This document describes the use and care of a Frigidaire dishwasher, providing comprehensive instructions for its operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Function Description
The Frigidaire dishwasher is designed to clean dishes, glassware, and cookware by spraying a mixture of hot water and detergent through spray arms against soiled surfaces. The cleaning process involves a series of water fills and drains, where water covers the filter area, is pumped through the spray arms, and then drains out, carrying soil particles through the filter. This cycle repeats as needed, with the number of water fills varying based on the selected cycle.
The dishwasher operates on regular house current (120V, 60Hz) and requires a dedicated 15-ampere circuit (or 20-ampere if connected with a food disposer). It features energy-efficient motors for both wash and drain portions of each cycle, resulting in quieter operation compared to older models. The wash action alternates between lower and upper spray arms, creating distinct sounds during operation.
Key components include a shower nozzle, top rack, middle spray arm, lower rack, silverware basket, overfill protector, rinse aid dispenser, detergent dispenser, glass trap, and heating element. The dishwasher is equipped with an automatic sensor that checks incoming water temperature and lengthens the cycle for automatic water heating if the water is not hot enough, even without the HIGH TEMP WASH option selected.
Usage Features
The dishwasher offers several wash cycles and options to accommodate various soil levels and user preferences:
Wash Cycles:
- Heavy Wash: Recommended for pots, pans, casseroles, and dinnerware with light to heavily soiled loads.
- Normal Wash: Suitable for lightly to heavily soiled loads.
- 1 Hr Wash: Designed for lightly soiled loads only.
- Energy Saver: A cycle aimed at reducing dishwasher energy consumption.
- Rinse Only: For rinsing dishware that will be washed later.
Option Selections:
- Sanitize Option: Raises the final rinse water temperature to 155°F (68°C) and maintains it for 9 minutes to sanitize dishes and glassware. This option is available in Heavy and Normal Cycles and meets NSF requirements. The cycle time extends until the proper temperature is reached.
- High Temp Wash Option: Heats water in the main wash to approximately 140°F (60°C) to enhance detergent effectiveness against food grease and soil, and improve drying. This option is available with all cycles except RINSE ONLY and is automatically included with the HEAVY WASH cycle.
- Heat Dry: When combined with rinse aid, this option improves drying performance. Users can choose not to select it, but items may not be completely dry.
- Delay Start: Allows users to delay the start of the dishwasher for 4 hours.
- Child Lock Controls: Locks the dishwasher controls to prevent accidental changes or starts by pressing the OPTIONS pad for 3 seconds while the door is latched.
Loading Dishes:
- Dish Preparation: Large food pieces, bones, pits, and toothpicks should be scraped away. Burned-on foods should be loosened. Liquids from glasses and cups must be emptied. Pre-rinsing or using the Rinse Only cycle is recommended for foods like mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and tomato-based products to prevent discoloration if the dishwasher is not run immediately.
- Top Rack: Designed for cups, glasses, stemware, small plates, and bowls. Glasses and plastic items should be loaded in the top rack only. Items should be placed with open ends facing down for better cleaning and draining. Delicate items should not touch each other. Long-handled knives and utensils can also be placed here. Some models include a fold-down cup shelf or stemware holder for loading two levels of items.
- Bottom Rack: Best for plates, saucers, bowls, and cookware. Large items should be placed along the edge to avoid blocking spray arm rotation. Bowls, casseroles, and saucepans should face down or toward the center, tilted slightly for drainage. Pan handles should not protrude through the bottom of the rack.
- Silverware Basket: Sharp items (knives, skewers) should be loaded pointing down to reduce injury risk. Silver and stainless items should not be mixed to prevent damage to the silver finish. Items should be mixed in each section with some pointing up and some down to avoid nesting, which can block water spray.
Detergent and Rinse Aid:
- Detergent Dispenser: Has two cups: a smaller one for pre-wash and a larger one for main wash. Only fresh, household-grade automatic dishwashing detergent should be used. Detergent tabs should be placed in the main wash cup. The amount of detergent depends on water hardness (measured in grains per gallon). Too little detergent can lead to poor cleaning and spotting, while too much in soft water can cause etching.
- Rinse Aid Dispenser: Automatically releases a measured amount of rinse aid during the last rinse to improve drying, reduce water spots and filming, and lubricate wash arm bearings. The amount dispensed can be adjusted by rotating a dial under the dispenser cap. The indicator darkens when full and clears when it needs refilling.
Starting a Cycle:
- Load the dishwasher.
- Add detergent.
- Add rinse aid (if needed).
- Close the door firmly.
- Select the desired CYCLE and OPTION.
- Run the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher until the water is hot, then turn it off.
- Press the START/CANCEL pad.
The dishwasher remembers the last cycle and options selected, allowing for quick restarts by simply pressing START/CANCEL. If the door is opened during a cycle, the START/CANCEL pad must be pressed and the door closed immediately within 10 minutes to resume.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of the dishwasher.
Cleaning:
- Outer Door: Clean with warm soapy water and a dishcloth or sponge, then rinse with clean water and dry. Avoid harsh cleaners.
- Inside and Filter: The interior and filter are self-cleaning with normal use. The tub gasket area can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
- Glass Trap: Located in the center of the filter, it collects broken glass, straws, bones, and pits. To empty, grasp the handle, rotate 90° clockwise while pressing down on the wash arm, then lift the spray arm and glass trap assembly. Tip the assembly to empty, or separate the glass trap by pulling its handle toward you, then up, to slide it away. Reinstall by pressing down on the arm and rotating the handle 90° counterclockwise, ensuring it is fully snapped in place to prevent damage.
- Overfill Protector: Located in the left front corner of the tub, it prevents overfilling. It should move freely about one inch. If it doesn't, lift and clean underneath. It can be cleaned with a household cleaner containing vinegar or bleach.
- Drain Air Gap: If installed, check to ensure it is clean for proper draining. This is usually mounted on the countertop and can be inspected by removing its cover. (Note: This is not part of the dishwasher and is not covered by warranty).
Troubleshooting and Care:
- Hard Water: Can cause lime deposit buildup, spots, and film. A water softener is recommended for very hard water. To remove buildup and film, run a NORMAL WASH cycle with clean dishes and glasses (no metal utensils), no detergent, and pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher after the second water fill (approx. 10 minutes).
- Winterizing: If the dishwasher is in an unheated place, it must be protected from freezing. A qualified person should disconnect electrical power, shut off the water supply, drain the water line from the inlet valve, and drain the drain line from the pump. To restore service, reconnect all lines, turn on power and water, fill both detergent cups, and run a HEAVY WASH cycle, checking for leaks.
- Dishware Chipped: Load with care, avoid overloading, place delicate items in the top rack, secure glasses against pins, and move racks slowly. Hand-wash fine antique china and crystal.
- Dishware Stained or Discolored: Tea and coffee stains can be removed by hand-washing in a solution of 1/2 cup (120 ml) bleach and one quart (1L) of warm water. Iron deposits causing yellow/brown film may require a special filter in the water supply line. Aluminum utensils can leave gray/black marks if they rub against other items; load properly. High-acid foods can discolor stainless steel and plastics if left for long periods; use Rinse Only cycle or rinse by hand if not operating immediately. Avoid mixing stainless steel and silver utensils in the silverware basket to prevent pitting.
- Etching: Caused by too much detergent, especially in soft water. Adjust detergent amount based on water hardness and consider selecting the Normal Cycle to lower water temperature.
- Detergent Left in Cups: Ensure detergent is fresh, the dish load doesn't block the spray, the cycle is complete, and items don't prevent the dispenser from opening.
- Vapor at Vent: Normal during the drying cycle. Spilled rinse aid can cause foam and overflow; wipe up spills. Ensure the dishwasher is level.
- Water in Bottom of Tub: If water remains after a cycle, the dishwasher may not be draining properly.
- Dishwasher Leaks: Check that the door gasket is properly seated, rinse aid spills are wiped up, the dishwasher is level, and the correct amount of detergent for automatic dishwashers is used to avoid oversudsing.
- Dishwasher Won't Run: Check circuit breaker/fuse, water supply, cycle settings, Delay Start option, door closure, and ensure START/CANCEL was pressed.
- Stains on Tub Interior: Pink/orange stains from tomato-based soil are normal and will fade. Pre-rinsing or Rinse Only cycle can reduce staining.
- Opening Door During Cycle: If opened, press START/CANCEL and close door within 10 minutes to resume.
The manual emphasizes the importance of hot water (at least 120°F/49°C) and adequate water pressure (20-120 psi) for optimal cleaning and drying. It also advises against using industrial-grade detergents, as they can damage the heating coil and other parts.
To Next Page
Need help?
General
Weight and Dimensions
