A Frigidaire dishwasher that won’t start or turn ON can be fixed. Certain things can be overlooked such as a power issue or a door not properly latched. There are 8 troubleshooting steps you can follow to fix the issue.
Frigidaire dishwasher will not turn on
Quick Steps to Start Your Dishwasher
- Confirm that the dishwasher is securely plugged into the electrical outlet and that the outlet is functioning.
- Ensure that the door is completely closed and latched.
- If your dishwasher has a lock or sleep mode, make sure it is deactivated.
- Check your home’s electrical panel to see if the circuit breaker has tripped or a fuse has blown.
Fix your Frigidaire Dishwasher That Won’t Start
1. Power Source Confirmation
Begin by checking the dishwasher’s connection to the power source. A loose plug or a malfunctioning socket could prevent the appliance from starting. Also, confirm that the circuit breaker or fuse dedicated to the dishwasher’s electrical circuit hasn’t tripped or blown. This can be a common issue when the dishwasher swill not turn ON or start.
2. Door Latch Check
The dishwasher’s safety includes a feature that prevents it from operating unless the door is properly latched. Inspect the door latch for any signs of damage or obstruction. Make sure no utensils or dishware are impeding the door’s closure. A malfunctioning door latch may require adjustment or replacement to restore functionality.
3. Reset the Dishwasher
A Frigidaire dishwasher can sometimes become unresponsive or show an error code. This sort of issue can be fixed with a reset. This can often be done by pressing and holding a specific button or buttons for several seconds, which can vary depending on the model. Consult your dishwasher owner’s manual to find the correct procedure for your unit. A reset can clear any minor electronic problems with your dishwasher.
Dishwashers made by Frigidaire can be reset easily by following the 2 methods below.
Try a power cycle to reset it. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source for 5 minutes. This can be done by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker. After waiting, restore power to see if the dishwasher operates normally.
Reset the control panel. Simply press and hold the “START” button. Wait until the light turns off, then press the “POWER” button to switch off the appliance. To complete the reset process, turn the power back on. Your dishwasher should now be reset and any issue it had will be cleared.
Reset Frigidaire Dishwasher
4. Inspect Selector Switch
The selector switch allows you to choose different washing cycles and options. If it’s not making proper contact or has failed, the dishwasher won’t respond to your selections. Use a multimeter and test for continuity. If there is no continuity, the switch will need to be replaced. This step requires a basic understanding of how to safely use a multimeter to test electrical components.
5. Test the Start Relay
The start relay on the dishwasher provides power to the motor. If this component is bad, the motor won’t start and the dishwasher will not turn on. A multimeter can be used to check for continuity at the relay. If the test indicates a lack of continuity, the start relay needs to be replaced.
6. Look at the Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety feature in your dishwasher. If the dishwasher overheats, the thermal fuse will blow to prevent the appliance from becoming a fire hazard. If it blows the dishwasher will not operate until the thermal fuse is replaced. Accessing and replacing the thermal fuse requires some technical ability and caution.
7. Motor Problems
If the dishwasher’s motor is seized or defective, the unit will not start. You may attempt to manually rotate the motor by accessing it from the bottom of the dishwasher. This action can sometimes free up a motor that is stuck due to infrequent use or a minor obstruction. If the motor does not run or emits a humming sound without starting, you may need to test it or call a professional appliance repair service.
8. Control Mechanisms
The timer or electronic control board is the brain of the dishwasher. If the board or the timer is defective, the dishwasher will not start. Diagnosing a faulty timer or control board is requires specific tools and knowledge. If you see burn marks on the control board or the timer assembly, these parts are most likely bad and you will need to remove and replace.
Expert Repair Tip
Listen for the distinctive click of the door latch when closing the dishwasher. If this sound is not heard, it might indicate a problem with the latch. Cleaning the door seal can help prevent debris from interfering with the latch and ensure a proper seal.
Following these detailed steps can solve the issue of a Frigidaire dishwasher not starting. Regular maintenance and checks can prevent such problems. However, if the dishwasher still won’t start, it could indicate a more serious internal issue, in which case professional repair services should be consulted. You can also leave a comment below with your model number and we can assist you with your dishwasher problem.
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