Different Frigidaire dishwasher users complain of various issues, but one of the most common is a Frigidaire dishwasher not starting. And unlike most issues, you cannot use a Frigidaire dishwasher that won’t start – at least not until you fix it, and that’s where this guide comes in.
A Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start for different reasons. That includes a software glitch, error code, incorrect setting, power supply or water supply fault, opened door, burnt thermal fuse, or component failure.
Concerning the last issue, the components to check include the control panel (which houses the start button), the motor, and the main control board. You can expect the dishwasher not to start the wash cycle when one of those components fails.
Intriguingly, not all these issues require an expert’s help. Most of them are easy DIY fixes, and with a guide like this, you can do it to save time and money. So, grab your toolbox, and let’s start fixing your dishwasher!
In a rush? Below is a quick Frigidaire dishwasher troubleshooting guide for the eight issues shared earlier (which I’ll also discuss in detail later):
Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Starting Cycle – Quick Fixes
| – | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
| 1. | Software Glitch | Reset your dishwasher |
| 2. | Error Code | Check out the meaning and cause of the error code and address it. |
| 3. | Incorrect Setting | Choose the right setting and firmly press ‘Start.’ |
| 4. | Power Supply Fault | Ensure your dishwasher has power (turns on). |
| 5. | Water Supply Fault | Ensure your dishwasher gets water. |
| 6. | Opened Door | Firmly latch the door, and if it won’t, check for a defective door latch or switch and replace it. |
| 7. | Burnt Thermal Fuse | Test the thermal fuse with a multimeter and replace it if it lacks continuity. |
| 8. | Component Failure | Replace a defective control panel, motor, or main control board. |
What Causes a Frigidaire Dishwasher Not to Start?
There are several things to check when a dishwasher won’t start. In the case of a Frigidaire dishwasher, here are some of the most likely causes:
1. Software Glitch
Occasionally, dishwashers experience an electronic glitch – just like other appliances. During such an event, the dishwasher freezes and doesn’t run.
While there’s no outright explanation for that, it’s never a serious issue, and all it takes to fix it is a power recycle, and I’ll share the how-to part next.
Fix
If your dishwasher has experienced a software glitch, you’ll need to recycle its power, and the best way to do it is to reset it.
Here’s how to reset a Frigidaire dishwasher:
Option 1 – Control Panel Reset
Unlike most dishwashers, Frigidaire dishwashers lack a dedicated reset button. Instead, they have the Start-Cancel switch on the control panel. However, if you have a Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher that won’t start, watch out for the Start-Resume button if you can’t locate the Start-Cancel option.
You should press Start-Cancel or Start-Resume for at least 3 seconds. Then, wait 5 minutes before trying to power the dishwasher back on and run it.
Option 2 – Hard Reset
You can also plug out your dishwasher from the power for at least 5 minutes and then restore it to the power. That’s what we call a hard reset, and it’s pretty effective even in addressing the next issue (error code).
2. Error Code
Your Frigidaire dishwasher is trying to tell you something and possibly point you to a fault if there’s an error code on display. So, you can’t disregard it, as it could be why it doesn’t start a cycle.
For example, the error code iC0 points to a control board fault, and when that’s the case, the dishwasher won’t run.
Other Frigidaire dishwasher error codes that could potentially stop the dishwasher from starting include:
- i10 (water supply fault)
- i50 (Motor failure)
- CD or Cl (opened door)
- PF (Power Failure)
Fix
Try any of the earlier shared reset techniques to clear the error code. If the error code won’t clear, you’ll need to look it up and address its likely cause.
I’ll explain all four issues to help you fix them just in case you cannot clear the error code with a reset.
3. Incorrect Setting
Have you selected any setting before pressing ‘start’? If not, then that could be the reason your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start.
But still, the selected setting could be all wrong, and we are talking about these options:
- Delay Time – As the name suggests, the ‘Delay Time’ setting delays the dishwasher from starting immediately but only at a set time.
- Child/Control Lock – Some Frigidaire dishwashers have the Child Lock function, and others have the Control Lock, but both options are alike. Their job is to stop any unintended access to the control panel, and since the start switch is part of the control panel, it becomes nonresponsive alongside the control panel.
- Demo Mode – The Demonstration ‘Demo’ Mode only allows you to see how the dishwasher runs but doesn’t allow the dishwasher to run. So, if this setting is active, your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start a dishwashing cycle.
Fix
Check if you are using the correct dishwashing cycle. If that’s not the case, re-select it. Meanwhile, cancel Delay Time, Child/Control Lock, or Demo Mode settings. The easiest way is to press cancel for a few seconds or reset the dishwasher.
4. Power Supply Fault
If your dishwasher won’t turn on when you press start, it’s most likely because it lacks power. Overall, here are some faults that could explain it:
- Power surge – You can expect the circuit breaker or GFCI interrupter to trip off during a power surge, and once that happens, the dishwasher doesn’t get enough power to run.
- Power cord fault – It could be that the power cord is damaged or loosely plugged into the wall socket, and in either case, the dishwasher won’t run as it’ll lack power.
- Circuit overload – Dishwashers can be heavy voltage consumers, so they may fail to start if they share a circuit with other heavy power users.
- Power outlet fault – It could be that you’ve not turned on the power switch, you are using an extension (and not the wall socket), or the electric outlet is defective. In any case, the dishwasher won’t get power.
Fix
Start by checking the circuit breaker or GFCI outlet for tripping and resetting it. Then, ensure the power cord is not damaged and firmly plug it into a working wall socket (not the power extension cord). If the dishwasher shares a circuit with other heavy appliances, ask for an expert’s help to dedicate a circuit to it.
5. Water Supply Fault
Your Frigidaire dishwasher needs ample water as much as it requires adequate power. If there’s an issue with the water supply, you can’t expect the dishwasher to start a dishwashing cycle. Yes, the appliance may turn on and blink its light, but it won’t run.
Generally, here are the issues to check when your dishwasher doesn’t get water:
- Leaky or kinked water inlet hose
- Disconnected water supply valve
- Low water pressure (less than 20 psi)
Fix
If the inlet hose leaks, which is a sign of damage, replace it. However, straighten it out if it’s kinked. While at it, ensure the water supply valves are turned on to allow water to flow to the inlet hose into the dishwasher.
If it’s neither of those issues, test the water pressure with a home water pressure gauge (View on Amazon) and call a plumber if the water pressure is less than 20 psi. Preferably, it should be 30 psi and above.
6. Opened Door
Could the dishwasher door be open – even slightly? If yes, then that’s likely why the dishwasher won’t start. While it may be a case of not firmly securing the door, it could be due to a defective door latch or switch.
Fix
Try to lock the door firmly. If it won’t latch, inspect the door latch for breakages and replace it if that’s so. However, if everything is okay with the door latch, test the door switch with a multimeter and get its replacement if it lacks continuity.
7. Burnt Thermal Fuse
Dishwashers typically have a built-in thermal fuse whose job is to protect them from a power surge. So, the thermal fuse burns out instead of the dishwasher overheating and burning. When that happens, the dishwasher doesn’t start because its power supply is disrupted.
Fix
Use your dishwasher manual to locate the thermal fuse, and when you do, test it with a multimeter and change it if it has no continuity.
8. Component Failure
Lastly, your Frigidaire dishwasher might not be starting because of a failed component, and it could be any of these three:
- Control panel – If the control panel is faulty, the start button and a few other buttons (not all) may not work, which means the dishwasher won’t start.
- Motor – If the motor is defective, it may hum so loud or fail to turn entirely, and that stops the dishwasher from starting.
- Main control board – If the main control board fails, all control panel buttons and display won’t work, which stops the dishwasher from running.
Fix
Replace the control panel if some buttons aren’t responsive and the main control board if none are. However, replace the motor if it’s humming loudly or won’t run.
Frigidaire Dishwasher Won’t Start Lights On
If your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start, but its lights are on, it’s not a power issue. And if so, here’s what to check when your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start but has power:
- Software glitch
- Fault code
- Unlatched door
- Failed water supply
- Burnt thermal fuse
- Damaged control panel – especially the start button
Frigidaire Dishwasher Start Button Not Responding
The start button needs to respond for the dishwasher to run. If it doesn’t, and in this case, a Frigidaire dishwasher doesn’t run, it could be because of any of these issues:
- Stuck start button
- Damaged control panel
- Defective main control board
- Dish overload
- Water supply fault
People Also Ask
1. How Do I Reset My Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Starting?
You can reset your Frigidaire dishwasher when it doesn’t start by pressing Start-Cancel or Start-Resume for at least 3 seconds and waiting five or more minutes before trying to restart it. Alternatively, unhook it from the power for 5 minutes and then restore its power.
2. Why Is My Frigidaire Dishwasher Blinking and Not Starting?
Your Frigidaire dishwasher is blinking but not starting because of a fault code, an improperly secured door, a failed power supply, or a clogged drain pump. And if that’s not it, it could be a faulty touchpad or heating element.
Concluding Thought on Your Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Starting:
Above are the eight must-checks when your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start. Remember, it could be an electronic glitch, fault code, incorrect dishwashing cycle, power supply fault, lack of water, an unfastened door, burnt thermal fuse, or a defective control panel, motor, or control board.