Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Drying: Causes & 8 Ways To Fix It

A Frigidaire dishwasher is a reliable and efficient appliance designed to make your life easier by cleaning and drying your dishes.

However, you might occasionally encounter issues with your dishwasher, such as dishes not drying properly.

This can be frustrating, as damp dishes can leave an unpleasant odor and require additional drying by hand.

In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons for a Frigidaire dishwasher not drying dishes.

These may include incorrect drying cycles, unused rinse aid, clogged dispensers, broken heating elements, and faulty high-limit thermostats or vent doors.

By understanding the potential causes, you’ll be better equipped to identify and fix the issue, ensuring your dishes come out clean and dry every time.

Why Is Your Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Drying?

1. Malfunctioning Heating Element

One of the most common reasons for a Frigidaire dishwasher not drying is a malfunctioning heating element.

The heating element is responsible for raising the temperature inside the dishwasher during the dry cycle.

If it stops working, water droplets will not evaporate, and your dishes will remain wet.

You can test the heating element for continuity using a multimeter and replace it if necessary.

2. Vent Fan Motor

Another cause for drying issues in your Frigidaire dishwasher could be the vent fan motor.

The vent fan motor helps circulate hot air inside the dishwasher, ensuring proper air circulation and drying performance.

If the vent fan motor is not functioning correctly, you may experience poor air circulation, leading to damp dishes.

Checking for any obstructions in the vent and testing the fan motor for continuity can help you determine if a replacement is needed.

3. Control Board

The control board in your Frigidaire dishwasher is also essential for the proper functioning of the drying cycle.

The dishwasher model and control board vary, but they are responsible for regulating the drying cycle, including the heating element and vent fan motor operation.

If the control board is faulty, replacing the Frigidaire dishwasher control module or main control board may be necessary to resolve the issue.

Other possible causes for drying issues in a Frigidaire dishwasher might be related to the dishwasher’s design or usage factors.

Some things to consider include:

  • Improper loading: Overloading the dishwasher or placing dishes too close together can prevent adequate air circulation, leading to dishes not drying completely.
  • Rinse aid: Using a rinse aid can help improve drying performance, as it reduces the surface tension of water droplets, allowing them to spread out and evaporate more easily.
  • Door opening: Not opening the dishwasher door slightly after the cycle has ended prevents the release of steam and prevents proper drying of the dishes.

Keep these factors in mind when using your Frigidaire dishwasher to ensure the best drying performance.

How to Fix a Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Drying

Here are the best ways to fix a Frigidaire dishwasher not drying.

1. Check the Wash Cycle

Ensure you’ve selected the proper wash cycle with a heated drying phase.

Some cycles may not include a heated dry option, which could leave your dishes wet.

Refer to your dishwasher manual for information about how to select a cycle with heat-dry functionality.

2. Adjust the Water Temperature

Your Frigidaire dishwasher may not dry dishes effectively if the water temperature is too low.

The water temperature should be above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).

Adjust the mainline water heater settings to increase the water temperature before running the dishwasher cycle.

3. Inspect the Heating Element for Continuity

A faulty heating element can prevent dishes from drying properly.

Test the heating element for continuity using a multimeter.

If the element doesn’t show continuity, it may need to be replaced.

4. Verify the Heat Dry Function

Check if the heat dry option is enabled on your dishwasher.

The heat dry function helps to evaporate moisture and dry your dishes more effectively.

Refer to your dishwasher manual to learn how to enable or disable the heat dry function.

5. Examine the Water Pressure

Low water pressure can lead to poor dishwasher performance, including dishes not drying correctly.

Check your water pressure to ensure it is within the recommended range for your dishwasher model.

Consult your manual for details about your model’s water pressure requirements.

6. Assess the High-Limit Thermostat

The high-limit thermostat helps regulate the dishwasher’s internal temperature.

If it’s malfunctioning, your dishwasher may not reach the appropriate temperature to dry dishes effectively.

Test the high-limit thermostat for continuity and consider replacing it if necessary.

7. Ensure Vent Motor and Vent are Working

The dishwasher dries dishes using hot air circulated by the vent motor. Check the vent motor and the vent itself for any blockages or malfunctions.

If the vent motor is faulty, consider replacing it to restore proper drying function in your Frigidaire dishwasher.

8. Consider Plastic Dishes

Keep in mind that plastic dishes may not dry as effectively as other materials like glass or ceramic.

Plastics are less efficient at retaining heat, which can result in poor drying performance, irrespective of your dishwasher model.

How to Prevent the Problem

Here are some tips you might consider to prevent your Frigidaire dishwasher from not drying dishes properly.

1. Ensure proper settings on the control panel

Make sure you’ve selected a drying cycle with a heated drying option on your dishwasher’s control panel.

Different cycles may have varying heat settings, so use the appropriate one for your dishes.

2. Use a rinse aid

Refill and maintain the rinse aid dispenser as needed.

The rinse aid helps water run off dishes faster, allowing them to dry more effectively.

Check your dishwasher’s user manual for guidance on selecting the right rinse aid and how often it should be replenished.

3. Optimize water temperature

Ensure that your water supply’s temperature is set to at least 45 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit).

This will help your dishwasher heat and dry your dishes more effectively during the cycle.

4. Load dishes properly

Organize your dishes in the dishwasher so that they don’t block each other during the drying process.

Avoid overloading and ensure adequate space for proper airflow, which will help the dishwasher dry your dishes more efficiently.

5. Maintain the dishwasher components

Inspect and clean the dishwasher fan, heating element, and other internal components as necessary.

Check for any broken or burned-out areas that could be affecting their performance, and consult your user manual or a professional technician for any necessary repairs or replacements.

6. Check the vent fan and motor

Some Frigidaire dishwashers use a vent fan to aid in drying dishes.

Test the fan motor for continuity to ensure it’s functioning properly. Replace the motor if it’s not working as it should.

By following these steps, you can help prevent your Frigidaire dishwasher from leaving dishes wet or not drying them effectively.

Happy dishwashing!

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