It’s no secret that Frigidaire is one of the top-rated and most trusted appliance brands on the market. With many customers investing in their products due to the company’s incredible quality standards. However, their dishwashers, in particular, are generally well-received and known for being remarkably effective, inexpensive and intuitive by design.
Although, since there is such a wide range of models, each with varying features, understanding how to reset your Frigidaire dishwasher is absolutely essential in ensuring it runs smoothly. So, in the following guide, we will go over all the ins and outs of Frigidaire dishwashers, and how to properly reset them.
Is there a Reset Button on a Frigidaire Dishwasher?
One of the first things people tend to look for when their Frigidaire dishwasher is not working is a reset button. Although, unfortunately, there is no pre-assigned reset button on Frigidaire dishwashers. Despite there being no dedicated reset button, you can reset the dishwasher manually using the control panel. Which we will go into full detail on below.
How to Reset a Frigidaire Dishwasher (Step-by-step) 
1. Hold down the cancel button
You will first need to press and hold down on the ‘Cancel’ button for (at least) 3 seconds or until the lights on the control panel change, which will force the water to drain out of the tub.
2. Wait (at least) 5 minutes
Next, you will want to wait at least 5 minutes to ensure that all the water has drained and that all of the old settings have officially reset.
3. Turn the dishwasher back on
Lastly, turn the dishwasher back on and try running a wash/rinse cycle with dishes inside and using little to no soap. Assuming things run as they should, you will have successfully reset your Frigidaire dishwasher.
Can You Do a Full Factory Reset on a Frigidaire Dishwasher?
Performing a factory reset on a dishwasher is the best way to completely clear the memory on the machine and remove any errors that might be present. Essentially returning all of the appliance’s settings back to their original factory state, which will wipe any stored data and likely fix the issue at hand.
For Frigidaire dishwashers, the only way to reset the unit back to its original factory settings is by performing the method mentioned above (disconnect the power, wait 5 minutes, and turn it back on). However, if the memory has not fully cleared, then you can try to run this method a second time but instead wait closer to one full hour before turning the appliance back on.
Why is My Frigidaire Dishwasher Reset Not Working?
If your Frigidaire dishwasher does not reset using the method mentioned above, don’t fret because there are various reasons why this could be happening and there’s like to be a solution somewhere. One reason why your Frigidaire dishwasher is not resetting properly could be because the power did not completely disconnect from simply shutting it off.
So, another method here would be to turn off the circuit breaker instead of turning off the dishwasher. Which will cut off the entire power supply entirely, removing any chance of the dishwasher not resetting. Once you’ve turned off the circuit breaker or cut off the direct power supply to the dishwasher, wait the same amount of time (5 minutes) before turning it back on and running a cycle.
This should reset your Frigidaire dishwasher, although, if it doesn’t then this could be a sign of something more serious, in which case you might need to call a repair service to fix the problem.
Frigidaire Dishwasher Trouble Shooting
How Can I Run a Diagnostic on my Frigidaire Dishwasher?
One of the benefits of owning a Frigidaire dishwasher is that they typically come with an incredibly helpful diagnostic mode. Which effectively runs a plethora of test cycles on vital components of the dishwasher to properly identify exactly what the problem is.
To run a diagnostic on a Frigidaire dishwasher, all you need to do is press the “High Temp” and the “Start/Cancel” buttons at the same time until to see the test initiate. For models without a display panel, the test cycle will begin when the indicator lights pop up at the top-edge door controls. For units with a display panel, you should see an “01” appear on the panel which will indicate that the test has begun.
My Frigidaire Dishwasher Won’t Turn On
If you ever run into a situation where your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t turn on and the display panel isn’t indicating why this is (or anything at all), then there’s likely to be a more serious problem at hand. To find out exactly what the problem is, you will need to first check the power source to ensure that it’s plugged in properly, working properly, and hasn’t been damaged.
If the direct power source or circuit breaker that powers the dishwasher is in good standing, then there is likely to be a problem with either the control panel or the door. The easiest way to tell if it’s an issue with the control panel is by pressing down on the buttons to see if they respond. If they do not respond (or only some do) then this likely indicates that they do not work and need to be replaced.
If the buttons are working properly, then the next step will be to check on the door of the dishwasher to make sure that it is working as designed. More specifically, you will want to check on the door latch to ensure that the door is shutting properly and that the door switch is working as it should. If either one of these components is faulty, then this could be causing your Frigidaire dishwasher to not turn on.
If none of these fix the problem, then there could be an issue with the thermal fuse or the main control board, which would require you to call a repair service to come to fix it.
Why is My Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining?
There are numerous reasons why a Frigidaire dishwasher might not be draining, although, it is most likely because the drain hose is blocked, the drainage valve is shut or the pump is broken.
If the pump is broken, then the water in the dishwasher will have difficulty pumping out of the unit and into the drain. You can identify if this is the problem by simply listening to the machine. If the dishwasher is silent when it’s supposed to be draining, then this probably means that the motor responsible for draining the water is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Although, if you still hear the water pumping out of the dishwasher, but the machine is not actually draining anything out, then this could indicate a deeper problem with the drain pump components.
The drainage valve is responsible for opening and closing to allow for water from the dishwasher to be pumped into the drainage hose. However, if the valve gets damaged or remains open, then dirty water can easily find its way back into the dishwasher, which can make it seam like the water is not properly draining. If the drainage valve is not working as designed, then this is likely because the solenoid or the main circuit board is broken, which will require professional assistance.
Lastly, there’s the drain hose, which is similar to the drainage valve in that it is responsible for ensuring that dirty water flows out of the dishwasher. However, as you can probably imagine, if dirty water is not draining properly then it is probably because the drain hose is clogged up with food debris or limescale build-up.
The good news is that the drain hose is also the easiest part to fix because you simply need to disconnect it from the dishwasher and remove any blockages.
What to Do if Your Frigidaire Dishwasher is Leaking?
Undoubtedly one of the most frustrating situations is when your dishwasher starts to leak. What’s even more annoying is that there’s no one reason why your dishwasher could be leaking, since there are various factors that could be contributing to this. For example, this could be due to you using the wrong detergent, particularly if you’re using a detergent that causes excess suds. Which as a result can push water out of the machine.
Another common reason why your Frigidaire dishwasher is leaking could be due to the fact that your dishwasher is overloaded or if the appliance is not aligned correctly. For the former, check to make sure that all of the items placed inside of the dishwasher are in the correct locations, and that you haven’t placed too many items in the dishwasher. And for the latter, you will need to look at the levelling feet to make sure that your dishwasher is aligned properly. Either one of these issues can cause your Frigidaire dishwasher to leak.
If none of these have fixed the problem of your Frigidaire dishwasher leaking, then there’s probably a bigger issue with the water inlet valve, drain pump, drain hose or the door seal. For any of the first three options, you will likely see the water leaking out of these components or not draining properly. Which will simply require you to unclog or replace the necessary pieces. Whereas if the door is not properly sealing, this could also lead the dishwasher to leak and will require you to replace the rubber seal around the edge of the door.
How Do You Reset a Flashing light on a Frigidaire Dishwasher?
It can certainly be alarming when lights start to flash on your Frigidaire dishwasher, but the good news is that you can reset these and erase any error messages with a hard reset. This will require you to completely shut off the entire power supply to the dishwasher by unplugging the unit from the wall or turning off the circuit breaker. After you’ve disconnected the machine from the power source, wait the standard 5 minutes and then you can safely turn it back on.
While this will in all likelihood clear the memory and stop the flashing light on the dishwasher, it’s also paramount to find the root of the problem by understanding the different error codes. Which we will go into more detail on below.
Error Codes and What they Mean
What is the Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Code ER?
When you see your Frigidaire dishwasher respond with an error code of ER, this is to indicate that there has been a membrane switch failure. Which means that one of the buttons is providing the wrong signal. To resolve this issue, you will need to check each one of the buttons on the control panel to ensure that they each work as intended, as well as the wiring behind the control panel. This could result in you replacing the entire keypad or control panel if the issue persists.
What is the Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Code i20?
A relatively common error code that you are likely to see if your Frigidaire dishwasher is having problems with is the i20 (i40 or iFO) error code. Any one of these codes is designed to indicate that the drainage line has become restricted or that the filters are clogged. The good news is that this requires you to simply check the drain hose for blockages or damages, and clean out the filters and the area around them. So long as everything is unclogged and connected properly, it should run smoothly once again.
What is the Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Code i30?
If you ever notice the error code of i30 show up on your Frigidaire dishwasher, this it to let you know that there is water leaking into the base of the dishwasher. Although, this is not a reason to worry yet because this should be pretty easy to fix. Start by checking the pressure sensor on the unit to ensure that it is clean and working, then check the drain valve to make sure that no food debris has gotten stuck and blocked water from passing through.
If neither of these fixes the problem, then check the drain pump mechanics and that the dishwasher is level. If the issue persists, you might need to consider calling a repair service.
What is the Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Code UO?
The UO error code is designed to inform you that the vent is open during a wash cycle. This happens when the main control panel does not receive a signal from the vent assembly that the vent plunger is closed. To fix this problem, you will need to check the wiring around the vent and the main control panel and replace any components that are not working as they should. If there’s no issue with the wiring, then you could have to replace the control panel or the vent.
What is the Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Code PF?
If you ever see a PF error code pop up on your Frigidaire dishwasher, this is to indicate that a power failure has occurred due to a 10% or more drop in power. To solve this issue, simply check that the power going through to the unit is sufficient enough to have it run smoothly, and then run a full reset on the dishwasher using the aforementioned method.
What is the Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Code CL?
When you notice the error code of CL appears on your Frigidaire dishwasher, this is to notify you that the control board has detected that the dishwasher door has not been closed properly. To fix this issue, simply ensure that the door is closed properly before checking the door switches to make sure they are not broken.
If both the door and the door switches are working as intended, then there could be a problem with the wiring between the door switches and the main control panel. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, then you will need to consider either calling a repair service to come and take a look or simply replace the entire control panel.
Related Questions
Do Frigidaire Dishwashers Have a Warranty?
One of the benefits of owning a Frigidaire dishwasher is that they’re expected to last for years to come. Although, no appliance is completely impenetrable, which is why it is essential to have a warranty in place. The good news is that all Frigidaire kitchen and laundry appliances will come with a one-year limited warranty. Which will typically cover any manufacturer responsibilities such as issues with the internal motor or components.
Luckily, Frigidaire also offers extended warranties through a third party and will generally cover repair and replacements costs, as well as labor costs if any issues pop up in the designated time covered in the warranty.
Do Frigidaire Dishwashers Need Regular Cleaning and Maintenance?
Much like any other appliance in your home, owning a Frigidaire dishwasher comes with the responsibility of having to properly and regularly maintain it. This means ensuring that all of the key components get cleaned out on a regular basis and that the machine runs at peak performance.
Fortunately, Frigidaire dishwashers are self-cleaning, so, all you need to do is put some vinegar and the dishwasher and let it run to clean out the entire unit. Always try your best to avoid hard chemical cleaners that can potentially damage your Frigidaire dishwasher.
Do Frigidaire Dishwashers Last Long?
The lifespan of any appliance, especially a dishwasher, is going to come down to how well you maintain it and how often you use it. That being said, many homeowners have noted that Frigidaire dishwashers can last anywhere from 8-12 years if you take care of them as intended.
Final Thoughts
While maybe not quite as popular a brand when it comes to dishwashers compared to some of its competitors, such as LG, Bosch, Whirlpool or KitchenAid. Frigidaire is still one of the industry-leading dishwasher brands due to its quality and inexpensive designs. Hopefully, our guide has provided you with the necessary information to reset your Frigidaire dishwasher if any issues arise and become a proud owner of one of the top appliances on the market.
Read our related reset articles:
- How to Reset a Samsung Dishwasher (Full Guide)
- How to Reset an LG Dishwasher (Full Guide)
- What Does the Red Light Mean on Levoit Air Purifiers?
- How to Reset a Bosch Dishwasher (Full Guide)
- How to Reset a Maytag Washer (Full Troubleshooting Guide)
- How to Reset a Whirlpool Washing Machine (Full Guide)
- How to Reset an Amana Washer (Full Troubleshooting Guide)
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.