reposition spray arms and racks

Easy 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Remove bottom rack and manually spin spray arms to ensure free movement.
  2. Reposition tall items and ensure no contact with spray arms.
  3. Run a test cycle to check if scraping noise persists.

Professional Repairs

Impeller or pump assembly replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Circulation or drain pump motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Debris cannot be accessed/removed safely
Noise persists after debris cleaning and spray arm checks
Noise clearly due to internal motor or pump bearing failure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean dishwasher filter regularly: Debris buildup that can cause scraping/grinding noises
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check spray arm movement and clear blockages: Spray arm contact noise
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher scraping noise?
Common causes include foreign debris in the pump, damaged impellers, or spray arms hitting dishes.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher scraping noise myself?
Clear debris from the filter and pump, and ensure spray arms are properly aligned.
How much does it cost to fix scraping noise?
Professional repairs can range from $100 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for scraping noise?
If DIY fixes don't work or if complex repairs are needed, it's best to call a professional.

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

  • Debris or food particles trapped in the spray arms
  • Deformed or damaged spray arm hitting the dishwasher interior
  • Loose or misaligned dish racks causing contact with spray arms

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and clean the spray arms. Remove any debris or food particles that may be trapped. Ensure the spray arms can rotate freely.

  2. Check the spray arms for deformation. If they are bent or damaged, replace them with new ones.

  3. Adjust or reposition the dish racks to ensure they are properly aligned and not causing interference with the spray arms.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Frigidaire Dishwasher Scraping Noise

Community Discussions

scraping noise during spin cycle

Check for debris near spray arms, run empty, and inspect for deformation.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!