Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Problems: 6 Problems and Fixes

You finally sit down after dinner, press the start button on your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher, and nothing happens—or worse, it starts but doesn’t clean your dishes. You are not alone. Many people face common problems with their Frigidaire Gallery dishwashers, but the good news is, most of these issues can be fixed easily at home. In this article, you will learn clear and simple ways to solve the most common problems people face with their Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher. No stress, just simple solutions that work.

Dishwasher Not Starting or Powering On

If your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher does not start at all, it can feel frustrating. You press the buttons, but the lights do not turn on or the machine stays quiet. This can happen for a few reasons, and you can fix many of them without calling a repair person.

Start by checking the power. Make sure the dishwasher is plugged into the wall and the outlet has power. Try plugging in another device, like a phone charger, to check if the outlet works. If there is no power, check your home’s circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. Flip the switch off and then on again.

Next, look at the dishwasher door. If the door is not closed tightly, it will not start. Open and close the door again, pressing firmly until you hear it click. Also, check the door latch. Sometimes the latch gets stuck or broken. If it looks loose or damaged, it might need replacing.

Another thing to look at is the control lock. Some Frigidaire models have a control lock button that stops the dishwasher from starting. If the lock light is on, hold the button for 3 seconds to turn it off. Then try starting the dishwasher again.

The touch panel might also be the issue. If some buttons work and others don’t, or if the screen is not responding at all, the control board may be faulty. Unplug the dishwasher for 5 minutes to reset the control board, then plug it back in. If this doesn’t work, you may need a new control board.

If you hear a clicking sound but nothing happens, the motor or pump could be stuck. This might need a professional, but you can still try turning off the power and gently checking the bottom of the dishwasher for anything stuck or clogged.

Check the power outlet and circuit breaker
Make sure the door is fully closed and latched
Turn off the control lock if it is on
Reset the dishwasher by unplugging it for 5 minutes
Look for signs of a broken latch or control board issue

Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Properly

If your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher runs but your dishes come out dirty, something is not working right. This is one of the most common problems and can be fixed with a few steps.

First, check how you load the dishes. Make sure nothing is blocking the spray arms. Do not stack dishes too close together. Plates, bowls, and cups should face downward and have space between them so water can reach all sides.

Next, look at the spray arms. These are the spinning parts that shoot water. Open the dishwasher and spin them by hand. If they don’t spin freely, something might be stuck. You can remove them and rinse them under running water. Use a toothpick or small brush to clean out the little holes.

Now, check the filter. Most Frigidaire dishwashers have a filter at the bottom. If the filter is full of food and grease, water won’t flow well and your dishes won’t get clean. Take it out, wash it with warm soapy water, and put it back in.

Water temperature is also important. Hot water helps remove food better. Run the kitchen sink for a minute before starting the dishwasher to bring in hot water. Also, check the water heater setting. It should be at least 120°F (49°C).

Try using a better dishwasher detergent. Not all soaps are the same. Some cheaper brands leave film or don’t dissolve well. Also, add rinse aid to help water dry off better and leave dishes shiny.

Hard water can also be a problem. If you have hard water, it may leave spots and reduce cleaning power. Try using a dishwasher cleaner or a product made for hard water.

Don’t overload the dishwasher and load it properly
Clean the spray arms and filter often
Use hot water and the right water temperature
Try a better detergent and use rinse aid
Treat hard water with special products or cleaners

Dishwasher Not Draining

After a cycle, if water is still standing at the bottom of your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher, that means it’s not draining correctly. This is a very common issue, and there are several things you can do to fix it.

Start by checking the drain hose. It is usually located under the sink and connects the dishwasher to the drain pipe. If this hose is bent or clogged, water can’t get out. Straighten the hose or remove it to check for blockages. Rinse it with water or use a small brush to clean it out.

Next, open the dishwasher and check the filter and drain area at the bottom. Food, grease, and small objects can block the filter or pump. Remove the bottom rack and take out the filter. Clean it under running water with dish soap. You can also check the small holes around the filter to make sure nothing is stuck.

Then look at the air gap, if your kitchen has one. This is a small cylinder next to the faucet. If it is clogged, it can stop water from draining. Unscrew the top, remove the cap, and clean out anything you see.

Also, check the garbage disposal. If your dishwasher is connected to it, a clogged or blocked disposal can affect draining. Turn on the disposal to clear anything stuck inside. If your dishwasher is newly installed, make sure the plug inside the disposal has been removed.

Run the dishwasher again with a short cycle. If water still does not drain, the drain pump might be broken. You may hear a humming sound but no water movement. In this case, the pump may need repair or replacement.

Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs
Clean the filter and the drain area
Clear out the air gap and garbage disposal
Make sure the disposal plug is removed if recently installed
Listen for pump sounds, it may need repair if silent or humming

Dishwasher Leaking Water

A leaking dishwasher can make a mess and damage your floor. If your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher is leaking, it’s important to find the cause quickly. The good news is, most leaks are easy to fix once you know where to look.

The first place to check is the door seal. Open the door and look around the rubber gasket. If it’s dirty, cracked, or loose, water can leak through. Clean it with a soft cloth and warm water. If the seal looks worn out or has tears, you will need to replace it.

Next, check how the dishes are loaded. Sometimes large pans or trays can block the spray arm, causing water to splash toward the door. Make sure nothing sticks out or blocks the movement of the spray arms.

Look under the dishwasher for signs of water. The hose connections could be loose. Tighten them with a wrench if needed. Also, inspect the water inlet valve. If you see water dripping from the valve or hose, it may need to be replaced.

If you use too much detergent or the wrong kind, it can make too many suds and cause leaks. Only use dishwasher soap and follow the amount listed in the manual. Never use regular dish soap, as it creates bubbles that push water out of the door.

Check the float switch. This is a small piece inside the dishwasher that rises with water. If it’s stuck, it may let in too much water and cause overflow. Make sure it moves up and down freely. If not, clean around it and remove any buildup.

Inspect and clean the door seal
Load dishes properly and avoid blocking spray arms
Check hose connections and water inlet valve
Use the correct detergent and right amount
Make sure the float switch is not stuck or dirty

Dishwasher Making Loud or Strange Noises

Your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher should make a soft humming sound when running. If it starts making loud or strange noises, something might be wrong. The noise can help you understand what the problem is.

Grinding or buzzing sounds often come from the motor or pump. Sometimes a piece of glass or food gets stuck near the motor. Turn off the power, open the dishwasher, and remove the lower spray arm and filter. Check for anything stuck in the motor area.

If you hear a loud knocking or banging, something might be hitting the spray arms. This can happen when dishes are too tall or sticking out. Reload the dishes and make sure the spray arms can spin freely.

A squealing noise might mean the motor bearings are wearing out. If it only happens sometimes, it might still work fine for now, but if it gets louder, you might need a new motor or to call a repair technician.

Rattling can happen if utensils fall through the rack or hit the walls during washing. Always place knives and forks in the basket carefully and make sure no small parts fall through.

Clicking sounds are usually normal, especially during different parts of the cycle, like draining or switching wash modes. But if it’s louder than usual, it could be a sign of a faulty part.

Listen for grinding, buzzing, or squealing
Remove spray arm and filter to check for debris
Load dishes so spray arms can spin freely
Watch for loose silverware or items falling
Call for repair if motor noise gets worse over time

Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes

After washing, if your dishes are still wet, your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher is not drying properly. This problem is annoying, especially when you need clean and dry dishes quickly.

First, check the rinse aid. This liquid helps water slide off dishes so they dry faster. If the rinse aid dispenser is empty, refill it. If your dishwasher does not have rinse aid, the drying process might not work well.

Next, make sure the heated dry setting is turned on. Some dishwashers have energy-saving modes that skip the heat dry. Check your settings and turn on heat dry if it’s off.

Check the water temperature. Dishes dry better when the water is hot. If the water is not hot enough, drying will not be effective. Your water heater should be set to at least 120°F (49°C).

Plastic dishes are harder to dry. Try placing them on the top rack and leave the door open after the cycle ends. Letting air in will help dry them better. You can also try using a longer drying cycle if your dishwasher has one.

If the heating element is broken, your dishes will stay wet. The element is a black or metal coil at the bottom of the dishwasher. If it looks burned or damaged, it may need replacing.

Use rinse aid to help water slide off
Make sure heat dry setting is turned on
Check water temperature is hot enough
Place plastic dishes on top and open door after cycle
Inspect heating element for damage

Final Thoughts

Owning a Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher can make life easier, but sometimes problems happen. The good part is, most of these issues have simple fixes. Whether your dishwasher won’t start, clean, drain, dry, or makes noise, you can usually solve it yourself without calling for help. Always start with the basics like power, cleaning filters, checking hoses, and using the right detergent. Keep your machine clean and check it often. When you take good care of your dishwasher, it takes good care of your dishes.

Problem	Cause	Fix You Can Try	Tools Needed	Part to Replace (if needed)
Not Starting	Power issue, door not latched	Check plug, breaker, door latch	None	Door latch or control board
Not Cleaning Well	Dirty filter, blocked spray arm	Clean filter, adjust loading	Toothpick, brush	Spray arms or filter
Not Draining	Clogged hose or filter	Clean hose and filter	Wrench, gloves	Drain pump
Leaking Water	Bad seal or wrong detergent	Replace seal, use proper soap	Soft cloth	Door gasket or float switch
Loud Noises	Debris in motor or loose dishes	Remove blockage, reload properly	Screwdriver	Motor or pump
Not Drying Dishes	No rinse aid or broken heat element	Add rinse aid, check heat settings	None	Heating element

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for a Frigidaire dishwasher to make noise?

Yes, it is normal for your dishwasher to make soft sounds during a cycle. You may hear humming, spraying, or water draining. But if the sounds are loud, grinding, or banging, that may mean something is wrong. It can be a small object stuck in the spray arm or filter. It might also be something loose or broken inside the motor or pump. If the noise gets worse, it is a good idea to turn off the dishwasher and check the inside for anything stuck or call for help.

Can a dishwasher work without rinse aid?

Yes, a dishwasher can still work without rinse aid, but your dishes may not come out dry and may have spots or water marks. Rinse aid helps water slide off the dishes and makes them dry faster. Without it, plastic dishes especially may stay wet. Also, your glassware may look cloudy. If you do not have rinse aid, you can leave the dishwasher door open after the cycle to let air dry the dishes. But for best results, it is always better to use rinse aid.

Do I need to clean my dishwasher filter often?

Yes, cleaning the filter often is important. The filter catches food and dirt during the wash. If it gets full, water cannot move properly and your dishes will stay dirty. Most people should clean the filter at least once every month. If you use the dishwasher daily, you might need to clean it more often. It only takes a few minutes. Just take out the bottom rack, twist the filter out, and wash it with warm water and soap.

Is it safe to fix the dishwasher myself?

Yes, many small problems can be safely fixed at home. If your dishwasher is not starting, not cleaning, or draining, you can check the power, clean the filter, or remove clogs. But if something needs a new motor or pump, it might be safer to call a repair person. Always unplug the dishwasher before working on it. Read the manual and be careful with tools. If you are not sure or feel unsafe, do not try it yourself.

Can a clogged drain hose cause problems?

Yes, a clogged drain hose can stop your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher from draining water. If you see water sitting at the bottom after a cycle, the hose might be bent, blocked, or dirty. This hose connects the dishwasher to your sink drain or garbage disposal. If it is clogged, water has no place to go. You can take it off and clean it with warm water. Make sure it is not bent or kinked when you put it back.

Do I need to run hot water before starting a cycle?

Yes, running hot water at the sink before starting your dishwasher can help it clean better. If the water inside the dishwasher is too cold, it may not clean food and grease well. Hot water also helps the detergent work better. Just turn on the sink faucet for a minute until the water feels hot, then start the dishwasher. This small step can make a big difference in how clean your dishes come out.

Is it bad to overload my dishwasher?

Yes, overloading your dishwasher is not good. If you pack too many dishes inside, water and soap cannot reach everything. Some dishes will come out still dirty. It can also stop the spray arms from spinning. Leave space between dishes and make sure nothing blocks the soap dispenser or spray arms. It is better to run two small loads than one big, crowded one. This helps your dishwasher work better and last longer.

Can using the wrong soap damage my dishwasher?

Yes, using the wrong soap can cause big problems. Never use regular dish soap in your dishwasher. It makes a lot of bubbles and can cause leaks and mess. Only use soap made for dishwashers. If you run out, wait until you can get the right kind. Using the wrong detergent can also leave film on your dishes and damage the inside parts of the machine. Always check the label and follow the instructions.