If your dishwasher won’t start, you will have a hard time finding the reason. Sometimes, the reason is easy to fix; other times, it may take a trip to the appliance repair shop.
The most common reasons for the Frigidaire dishwasher not starting are power supply issues, broken door latch, no water or dish soap, weak electrical connections, clogged filters, and corrosion.
If you check all these likely causes and make any needed repairs, your dishwasher should start up with no further problems.
So, today, in this article, I will let you know how to diagnose and troubleshoot a problem when your Frigidaire dishwasher not turning on.
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How to Fix Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Starting?
Here’s a list of the most common problems that cause dishwashers not to start and the simple solutions you can try at home.
1. Power Supply Issue:
This is the most common cause of the dishwasher not starting. Basically, the power supply is what gives your dishwasher energy to run.
So, if the power supply is weak, the dishwasher will have difficulty getting going.
Your electric circuit breaker might have tripped due to several reasons. You could have overloaded it by using too many appliances simultaneously.
Your electrical outlet could be bad and not supplying enough electricity to your dishwasher. Or, it could be a problem with your fuse box or circuit breaker panel.
To check this, simply turn off the circuit breaker for your house that controls the power to your washer. Then, test your electrical wiring to your dishwasher for good ground and the correct voltage.
Without a good connection, your dishwasher will not get enough power to start. If you do not know how to test your electrical wiring, ask an electrician to do it for you.
2. Door Latch Problem:
The door latch on your dishwasher is in charge of keeping the door shut when the cycle begins.
Sometimes, when the door is left open for a long period of time, the mechanism can get stuck.
This is a sure way for dirt and grime to get into the washer. When the door gets stuck, it can prevent the dishwasher from starting.
If this is the case, ensure the door latch is not jammed. If it is not stuck, make sure the hinge pins are not loose.
If they are not loose, wipe down the area around the hinge pins with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt or grime that might have gotten lodged between them.
3. No Water or Dish Soap:
This is another common reason for the dishwasher not starting.
The amount of water and dish soap you add will depend on the detergent you use.
Detergents come in powder, liquid, or paste form. Detergent powders dissolve in water to make a soapy solution.
Detergent liquids do not require any water to make a solution. And some types of detergent paste require water to activate.
You can check to see if the proper amount of water and dish soap has been added to your dishwasher by opening the door and looking at the water level in the bottom of the washer.
Using the wrong detergent can also result in the Frigidaire dishwasher not cleaning dishes problem.
4. Water Supply Problem:
If there is not enough water in the water supply line coming from the city water supply, or the line is clogged, this will prevent the dishwasher from getting enough water to wash the dishes.
So, the first thing you should do is turn off the water to your house for as long as the dishwasher is plugged into an electrical outlet. Then, look for any debris that may be obstructing your water supply line.
Remove any dirt or debris from the Frigidaire dishwasher drain line using a garden trowel. Turn on the water and test your dishwasher to see whether the line is clear.
If the water does not flow freely to the dishwasher, then the problem lies with the water supply line.
5. Weak Electrical Connection:
Check the connection between the electrical outlet and the circuit breaker panel that powers your dishwasher.
If the connection is weak, this will prevent the dishwasher from getting enough electricity to operate.
To check this, simply unplug your dishwasher from the electrical outlet for as long as the dishwasher is plugged into the electrical outlet.
Then, plug the dishwasher back into the electrical outlet and turn the power switch on your dishwasher to the “on” position.
If the dishwasher does not start up after 30 seconds, the problem could be a weak connection at the outlet or the breaker panel.
If the dishwasher takes more than 30 seconds to start, it is probably a problem with your wiring.
Electrical fault can also cause the Frigidaire dishwasher not to dry dishes problem.
6. Lock Button Issue:
The lock button on the control panel of your dishwasher can get stuck. This is caused by food particles lodged in the mechanism holding the button down.
Remove the lock button with a pair of needle-nose pliers. It is possible that you will have to do this a few times until you obtain it for free.
7. Touch-pad Issue:
This is another common reason why the dishwasher will not start. Cleaning the touchpad on the dishwasher’s control panel is important. Clean the touchpad with a cotton swab.
If the dishwasher still does not start, then the problem might be in the wiring to the touchpad. If the problem persists, have a qualified technician check out the dishwasher for you.
How do I Reset my Frigidaire Dishwasher?
A reset is one of the easiest ways to address minor glitches.
Follow the below steps to reset the Frigidaire dishwasher:
- Power On: Begin by ensuring the dishwasher is powered on.
- Initiate Cancel: Firmly press and hold the ‘cancel’ button. Continue holding it down for a duration of 5 seconds.
- Patience is Key: Give your dishwasher a short break after releasing the ‘cancel’ button. Wait for about 5 to 10 minutes. This pause allows the internal systems to reset.
- Final Step: Now, press and hold the ‘start’ button for a span of 2 to 3 seconds.
Conclusion:
Remember that these are only a few of the most typical reasons why your Frigidaire dishwasher not starting.
Hopefully, after going through this list, you will have a good idea of the problems with your particular model dishwasher.
Now, let’s talk about how to ensure your dishwasher stays in good working condition.
First, ensure the wash cycle has enough water and detergent. You should also clean the components with a stiff brush or wire scrub brush at least once a month.
And, if you use plastic plates or bowls, you should wash them separately in the dishwasher.
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.