Frigidaire Dishwasher Start Button Not Working? (Fix It Now!)
Frigidaire dishwashers are among the best on the market because of how consistently well they work. However, they are still prone to operational errors, such as a start button not working. So, what are the main causes for a Frigidaire dishwasher start button not working?
A Frigidaire dishwasher start button won’t work if there is a blown thermal fuse or damaged touchpad ribbon cable. Remove the front panel and clean the touchpad ribbon cable or replace it if it is too corroded. Otherwise, you may need to hold the lock button on your touchpad for 3 seconds to disengage so the start button works.
You may need to hire a professional if you need to replace the touchpad ribbon cable or a blown fuse. Otherwise, you can generally get your start button to work by simply disengaging the lock. Follow along as we explore the causes and solutions of a Frigidaire dishwasher start button not working.
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Why is My Frigidaire Dishwasher Start Button Not Working?
There are several reasons that a Frigidaire start button is not working, such as touchpad malfunctions or a locked door. You can’t get too far if the start button isn’t working, but luckily you can fix the problem if you diagnose the cause. Let’s take a look at the main reasons for a Frigidaire dishwasher start button to stop working.
Door is Locked
In many cases, the start button on a dishwasher won’t work if the door is locked. You can generally tell that this is the problem if the lights on the control panel are lit up but the start button won’t work. Frigidaire dishwashers have two different types of door locks: heat dry locks and control locks.
Locate the lock icon on the control panel and hold it for 3 seconds to reset the lock and disengage it. Otherwise, you can press and hold the heat dry button for 3 seconds until it beeps and disengages the lock. Press the start button to see if it works, and if not, that means that there is another reason for your Frigidaire dishwasher start button not working.
Touchpad Cable Isn’t Working
There is likely a problem with the touchpad cable if the lights are on but your Frigidaire dishwasher start button isn’t working. Water can easily get inside the control board and damage or dislodge the touchpad cable. You can either clean the touchpad or replace it so that your start button works again.
Disconnect the dishwasher from its power cable so that it’s safe to work with and remove the front panel. Locate the ribbon cable that is attached to the touchpad and wipe it with a rag or towel if it is wet. Remove any corrosion that you can safely remove from the ribbon cable and let it dry for a few moments.
You will have to replace the ribbon cable entirely if cleaning it doesn’t work. Prices vary based on the model of Frigidaire dishwasher you have, and it ranges between $21 and $120.
Blown Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a security device located behind the control panel that keeps the panel board from overheating. A blown thermal fuse is one of the most common reasons for a Frigidaire dishwasher start button not working. The touchpad will malfunction if you blow a thermal fuse, and the start button will be useless.
You must replace a blown thermal fuse because it cannot be repaired. It is ideal to hire a professional to replace a thermal fuse, but you can do it if you are electrically inclined. Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the circuit and remove the front panel. Disconnect the blown fuse, replace it with a new one, and connect the two wires to the control board.
Frigidaire Dishwasher Lights Won’t Come On
You can tell that there is a problem with the power supply if your Frigidaire dishwasher lights won’t come on. Let’s take a look a the main causes of a power supply problem that explain your Frigidaire start button not working.
Power Outlet
This one is a no brainer and the best place to start when problem-solving any electronic device. Is the dishwasher plugged in? It sounds simple but often is enough to fix the problem.
Ensure the wall outlet you plug your dishwasher into is up to current electrical code and in good working order. These appliances draw a lot of power. If it’s connected to a GFI outlet, try resetting the outlet by pressing the rectangular button.
Tripped Breaker
Similar to the outlet check, make sure the breaker that controls the dishwasher is not tripped. To check or reset the breaker, turn it to the off position and then back on again.
Breakers can trip when there’s a power surge or other electrical hiccup. It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a larger electrical problem. However, if it happens frequently, some further investigation may be in order.
Junction Box
If the power source isn’t where your issue lies, check the junction box. This is the place on the dishwasher where the external power source connects with all of the appliance’s internal wiring. You can usually find it under the dishwasher on the right-hand side.
Check to see if the external power cord is compromised or if there is any fried internal wiring. You’ll likely need to call an electrician unless you have some electrical know-how of your own.
You may see visible signs of damage, like cracked or burned plastic wire caps. In this case, you can replace the Marrette connectors (the plastic wire nuts). Strip away any rusted or burned wires and reconnect them properly within the wire nut.
Note: Again, always disconnect the dishwasher from its power source before digging in. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you have limited knowledge of electrical issues.
Should I Repair Or Replace My Frigidaire Dishwasher?
In some cases, you can’t simply repair components. It can be more time-efficient to replace them instead of spending hours searching for a solution. And even if a part is expensive, it’s less costly than replacing the whole dishwasher.
Touchpad and Control Panel
Are there some illuminated and functioning buttons, but the start button isn’t working? This scenario can indicate a faulty touchpad or control panel. In some dishwasher models, you can replace the touchpad as an individual component.
On some models, the touchpad is soldered to the control panel. In that case, you must replace both at the same time. If you can replace them individually, try replacing just the touchpad first, then the control panel if necessary.
Main Control Board
This is the command center for all dishwasher functions. If this electronic component fries, it will fail to send the necessary electrical signals to other components. This can cause the buttons on the touchpad and control panel to malfunction.
This is one of the more expensive replacement parts for a dishwasher. It’s less common for this part to fail than the touchpad or control panel. Try those fixes first and if all else fails, replace this component.
Are Repairs Covered By My Frigidaire Warranty?
In general, Frigidaire products come with a ten-year warranty. They’ve built their reputation on providing quality products and services and want to keep their reputation high. They offer a variety of service options alongside their strong warranty program.
Warranties vary based on specific models and products, including the newest smart home devices. In general, most Frigidaire products come with a 10-Year Parts Warranty and a 10-Year Comfort Quality Pledge.
Make Sure You Register Your Product
To receive the full benefits of your Frigidaire warranty, you must register your product within 60 days of purchase. Some benefits will be available to you regardless of whether you register or not. One major benefit of registration is that you’ll get a notice if the product is recalled.
You must register each appliance separately, even if you purchased them together. Make sure to save your original proof of purchase in addition to receipts for any repair work. The warranty only covers work performed by an Electrolux-approved technician, so keep your maintenance records handy.
For your warranty to be valid, you must prove that you had the appliance properly installed and maintained. Repairs and replacements are only covered if the appliance was used as intended.
Warranty Limitations
Within the 10-Year Parts Warranty and the 10-Year Comfort Quality Pledge, there are some significant limitations.
For example, the warranty may cover the cost of parts but not labor. The warranty will cover different parts for different lengths of time. Some components may be under warranty for only a year, while some are covered for the appliance’s lifetime.
Cosmetic Damage Is Not Covered By Warranty
Unfortunately, the warranty doesn’t cover cosmetic damage (like dents and scratches) or rust. Rust is a common issue with any appliance that involves water, such as a dishwasher or washing machine.
The warranty also excludes appliances that have been worked on by repair companies that aren’t Electrolux-approved. Yes, that means that self-repair of your appliance will also void your warranty. Make sure to know your warranty status before disassembling your dishwasher!
The warranty also excludes everyday wear and tear, which means that your appliance will eventually get old and break down. The average lifespan of a dishwasher is about 10 years. At that point, it’s time to buy a new one, so keep that in mind before doing many costly repairs.
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Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
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