Frigidaire FFCD2418US

This document is a Use & Care Guide for a Frigidaire Dishwasher, providing comprehensive instructions for its operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The dishwasher is designed to clean dishes by spraying a mixture of hot water and detergent through spray arms against soiled surfaces. It operates with energy-efficient motors for both wash and drain cycles, resulting in quieter operation compared to many older models. The cleaning process involves multiple water fills and drains, with soil particles being filtered and pumped out.

Function Description

The Frigidaire dishwasher offers various wash cycles and options to accommodate different soil levels and user preferences. The core function is to thoroughly clean and sanitize dishware, glassware, and cookware.

Wash Cycles:
- Heavy Wash: Recommended for pots, pans, casseroles, and dinnerware with light to heavily soiled loads. This cycle is designed for robust cleaning.
- Normal Wash: Suitable for lightly to heavily soiled loads, offering a balanced cleaning performance.
- 1 Hr Wash: A quicker cycle intended for lightly soiled loads only.
- Energy Saver: This cycle is designed to reduce energy consumption during operation.
- Rinse Only: Used for rinsing dishware that will be washed later, preventing food soils from drying and sticking.
Temperature Options:
- Sanitize Option: Elevates the final rinse water temperature to 155°F (68°C) and maintains it for 9 minutes, meeting NSF requirements for sanitization. This option is available in Heavy and Normal Cycles.
- High Temp Wash Option: Heats the main wash water to approximately 140°F (60°C), aiding in the removal of food grease and soil, and improving drying performance. This option is automatically included with the Heavy Wash cycle.
Drying Options:
- Heat Dry: When selected in combination with rinse aid, this option enhances drying performance. Users can choose not to use this option to save energy, though items may not be completely dry.
- Air Dry: Some cycles, like Rinse Only, utilize air dry only.

Usage Features

The dishwasher incorporates several features to enhance user convenience and cleaning effectiveness.

Detergent Dispenser: Features two cups: a smaller one for pre-wash and a larger one for the main wash. It's crucial to use fresh, household-grade automatic dishwashing detergent. The amount of detergent needed varies based on water hardness, with a detailed chart provided to guide users.
Rinse Aid Dispenser: Automatically releases a measured amount of rinse aid during the last rinse. Rinse aid is essential for improving drying, reducing water spots, and preventing filming. The dispenser has an adjustable setting to control the amount dispensed, and an indicator shows when it needs refilling.
Loading Flexibility:
- Top Rack: Designed for a wide variety of items, including cups, glasses, stemware, small plates, and bowls. It's recommended to load glasses and plastic items only in the top rack to prevent damage or melting. Items should be placed with open ends facing down for optimal cleaning and draining. Some models include a fold-down cup shelf or stemware holder for loading two levels of smaller items.
- Bottom Rack: Best suited for plates, saucers, bowls, and cookware. Larger items should be placed along the edge to avoid blocking spray arm rotation. Bowls, casseroles, and saucepans should face down or toward the center and be tilted for better drainage.
- Silverware Basket: Designed to hold silverware and utensils. Sharp items like knives and skewers should be loaded pointing down for safety. Mixing silver and stainless steel is discouraged to prevent damage. When covers are up, items should be mixed (some pointing up, some down) to prevent nesting, which can hinder water spray.
Cycle Memory: The dishwasher remembers the last cycle and options selected, allowing users to simply press the START/CANCEL pad to begin the same wash again.
Delay Start: Allows users to delay the start of a cycle for 4 hours.
Child Lock Controls: Prevents accidental changes to the cycle or starting the dishwasher by locking the controls. This is activated by pressing and holding the OPTIONS pad for 3 seconds while the door is latched.
Status Indicator Lights: Lights illuminate to indicate selected options (e.g., SANITIZE, HIGH TEMP WASH) and cycle status (e.g., SANITIZED, CLEAN). The SANITIZED light glows when the sanitize cycle is finished, and the CLEAN light comes on at the end of the cycle.
Adding a Dish Mid-Cycle: Instructions are provided for safely adding or removing items after a wash cycle has started, involving unlatching the door, waiting for wash action to stop, adding the item, and then closing the door and pressing START/CANCEL to resume.
Water Temperature and Pressure: The dishwasher requires hot water (at least 120°F/49°C) for best results. It also needs adequate water pressure (20-120 psi). The manual advises running hot water at the nearest faucet before starting a cycle to ensure hot water enters the dishwasher.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance helps ensure the dishwasher's longevity and optimal performance.

Outer Door Cleaning: Can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Harsh cleaners should be avoided.
Interior and Filter Cleaning: The interior and filter are generally self-cleaning with normal use. However, the tub gasket area can be cleaned with a damp cloth if needed.
Glass Trap: Located in the center of the filter, this trap collects larger debris like broken glass, straws, bones, and pits. Instructions are provided for removing and emptying the glass trap. It's crucial to ensure the spray arm and glass trap are fully snapped back into place after cleaning to prevent damage.
Overfill Protector: Located in the left front corner of the tub, this component prevents overfilling. It should move freely and can be cleaned with household cleaner containing vinegar or bleach to dissolve buildup.
Drain Air Gap (if installed): If a drain air gap is part of the installation, it should be checked and cleaned to ensure proper drainage. This component is external to the dishwasher and not covered by its warranty.
Hard Water Deposits: The manual addresses issues related to hard water, such as lime deposit buildup, spotting, and filming. It recommends using a water softener for very hard water and provides instructions for cleaning the interior using white vinegar.
Winterizing: For dishwashers in unheated locations, specific steps are outlined for disconnecting service and draining water to prevent freezing damage.
Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive "Before You Call" section helps users diagnose and resolve common issues such as food soils left on dishes, dishes not drying, spotted or cloudy glassware/flatware, chipped dishware, stained or discolored dishware, detergent left in cups, vapor at the vent, unusual sounds, water in the bottom of the tub, leaks, the dishwasher not filling or draining, and cycles taking too long. This section emphasizes proper loading, detergent usage, rinse aid levels, and water temperature.

Frigidaire FFCD2418US Specifications

General

Style	built in
Color	stainless steel
Load Capacity	14 place settings
Number of Cycles	5
Drying Type	heated & vented
Noise level	55 db
Control Type	touch sensor
Delay Start	4 hours; yes
Child Lock	yes
Spray Arms	3
Water Filter	poly
Water Softener	no
Food Disposer	hard; yes
Wi-Fi	no
Voltage	120 volts
Current	15