Frigidaire Dishwasher: scraping noise
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.
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
- Turn off power and water supply.
- Remove bottom rack, then remove and clean filter assembly and inspect sump area.
- Manually inspect and remove any visible debris from pump/impeller area.
- Reassemble and run a short cycle to check noise level.
Inspect and reposition spray arms and racks
- Remove bottom rack and manually spin spray arms to ensure free movement.
- Reposition tall items and ensure no contact with spray arms.
- Run a test cycle to check if scraping noise persists.
Next step
Choose the next step for scraping noise
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
- Typical part-only price
- $35 - $80
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 15-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Spray Arm
Rotates and sprays high-pressure water to clean dishes inside the tub.
Model-compatible Dishwasher parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Dishwasher Cleaner and Descaler
Supports routine removal of mineral scale, grease, and odor. It is maintenance, not a repair for a failed pump, valve, or control.
Braided Dishwasher Inlet Hose
For replacement of an externally damaged supply hose. Verify connection size, length, and appliance installation requirements before ordering.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Impeller or pump assembly replacement
Circulation or drain pump motor replacement
When to Call a Professional
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?
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher scraping noise myself?
How much does it cost to fix scraping noise?
When should I call a technician for scraping noise?
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
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
-
Inspect and clean the spray arms. Remove any debris or food particles that may be trapped. Ensure the spray arms can rotate freely.
-
Check the spray arms for deformation. If they are bent or damaged, replace them with new ones.
-
Adjust or reposition the dish racks to ensure they are properly aligned and not causing interference with the spray arms.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
scraping noise during spin cycle
Check for debris near spray arms, run empty, and inspect for deformation.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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