My Frigidaire Dishwasher Detergent Compartment Is Broken

Symptoms

• The most obvious symptom that your Frigidaire dishwasher detergent compartment is broken is if the lid is still closed at the end of the cycle. A working compartment opens during the fill part of the cycle. Another telling sign is if your dishes come out of a wash cycle still dirty or spotted in some areas. Many Frigidaire dishwasher models also emit an audible snapping or popping sound when the detergent compartment opens. If you don’t hear it, your dishes are still dirty and you can see the lid still closed; it may be broken.

Detergent Problems

• In some cases, your detergent is the problem, not the compartment. Always use the detergent recommended for your model in the use and care manual. Too much detergent in your Frigidaire dishwasher’s compartment can prevent it from functioning correctly. Read the directions on the detergent package and avoid using more than recommended by the manufacturer. Pay attention to the fill line in your detergent compartment, too. If your detergent goes over it, you’re doing something wrong.

Mechanical Problems

• Your Frigidaire dishwasher may also malfunction mechanically. Since the parts vary by model, it’s possible that the problem may vary, too. The lid may be rusted or bent out of place. The mechanism that pops open the lid at the correct time may also be malfunctioning. It may also just be suffering from the normal wear and tear that older dishwashers experience.

Contacting Frigidaire

• If the detergent compartment in your Frigidaire dishwasher is broken, contact Frigidaire’s Customer Care Department (1-800-374-4432). If your dishwasher has a warranty on it, only a Frigidaire-certified repair technician can perform work on it without voiding the warranty. Frigidaire can set you up with someone in your area. Even if your unit doesn’t have a warranty and you’re mechanically inclined, you may need parts from Frigidaire or the service manual to your specific dishwasher model to guide you.