Frigidaire Dishwasher Use & Care

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Frigidaire. This manual provides essential information for operating and maintaining your dishwasher. For helpful tips, videos, and accessories, visit www.frigidaire.com. You can also contact us via chat or phone for assistance.

Product Information:

• Model Number: [Model Number]
• Serial Number: [Serial Number]
• Purchase Date: [Purchase Date]

Notes:

• Clean filters regularly for optimal wash performance. Refer to the "Recommended Frequency to Clean Your Filters" section.
• This dishwasher is quieter than most. It features energy-efficient motors for wash and drain cycles. You may hear the drain motor or the sound of water filling the tub.
• The dishwasher remembers your last cycle. To repeat the same cycle and options, press the START pad.
• Not all cycles and options are available on all models.
• Energy-efficient units may have longer wash cycles due to factors that use less energy.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: Please read all instructions before using this dishwasher.

• Use the dishwasher only as instructed in this manual.
• Use common sense and caution when installing, operating, and maintaining the appliance.
• NSF certified residential dishwashers are not intended for licensed food establishments.
• The dishwasher MUST BE ELECTRICALLY GROUNDED. Refer to Installation Instructions.
• Operate on regular house current (120V, 60Hz) with a 15-ampere fuse or circuit breaker. Use a 20-ampere fuse if connected with a food disposer.
• Do not operate the dishwasher unless all enclosure panels are in place.
• Remove the door or door latch mechanism from discarded dishwashers to prevent entrapment or suffocation.
• Keep young children and infants away from the operating dishwasher.
• Do not let children abuse, sit, stand, or play on the dishwasher door or racks.
• Use only recommended detergents and rinse agents.
• Store detergents and rinse agents out of children's reach.
• Do not wash plastic items unless marked "Dishwasher Safe." Check manufacturer recommendations if unsure. Items not marked may melt and create a fire hazard.
• Disconnect electrical power before servicing.
• If the dishwasher drains into a food disposer, ensure the disposer is empty before running the dishwasher.
• Repairs should be done by a qualified technician.
• Do not tamper with controls.
• Avoid touching the heating element during or immediately after operation.
• Use care when unloading the dishwasher after the Sanitize option has been selected, as contents may be hot.
• Water vapor from the vent may be hot; use care and keep children away from the vent area.
• When loading, locate sharp items and knives with handles up to reduce the risk of cut-type injuries.
• Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in a hot water system not used for 2 weeks or more. Hydrogen gas is explosive. If the hot water system has not been used for a period, turn on hot water for several minutes before using the dishwasher to release accumulated gas. Do not smoke or use an open flame during this time.
• Do not store or use flammable vapors and liquids near the appliance.

Safety Definitions:

• DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
• IMPORTANT: Indicates installation, operation, or maintenance information that is important but not hazard-related.

Child Safety: Destroy or recycle carton, plastic bags, and wrapping material immediately after unpacking. Children should NEVER use these items to play, as they can cause suffocation.

Safety Instructions:

• DO NOT store or use gasoline or other flammable liquids near the appliance. Read product labels for warnings.
• Remove all staples from the carton to prevent cuts and damage to finishes.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Features

Your dishwasher cleans by spraying hot water and detergent through spray arms. The process involves filling with water, pumping water through spray arms, and draining soil particles. The number of water fills varies by cycle.

Key Components:

• A: Nozzle or Spray Arm (inside the unit)
• B: Top Rack
• C: Serial Label (on right side)
• D: Lower Rack
• E: Silverware Basket
• F: Glass Trap
• G: Heating Element
• H: Rinse Aid Compartment
• I: Detergent Dispenser
• J: Overfill Protector
• K: Lower Spray Arm
• L: Middle Spray Arm

Features may vary according to model.

IMPORTANT: Accessories are available for purchase at Frigidaire.com or by calling customer service.

Controls and Settings

The control panel features various buttons and indicators for operating the dishwasher. Lights on the console remain on once the door is shut and the cycle begins.

DishSense™ Technology: This technology senses the soil level on dishes and adjusts the cycle accordingly.

CAUTION: Ensure water is connected and turned on before starting the dishwasher to prevent damage to the pump seal and potential water leakage.

Recommended Cycle: The Normal Wash cycle with normal temperature and heated dry offers the best all-around performance for everyday use with various load sizes and soil levels.

Wash Cycle Selections:

• Cycle times are approximate and vary with selected options. Hot water is necessary for detergent activation and soil removal. The cycle may lengthen to heat water if the incoming temperature is insufficient. High Wash Temp option increases temperature for heavier soil loads.
• START/Cancel Button: Press to start the cycle after selecting options and closing the door. Press and hold for 3 seconds to cancel a cycle and return to standby mode. A 90-second drain will initiate.

Status Indicator Lights: Console lights indicate cycle selection and status. The "Clean" light illuminates upon cycle completion. The "Sanitization" light indicates if the Sanitize option was selected and achieved.

Option Selections:

• Wash Mode: Normal (default, optimal pressure), Quiet & Gentle (lower pressure for reduced noise, for lightly soiled loads).
• Wash Temp: Select Normal, High, or Sanitize. Sanitize option raises final rinse temperature to 156°F (69°C) for NSF requirements. Requires incoming water temperature of at least 120°F (49°C).
• High Wash Temp Option: Heats water to approximately 140°F (60°C) for better cleaning and drying. Available on Heavy Wash and Normal Wash cycles.
• Dry Options: Heat Dry (default, enhances drying with rinse aid) or Max Dry (extends drying time by approx. 20 minutes, not available on China Crystal, Energy Saver, or Rinse Only cycles). Not selecting a dry option may result in incomplete drying.

Operating Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Load dishwasher.
2. Add detergent.
3. Add rinse aid, if needed.
4. Run hot water faucet until hot, then turn off.
5. Select desired Cycle.
6. Select desired Option.
7. Press START/Cancel and close door immediately.

To Start a Cycle: Select cycle and options, then press START/Cancel and close the door.

To Cancel a Cycle and Delay Cycle: Open door, press START/Cancel until LEDs turn off. Press START/Cancel again and close door to initiate a drain. A new cycle can be selected after the drain.

Opening the Door During Cycle: Open the door, wait for wash action to stop, then press START/Cancel and close the door within 4 seconds to resume. If the door is left open too long or closed without pressing START/Cancel, the cycle will be canceled.

Console Lights: To keep console lights off during operation, press and hold "Heavy Wash" and "Rinse Only" simultaneously for 8 seconds until lights flash. Repeat to re-enable lights.

Floor Light Beam: A green light on the floor indicates wash completion. A blue light indicates the wash cycle is operating.

Cycle and Option Chart

The DishSense™ Technology adjusts cycles based on soil level. Cycle times vary based on options and incoming water temperature.

* Cycle uses Soil Sensing feature to determine best Wash performance.

Care and Cleaning

Dish Preparation:

• Scrape away large food pieces. Loosen burned-on foods before loading. Empty liquids from glasses and cups.
• Foods like mustard, mayonnaise, and tomato-based products may cause discoloration if left for a long period. Pre-rinse or use Rinse Only cycle if not operating immediately.
• Load racks so large items do not block the detergent dispenser.
• Check manufacturer recommendations for washing items.
• If draining into a food disposer, ensure it is empty before starting.
• Long-handled knives and utensils can be placed in the top rack. Ensure nothing protrudes through the bottom of the rack to block the middle spray arm.

Loading the Top Rack:

• The upper rack is for cups, glasses, stemware, small plates, bowls, etc.
• Load glasses and plastic items in the top rack only.
• Load items with open ends facing down for better cleaning and draining.
• Avoid delicate items touching each other.

Adjustable Upper Rack: To raise or lower the upper rack, press the lever towards the center and pull/push the rack accordingly.

Loading the Bottom Rack:

• The lower rack is best for plates, saucers, bowls, and cookware. Place large items along the edge to avoid blocking spray arm rotation.
• Place bowls, casseroles, and sauce pans with soiled surfaces facing down and toward the center. Tilt slightly for better drainage.
• Spin the middle spray arm to ensure tall items do not block rotation.
• Ensure pan handles do not protrude through the bottom of the rack to block the lower spray arm rotation.

Loading the Silverware Basket:

• CAUTION: Load sharp items (knives, skewers, etc.) pointing down to prevent injury.
• Load silverware in the bottom rack or remove the basket for loading.
• Use covered sections for small items like lids.
• Use suggested loading patterns to increase washability.
• Ensure nothing protrudes through the bottom of the basket or rack to block the spray arm.
• Do not mix silver and stainless steel to avoid damaging silver finish.
• Mix items with covers up in each section, some pointing up and some down, to prevent nesting.

Adding a Dish:

• Unlatch door, wait for wash action to stop, then add item. Close door to near-closed position and wait for air to expand. Press START/Cancel and close door firmly within 4 seconds to resume.
• WARNING: Open door slowly and carefully to avoid hot water squirting out.

Filling the Detergent Dispenser:

• The dispenser has two cups: pre-wash and main wash.
• Use only fresh automatic dishwashing detergent. Other detergents may cause oversudsing.
• For tablets or packets, use one and place in the main wash cup.
• Add detergent just before starting the cycle.
• Store detergent in a cool, dry location.

Detergent Usage Chart: Refer to the chart for recommended detergent amounts based on water hardness and cycle.

CAUTION: Use only household grade automatic dishwasher detergents. Industrial grade detergents can damage the unit.

Rinse Aid:

• Rinse aid improves drying and reduces water spots.
• A dispenser automatically releases rinse aid during the last rinse.
• Adjust the dial to increase rinse aid if spotting or poor drying occurs. The indicator shows when it's time to refill.
• To add rinse aid, turn the dispense cap counterclockwise, lift, and pour. Do not overfill.
• The dispenser holds enough for 35 to 140 washes.

Water Pressure: Ensure water pressure is between 20 and 120 psi. Low pressure may affect performance. Wait until water use is reduced if experiencing issues.

Water Temperature: Hot water (at least 120°F/49°C) is needed for best results. Check temperature by running hot water into a thermometer.

IMPORTANT: Before starting a cycle, run hot water to clear cool water from pipes.

Cleaning the Interior:

• WARNING: Allow heating element to cool before cleaning the interior to prevent burns.
• Outer Door: Clean with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry. Do not use harsh cleaners.
• Inside: The inside and filter are self-cleaning. Clean the tub gasket area with a damp cloth.
• Glass Trap: Located in the center of the filter, it collects debris. Pull the handle up and out to remove, empty, and slide back into position to lock.
• Overfill Protector: Located in the left front corner, it keeps the dishwasher from overfilling. Ensure it moves freely. Clean underneath if it does not move.

NOTE: Hard water may cause lime deposit buildup. Refer to "Removing Spots and film" section for cleaning instructions.

Troubleshooting

Food Soils Left on Dishes:

• Try a different cycle.
• Check rack loading for proper placement.
• Ensure adequate home water pressure (20-120 psi).
• Verify incoming water temperature is at least 120°F (49°C).
• Check water hardness; consider a water softener for extremely hard water.
• Use fresh detergent.
• Ensure items are not blocking spray arms.
• Do not overload the dishwasher.
• Verify the glass trap is maintained and installed properly.

Dishes Not Dry:

• Select Heat or MaxBoost™ option.
• Ensure rinse aid dispenser is filled.
• Increase rinse aid discharge setting.
• Check incoming water temperature (at least 120°F/49°C).
• Check for proper loading to avoid nesting items.
• Load cups with concave bottoms at the far left and right of the upper rack in a tilted position.
• Place dishware with concave surfaces angled down for drainage.
• Plastic items may need towel drying.

Glassware/Flatware Spotted or Cloudy:

• Check water hardness; consider a water softener.
• Ensure water temperature is not too low or too high.
• Avoid overloading and improper loading.
• Use fresh detergent; old detergent is ineffective.
• Ensure rinse aid dispenser is filled.
• Use the correct amount of detergent for the selected cycle.
• Ensure adequate home water pressure (20-120 psi).

Dishware Chipped:

• Load with care and do not overload.
• Place delicate items in the top rack.
• Place glasses securely against pins.
• Load items so they are secure and do not move when racks are adjusted. Move racks slowly.
• Ensure tall glasses and stemware clear the top of the tub.
• Hand-wash fine antique china and crystal.

Vapor at Vent: Spilled rinse aid can cause foam and lead to overflowing. Wipe up spills.

Dishware Stained or Discolored:

• Tea and coffee stains can be removed with a bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly.
• Iron deposits can cause a yellow/brown film. A special filter may correct this.
• Aluminum utensils may leave marks; load properly.
• Certain high acid foods can cause discoloration; use Rinse Only cycle or rinse by hand.
• Avoid mixing stainless steel and silver utensils in the silverware basket to prevent pitting.

Water in Bottom of Tub: Water left in the tub bottom after the cycle is complete is not normal and may indicate a draining issue.

Cycle Takes a Long Time: The cycle may have been automatically lengthened due to cool water supply, large load, or selected options. Delay Start option may be selected. Choose lower temperature options or soil-sensing cycles may result in longer wash times.

Etching: Using too much detergent, especially in soft water, can cause etching. Adjust detergent based on water hardness. Lower water temperature if necessary.

Detergent Left in Cups: Detergent may be old. Use fresh detergent. Ensure the load does not block the detergent cup. Check if the cycle is completed.

Dishwasher Leaks: Check door gasket, ensure the dishwasher is level, avoid oversudsing, and check installation instructions.

Normal Sounds: Normal sounds include water fill, spray, draining, and motor sounds. Changes in sound when spray arms switch or pauses are normal.

Dishwasher Won't Run: Check circuit breaker/fuse, water supply, cycle selection, Delay Start option, and ensure START/Cancel button is pressed and door is latched.

Dishwasher Won't Fill: Ensure water supply is on and the overfill protector moves freely.

Dishwasher Does Not Drain Properly: Ensure food disposer is empty, knockout plug is removed, drain hose is not kinked, cycle is not paused, and glass trap is clear.

Dishwasher has an Odor: Soiled dishes left too long can cause odor; use Rinse Only cycle. A "new" smell is normal initially. Check if the unit is draining properly.

Stains on Tub Interior: Tomato-based soils can cause a pink/orange appearance, which is normal and fades over time. Pre-rinsing or using Rinse Only cycle can reduce staining. No heat dry option may lessen staining.

Opening the door during cycle: If the door is opened, press START/Cancel and close the door within 10 minutes to resume the cycle.

Removing Spots and Film:

1. Load clean dishes (no metal/silverware), do not add detergent.
2. Select NORMAL WASH cycle, press START/Cancel, close door.
3. After second water fill (approx. 8 minutes), open door and pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the bottom.
4. Press START/Cancel, close door, and allow cycle to finish.

Limited Warranty

Your Frigidaire appliance is covered by a one-year limited warranty for parts and labor from the original date of delivery. The stainless tub and door liner have a lifetime limited warranty against leaks due to defects in materials or workmanship. Racks and electronic control module have a two to five-year limited warranty.

Exclusions: This warranty does not cover products with removed or altered serial numbers, products transferred to another party or outside the USA/Canada, rust, "as-is" purchases, food loss, commercial use, installation correction, user instruction, accessibility expenses, consumables (bulbs, filters, knobs), labor costs beyond the additional warranty periods, pickup/delivery costs, service calls to remote areas, or damages from transportation, installation, abuse, misuse, power supply issues, accidents, fires, or acts of God.

Disclaimer: Customer's sole remedy is repair or replacement. Implied warranties are limited to one year. Frigidaire is not liable for consequential or incidental damages.

Service: Keep your receipt or payment record to establish the warranty period. Contact Frigidaire for service.

Contact Information:

• USA: Frigidaire, 1-800-374-4432
• Canada: Electrolux Canada Corp., 1-800-265-8352