Frigidaire dishwashers usually have a built-in troubleshooting feature that allows you to uncover and fix hidden faults. Yes, and we are talking about the Frigidaire dishwasher diagnostic mode, which results in error codes pointing to a particular problem.
All it takes to enter a Frigidaire dishwasher into diagnostic mode is to press the High-Temp and Start/Cancel buttons simultaneously until the dishwasher’s self-test starts. The self-test is initiated when code 01 appears on the display or the indicator lights come on.
Usually, the self-test phase, which kicks in after the dishwasher enters diagnostic, allows the dishwasher to check the various components, such as the drain pump, motor, and heater, for faults. If there are any, the dishwasher will display an error code at the end.
I’ll explain all the details you must know when troubleshooting a Frigidaire dishwasher. We’ll also look at the various error codes that may pop up and what to do about them.
Without much ado, let’s jump in!
Frigidaire Dishwasher Troubleshooting – The Guide
Frigidaire dishwashers occasionally fail, and it can be hard to tell the cause of the fault at first glance. If so, you may need to do three things when looking to troubleshoot a Frigidaire dishwasher, and they are as follows:
- Put the dishwasher on diagnostic mode
- Reset the error code if possible
- Research the error code if you can’t reset it
Let’s discuss these troubleshooting steps next.
Frigidaire Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode
Generally, you put your Frigidaire dishwasher on diagnostic mode to allow it to tell you what’s wrong with it. It does that by displaying an error code, and we’ll discuss that later.
‘But how do I run a diagnostic on my Frigidaire dishwasher?’ you may ask. Well, you can put your Frigidaire dishwasher on diagnostic mode by following these simple steps:
- Step 1 – Locate the High-Temp and Start/Cancel buttons on the control panel and press them consecutively until the dishwasher initiates the self-test.
- Step – Wait for code 01 or the control panel lights to appear to show that the dishwasher has entered diagnostic and started the self-test. Release the buttons once that’s the case.
- Step 3 – Note down any error code or blinking lights that appear, which are the fault signs you are looking for.
Remember, you can also know that the self-test cycle has initiated if the dishwasher starts to make some sound. As mentioned earlier, during this phase, the dishwasher self-examines its most critical parts, such as the drain pump, motor, and heating element.
Frigidaire Dishwasher Diagnostic Codes
You’ll likely find an error code once the dishwasher enters diagnostics and completes the self-test. So, it’s essential to know what to do about them, and here are the most typical Frigidaire dishwasher error codes to troubleshoot:
1. Error Code iC0
Meaning – Electronic Control System Fault
The error code iC0 appears when there’s an issue with the electronic control system. Since this unit is responsible for the general operations of the dishwasher, you cannot expect the dishwasher to run normally.
Fix – Reset the dishwasher to kick-start the electronic control system, and if that doesn’t work, seek an expert’s help diagnosing and possibly replacing the electronic control unit.
2. Error Code i10
Meaning – Low Water Level
Your dishwasher needs an adequate amount of water to wash the dishes. If the water isn’t enough, the dishwasher may even fail to run, and in such a case, the error code i10 may appear.
That could be a case of the water supply faucet being off, kinked hoses, or insufficient water pressure.
Fix – Ensure the water supply faucets are open, remove any kinks along the inlet hose, and call a plumber if the water pressure appears insufficient or due to any other plumbing issue.
3. Error Code i20, i40, or iF0
Meaning – Drainage Restriction
You can expect your Frigidaire dishwasher to communicate when it won’t drain properly. That’s often the case when the error code i20, i40, or iF0 pops up.
That could be a case of a clogged drain line or filter, which you must check out.
Fix – Clean the drain line and dishwasher filter from clogging to promote better drainage.
4. Error Code i30
Meaning – Water Leakage at the Base
If your Frigidaire dishwasher leaks at the base, the error code i30 may pop up. That often happens due to a clogged inlet valve, drain pump, or pressure sensor, which you should inspect.
Fix – Clean the water inlet valve, drain pump, and pressure sensor to eliminate any potential dirt clogging.
5. Error Code i50
Meaning – Wash/Drain Motor Fault
The error code i50 pops up when the wash/drain motor has an issue, so you must check it out.
Fix – In most cases, a reset helps to get the motor back working, but you may need to replace the drain motor if it doesn’t work.
6. Error Code i60
Meaning – Water Heater Fault
Suppose there’s an issue with your dishwasher’s water heater. Then, the dishwasher will communicate it to you. In such a case, the error code i60 appears on the display, possibly due to a defective thermostat or heating element.
Fix – Consider resetting the dishwasher first, and if the reset doesn’t work, inspect the thermostat and heating element with a multimeter and replace the component that lacks continuity.
7. Error Code ER
Meaning – Membrane Switch Fault
The dishwasher displays the error code ER to show an issue with the membrane switch. That could be an issue of pressing the keypad for too long and sometimes a stuck key.
Fix – Check for any long-pressed or stuck key, try to free it, and then reset the dishwasher. If that doesn’t work or the error won’t disappear, replace the faulty keypad.
8. Error Code LO
Meaning – Low Rinse-Aid
You’ll notice the error code LO when the rinse aid level drops. And since the rinse aid is critical for the wash and dry cycles, your dishwasher will struggle to wash and dry the dishes.
Fix – Replenish the rinse aid dispenser.
9. Error Code FL
Meaning – Water Valve Fault
The error code FL appears on a Frigidaire dishwasher when the water valve malfunctions. You’ve got to check it out.
Fix – Consider replacing the water inlet valve.
10. Error Code PF
Meaning – Power Failure
If your dishwasher doesn’t get enough power or there’s an issue with its voltage supply, the error code PF will pop up.
Fix – Reset the dishwasher and wait to see if the error code will appear. If it does, call a pro.
11. Error Code UO
Meaning – Vent Assembly or Main Control Board Fault
The error code UP appears on a Frigidaire dishwasher when the main control board detects a closed vent, perhaps a defective vent assembly. But still, it could be an issue with the main control board.
Fix – Replace the vent assembly; replace the main control board if that doesn’t work.
12. Error Code CL
Meaning – Unlatched Door
The error code CL may appear if your dishwasher door doesn’t latch properly. It could be an innocent case of not firmly shutting the door or just a defective door switch. And if the door switch is okay, the control board could be faulty.
Fix – Try to latch the dishwasher door firmly. If it doesn’t, replace the door switch. However, if that doesn’t work, replace the control board.
13. Error Code UF
Meaning – Fan Motor Won’t Run
You expect the fan motor to run for the dishwasher to dry the dishes properly. Sometimes, however, the fan motor doesn’t run, and the error code UF appears when that happens.
The cause could be a defective fan motor, vent assembly, or control board; you should check them in that order.
Fix – Consider replacing the fan motor; replace the vent assembly if that doesn’t work. Replace the main control board as your last resort.
14. Error Code CE
Meaning – Configuration Error
If there’s a faulty wiring connection between the control board and the keypad, the error code CE may appear on the control panel. Overall, this could be due to a defective keypad or control board.
Fix – Replace the keypad; replace the control board if that doesn’t work.
15. Error Code rA
Meaning – Rinse Aid Switch Fault
The error code rA pops up when the Rinse Aid Switch fails. At times, that could be a case of an empty Rinse Aid dispenser.
Fix – Replenish the Rinse Aid dispenser; call a pro if that doesn’t work.
16. Error Code dP
Meaning – Drain Pump Fault
The error code dP appears when there is an issue with the drain pump. The drain pump might be too filthy or defective in such a case.
Fix – Inspect the drain pump for filthiness and clean it. If that doesn’t work, replace the drain pump.
17. Error Code tu
Meaning – Turbidity Sensor Fault
A Frigidaire dishwasher may show the error code tu when the turbidity sensor fails.
Fix – Check the turbidity sensor for faulty wiring and fix it. But if you can’t find any, replace the turbidity sensor.
18. Error Code hs
Meaning – Hall Sensor Motor Fault
Lastly, the error code hs appears on a Frigidaire dishwasher when the hall sensor motor has an issue. It could be that the wiring connection between the motor and the control board is defective, and if that’s not it, the motor could be completely faulty.
Fix – Check the wiring connection, and if you cannot find any issue, replace the hall sensor motor.
Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Code Reset
I’ve repeatedly mentioned a reset because you can use it to clear some error codes. In that case, you wouldn’t even have to do any troubleshooting.
Here’s how to reset a Frigidaire dishwasher’s error codes:
Option 1 – Press ‘Cancel’ until the indicator lights on the control panel change or go off. That takes at least 3 seconds, and after that, wait 5 minutes for the dishwasher to factory reset before pressing ‘Start’ for about 1-2 seconds to restart the dishwasher.
Option 2 – Consider disconnecting the dishwasher from the power for at least 5 minutes. That requires you to flip off its circuit breaker or plug it out for the mentioned duration.
Concluding Thought:
Above is a quick guide to running the Frigidaire dishwasher diagnostic mode, which, as we’ve discussed, is a critical troubleshooting step. You can thus put your Frigidaire dishwasher on diagnostic mode, discover hidden fault codes, and clear them by addressing the underlying cause. If you can do that, you will save time and time, and more importantly, you’ll understand your dishwasher more.
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