Having trouble with your Frigidaire dishwasher not drying and leaving dishes sopping wet?
It’s a headache reaching for a cup or plate only to find it still dripping after a full wash cycle.
But there’s no need to keep drying them by hand – in most cases, a few simple troubleshooting steps can get your dishwasher’s drying performance back on track.
This guide will walk you through the common causes of Frigidaire dishwashers stopped drying properly and provide solutions to have it working like new again in no time.
With a bit of targeted troubleshooting, you can fix the drying issue and once again rely on your dishwasher to handle the hard work for you.
However, if you find that your dishwasher isn’t even starting, you might want to check out this guide on Troubleshooting Frigidaire dishwasher not starting.
Pro Tip: You can fix your Frigidaire dishwasher not drying by clearing debris blocking airflow. Check the heating element, vent fan, and door switch for faults, and replace the faulty parts.
Table of Contents
- Why Your Frigidaire Dishwasher Won’t Dry?
- How To Fix A Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes?
- 1. Check the Vent and Clear Any Obstructions
- 2. Inspect the Heating Element
- 3. Verify the Vent Fan is Working
- 4. Test the Door Switch
- 5. Check Water Pressure
- 6. Reset the Frigidaire Dishwasher
- Final Words
- Steven Settles
Why Your Frigidaire Dishwasher Won’t Dry?
There are a few common reasons why your Frigidaire dishwasher may not be drying dishes:
- Clogged or blocked vent: The vent allows moist air to escape so dishes can dry. If it’s clogged, the air will remain inside.
- Faulty heating element: Most dishwashers rely on a heating element to dry dishes. If it’s not working, dishes won’t dry.
- Problem with vent fan: The vent fan helps circulate air to improve drying. If it’s not working, drying won’t be as effective.
- An issue with the door switch: The door switch signals if the door is closed. If faulty, the dishwasher thinks the door is open and won’t start drying.
- Water pressure too low: Proper water pressure ensures the dishwasher can heat water to the right temp. Low pressure affects drying.
How To Fix A Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes?
If your Frigidaire dishwasher doesn’t dry dishes properly, there are several troubleshooting tips you can try to get it functioning optimally again:
1. Check the Vent and Clear Any Obstructions
The vent in your dishwasher allows moist air to escape during the drying cycle.
Over time, debris can clog the vent, restricting airflow. Take a flashlight and inspect the vent carefully.
Use a small brush or pipe cleaner to loosen and remove any food, grease, or other gunk blocking the vent. Make sure there are no obstructions impeding airflow through the vent.
Clear any debris buildup both inside and outside the vent. With the vent clear, moist air can properly vent out so the dishes aren’t left sopping wet when the cycle finishes.
2. Inspect the Heating Element
Most Frigidaire dishwashers rely on a heating element to dry the dishes after washing.
Unplug the dishwasher for safety, then remove the heating element cover and carefully remove the heating element.
Thoroughly examine the heating element for any signs of damage like cracks or burnt/discolored spots.
Use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity. If the readings indicate the heating element is faulty or has failed, it will need to be replaced.
You can find replacement heating elements for Frigidaire dishwashers online or at appliance parts stores.
Installing a new heating element will fix the Frigidaire dishwasher drying problem.
3. Verify the Vent Fan is Working
The vent fan in your Frigidaire dishwasher circulates air to improve drying efficiency.
Turn off the dishwasher and listen closely to see if the vent fan is making any abnormal noises while operating.
Next, access the vent fan, usually located on the bottom of the tub near the vent. Try rotating the fan blade manually to see if it spins freely without resistance.
If the fan seems seized up or you notice grinding noises from the motor, the fan likely needs to be replaced.
Replacing a faulty vent fan is relatively straightforward and will get your Frigidaire dishwasher drying the dishes properly again.
4. Test the Door Switch
The door switch is a safety device that prevents the dishwasher from running if the door is open.
If you find that, along with drying issues, your dishwasher is having draining problems, you might want to explore this article on Frigidaire dishwasher not draining.
Use a multimeter to check the door switch for continuity while the dishwasher door is closed.
If the multimeter reads an open circuit, that indicates a faulty door switch that needs replacing.
If the door switch malfunctions, the dishwasher control thinks the door is still open and prevents the drying cycle from starting.
Replacing a bad door switch will resolve the issue of your Frigidaire dishwasher not starting to dry the dishes.
5. Check Water Pressure
Adequate water pressure ensures the dishwasher can properly fill with water and heat it to the optimal temperature for washing and drying dishes.
Check that the dishwasher is connected to the hot water supply line. Use a water pressure gauge to measure the water pressure at the house. Ideally, you want around 20-120 psi of water pressure.
If the pressure reads lower, there may be clogged water filters or issues with the home’s water supply plumbing. It can also result in the Frigidaire dishwasher washing problem.
Increasing the water pressure gives the dishwasher the optimal water flow to wash and dry dishes effectively.
6. Reset the Frigidaire Dishwasher
Completing a reset of the dishwasher can resolve the problem for many glitches.
To reset your Frigidaire dishwasher, turn off the power to the unit at the breaker for 1 full minute.
Restore power after a minute and run a normal wash cycle. Allow the cycle to complete fully. Many control faults will clear after performing this power reset.
If the drying problem persists, it is advised to call a professional. But a reset is a good place to start troubleshooting a Frigidaire dishwasher drying issue.
If you have any other brand and facing the same problem, you can check out our blog on fixing the Bosch dishwasher not drying dishes.
Final Words
At the end of the day, you want a dishwasher that dries properly.
While a Frigidaire dishwasher not drying dishes can be frustrating, targeted troubleshooting and maintenance are often all that’s needed to fix it.
Inspect the vent and clear any debris so moist air can vent out. Check key components like the heating element, vent fan, and door switch.
Replace faulty parts as needed. Optimize water pressure and do a reset.
With some elbow grease going through the troubleshooting, you can fix your Frigidaire’s drying issue.
If problems persist after trying suggested fixes, contact a professional repair technician to get your dishwasher working its best.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.