Informational Guide

Frigidaire Dishwasher Won't Start Or Turn On?

We break down how to troubleshoot & fix issues when your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start or is showing any of these 20 common error codes.

by Ian Haynes

Frigidaire dishwashers can be an incredible help when it comes to household chores. However, it can be difficult to perform proper maintenance and diagnostics when you do not know what the error codes mean.

In this article, we break down how to perform common maintenance tasks when your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start.  

1. Dishwasher Not Getting Power 

If you find that your dishwasher is not working or the panel lights do not light up, you may have an issue with the electrics. If you have not fixed electronic issues before, we recommend contacting a professional for help. If you have worked on electronics before, there are a few things that can be done: 

  • Check if the breaker is tripped and flip the switch back. 
  • Check the junction box connection on the right-hand side. 
  • Turn the breaker off and check the wires. Remove any burnt wire and reconnect before flicking the breaker on. 
  • Check the thermal fuse on the control panel and replace it if faulty. 

2. Lock Button Issue 

You may find that your control panel lights are on or not responding. In this case, we recommend holding the lock button for three seconds. If this does not work, we recommend holding the Heat Dry Pad button for three seconds. You may want to wait five minutes or so after holding before checking if that fixed the issue.  

3. Touchpad Issue 

If your touch pad is not working, you may find that the ribbon cable is damaged or that the pad itself is faulty. Disassemble the front panel according to manual instructions, clean the ribbon with a dry clean cloth, and repair the contacts of the cable. If this does not work, you will need to replace your touchpad. 

4. Water Supply Issue 

  • Confirming that the supply valve is on 
  • Checking that the water inlet hoses are not damaged and secured properly. 
  • Test the pressure with a water gauge; if the psi is below 30, we recommend increasing the water pressure. 

5. Door Latch Or Door Latch Switch 

If your dishwasher does not start, you may find that the door latch or door latch switch is faulty. We recommend checking the door latch switch by using a multimeter or a continuity test. If you find that it does not help, you may need to replace the latch or the switch. 

6. Incorrect Dishwasher Settings 

If you find that your dishwasher is not starting, you may have selected the wrong setting, like an hour delay. Try holding cancel and selecting your desired cycle according to the manual.

Once that is done, ensure that you press start after choosing a cycle. You can change internal settings for your dishwasher by following the manual carefully. 

Frigidaire Dishwasher Won't Start

Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Codes (What They Mean) 

Modern technology has come so far that some machines can even talk to you; error codes are a machine’s way of telling you what is wrong to help you with maintenance steps.

Frigidaire dishwashers can also display error codes to help you if your Frigidaire dishwasher is not starting. We will break many of them down below.  

  • 1
    Error Code HO 
    This code means that there is a heat delay or low water temperature. The temperature will need to rise before the dishwasher can start. 
  • 2
    Error Code LO 
    LO means that there is low rinse aid in the dispenser. Adding more rinse aid should remove the code.  
  • 3
    Error Code PF 
    PF stands for Power Failure. This typically means that you have experienced a power outage or that the breaker went out. Try checking the breaker and opening and closing the dishwasher door. 
  • 4
    Error Code I10 
    I10 means that your dishwasher’s water level is abnormally low. Check for leaks or clogs in the water supply and that the valve is turned on. 
  • 5
    Error Codes I20, I40, Ifo 
    These codes mean that the drain line is restricted. Inspect your drain line carefully for damage or clogging. If this does not work, checking and cleaning the filter can help.  
  • 6
    Error Code I30 
    Error code I130 means that the bottom pan of the dishwasher has a leak in it. Check the hose connection for damage and that it is securely in. We also recommend ensuring that the dishwasher unit is level on the ground. 
  • 7
    Error Code I50 
    This code means that there has been a drain and wash motor failure. In this case, restart the unit by pressing and holding the cancel button or turning off the power at the breaker. 
  • 8
    Error Code ICO
    Error code ICO stands for an electronic control system failure. To fix this issue, follow the same steps we describe above for I50. 
  • 9
    Error Code UO 
    This error code is trying to tell you that the dishwasher vent is open. Inspect the vent assembly and wiring and fix according to manual instruction.  
  • 10
    Error Code UF 
    If you receive the error code UF, you may find that your vent is failing or that the fan is not running. We recommend following the steps described in the previous error code in this case. 
  • 11
    Error Code ER 
    Error code ER means that there may be a switch failure or stuck keys. If this code is shown, inspect the wiring between the keypad and main control board for damage or sticky residue. 
  • 12
    Error Code CE 
    Error code CE stands for a configuration error. In this case, follow the steps for the previous error code.  
  • 13
    Error Code CL 
    This error code means that the door needs to be closed. If you find that you cannot close your door, inspect the door for damage and check the connection between the door switch and the control panel for damage or corrosion. 
  • 14
    Error Code DP 
    DP stands for drain pump. This code will typically appear when you are doing a relay test, and the drain pump activates. 
  • 15
    Error Code FL 
    Error code FL means that the water valve is open; this should also show up when doing a relay test. 
  • 16
    Error Code HS 
    This code means that there is a hall sensor error in the motor. We recommend checking the wiring between the motor and the main control board. If fixing the connection does not work, you may need to replace the motor. 
  • 17
    Error Code RA 
    Error code RA stands for rinse aid reed switch failure. If you see this code, try refilling the rinse aid dispenser first. If that does not help, then inspect the connection between the dispenser and the main control board. If that does not work, you may need to replace the dispenser assembly.  
  • 18
    Error Code RE 
    RE means that the rinse aid switch in the dispenser is closed. 
  • 19
    Error Code RF 
    This error code means that the rinse aid reed switch is open. As with RA, we recommend refilling the dispenser or replacing it entirely. 
  • 20
    Error Code Rt 
    Error code RT means that the relay test mode on your dishwasher has begun. 
Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Starting

How To Reset Frigidaire Dishwasher: Easy Step By Step Guide 

All types of dishwasher brands run into issues eventually; resetting them is a common part of the maintenance and diagnostics process. Typically, the issues that dishwashers face can be summarized with a system failure, power failure, or wiring issues. 

Need to know how to reset your Frigidaire dishwasher? We have you covered. Depending on your Frigidaire dishwasher model, you can use one of two methods: 

  • You can hold cancel for three seconds 
  • You can turn it off at the breaker box 

In each case, wait five minutes after resetting to check if the problem has been resolved with a reset.  

Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Codes

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is there a fuse on a Frigidaire dishwasher? 

There is typically a thermal fuse on a Frigidaire dishwasher. This fuse will shut off power if it overheats and will not let the dishwasher start if it is down. 

How do I know if my dishwasher thermal fuse is blown? 

If your thermal fuse is blown, you will typically find that your dishwasher is not starting or that it is not drying properly. Dishes may also be dirtier than usual or not hot when removed from the dishwasher. 


Conclusion

You Frigidaire dishwasher not turning on does not have to be the end of the world. By using both your model’s manual and our tips above, you should find working with your dishwasher can be easy.

If you find that nothing works or that you have not worked with electronics before, we recommend calling in a qualified professional to help.  

Ian Haynes is an expert writer who has successfully deployed over 500 plumbing pages and other related content. He has an excellent understanding of home plumbing issues and translates his experiences via Plumbing Lab so readers can have a better understanding of common household problems. Outside of his work, Ian likes exploring Brooklyn with his Labrador.

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