Frigidaire Dishwasher Fills But Does Not Wash (Troubleshooting Tips)

Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by River Tree Farms

Are you trying to run your Frigidaire dishwasher, only to find that it fills with water and does not go into the wash cycle? I know this can be frustrating since the Frigidaire dishwasher design automatically start the wash cycle once you click the start button.

When the Frigidaire dishwasher fills but does not wash, the leading cause will likely be the wash motor. The motor will not be running as it is supposed to, or it isn’t very correct. The main Frigidaire dishwasher problem is the motor.

If you are in this nasty situation, this article will help you figure out why the Frigidaire dishwasher will not go into the wash cycle after the water fill and how to fix the problem.

Why is my frigidaire dishwasher filling and draining but not washing?

Why is my frigidaire dishwasher filling and draining but not washing

1. Wash Motor Failure

Does your Frigidaire dishwasher produce a different sound from the norm? Is it a humming noise, or maybe it ultimately does not make any sound? The wash motor is the one that provides power by swishing the water inside the dishwasher in the washing cycle.

When the wash motor is not functioning correctly, the Frigidaire dishwasher will not go into the wash cycle.

What will make the Frigidaire wash motor fail to work?

  • Blockage: Glassware or scale rocks will block the motor
  • No motor Lubrication
  • Motor break down

Frigidaire dishwasher motor blockage

Glass can break in the washing process and may move down to the motor and interrupt the motor’s spinning.

Likewise, the scales may have accumulated and formed a rock-like scale that blocks the wash motor. If the wash motor has a blockage and cannot spin freely, the Frigidaire dishwasher will not go into the wash cycle.

What causes the motor scales in the Frigidaire dishwasher? The rock scales result from the accumulation of mineral deposits found in hard water. These minerals will leave mineral deposits in the dishwasher and accumulate over time, forming a layer of scales that can find their way to the motor in the functioning process.

Frigidaire dishwasher motor lubrication  

The motor will stop spinning due to poor lubrication in the spinning teeth.                                          

Frigidaire dishwasher motor Breakdown

The motor breaks down after a long time of usage. That will be after quite a long time. Please note that we are not saying that your wash motor must break down, but it is a possible reason for your Frigidaire dishwasher problems.

The motor may also be experiencing power supply problems. There may be a broken power supply or unmatched supply that will disrupt the wash motor’s working condition.

You can use a multimeter to check the condition of the Frigidaire dishwasher wash motor concerning the power supply in these simple steps:

  • Remove the electrical connector from the dishwasher motor
  • Put the multimeter in the connector
  • It should have at least 120 volt reading

2. Blocked Spray Arms

If the Frigidaire sprays arms blocks, the Frigidaire dishwasher will not go into the wash cycle. It must be a severe blockage due to not washing them for long. Yes! A dishwasher also needs cleaning to avoid dirt accumulation causing blockages.

Such blockages are commonly known to come from the lime scales on the spray arms.

The spray arms can also be damaged.

Faulty Printed circuit board/panel

It is the ‘motherboard’ of your Frigidaire dishwasher. It is the central part of the functionality of the dishwasher, which may cause Frigidaire dishwasher problems. Therefore,  your Frigidaire dishwasher will fill and drain the water, but it does not start the washing cycle.

If the faulty control board of the Frigidaire dishwasher is defective, you will not easily recognize it until you open up the dishwasher to the inner parts. It is located right behind the control panel. You can check for any physical damage or loose connections and repair what you can. Otherwise, if you are not a professional, you will need to contact customer service for such Frigidaire dishwasher problems to prevent further damage.

How do I fix these Frigidaire dishwasher problems?

fix Frigidaire dishwasher problems

1. Frigidaire Motor problems

Take the dishwasher cover off and remove the screws where necessary. The motor is located just near the surface of the body. Make sure the dishwasher is unplugged for safety.

  • Remove the glass pieces or scales physically from the motor. You can use a toothpick or handpick if possible.
  • Loosen the locked-up motor by manually trying to spin it around. You can also use silicone lubricant.
  • Contact customer service for the Frigidaire wash motor repair

2. Frigidaire Spray arms problems

Clean to remove any blockage. Use the toothpick to remain any dirt deposits.

3. Printed circuit board problems

It needs an expert intervention, so it is better to contact customer service.                                                                                     

We have seen that the culprit causing significant problems in the frigidaire dishwasher is the Scales caused by the mineral deposits.

How do you avoid scale formation in your Frigidaire Dishwasher?

  • Always keep the salt reservoir full because it softens the hard water.
  • Treat the tap water at home and use water filters.
  • Run the descale solution or vinegar into a dish-free dishwasher at least once a month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you reset Frigidaire Dishwasher?

Press the ‘Cancel’ button for 3 seconds or until there are light changes. The light may also disappear from the unit. The dishwasher will then go off. Please turn it on again after 5 minutes.

Why won’t my Frigidaire dishwasher wash?

It will not wash because the valve is clogged, and hence there is not enough supply of water to clean it. The valve can be defective, and the same result of insufficient water applies.

Why won’t my Frigidaire dishwasher run the wash cycle?

Primarily because of the power disconnection: tripping, loose plugging in, blown thermal fuses, or faulty cords. The control board can also be having a problem.

Conclusion

The Frigidaire dishwasher is an impressive dishwasher that offers excellent cleaning power, a whole host of features, large capacity, and user-friendly controls.

However, the Frigidaire dishwasher fills but does not wash, a common problem among users. Although it isn’t guaranteed to be an easy fix, there are some things you can try that have worked for others. If you take the time to check the tips in our article above and still come up short for assistance, you can contact Frigidaire dishwasher customer service. They can determine if there’s a more severe problem at hand that’ll require professional help.