My Frigidaire Dishwasher Timer Won't Advance to the Wash Cycle

High Temperature Wash Cycle

• The boiling point of water is 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Some cycles on your Frigidaire dishwasher heat water to temperatures that can approach nearly the same scalding hot level. Many of the company's models feature a "Hi-Temp" cycle setting that increases the temperature of incoming water to the dishwasher to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Most household water heaters are kept at 120 degrees F for personal safety, as well as energy conservation and utility budgeting. If you have selected this cycle at the outset, you may have to wait for the dishwasher to fill with water, heat the water to cycle temperature specifications, and then begin the wash cycle.

Sanitizing Wash Cycle

• Scalding hot water is a benefit to your personal health when you need to ensure that microscopic germs and bacteria get destroyed on your dirty dishes. The "Sanitize" wash cycle heats incoming dishwasher water to 155 degrees F in some models -- 15 degrees higher than "Hi-Temp." Frigidaire wants to ensure this wash cycle is in accordance with requirements of the National Science Foundation for sanitation. In this instance, again, the dishwasher will not enter the wash cycle until it reaches a temperature threshold.

Rinse-Only Cycle

• Many households fill the dishwasher throughout the day with dirty dishes from breakfast, lunch and dinner. This stale and decaying food matter can quickly create odors, if nothing else, during those several hours of just resting in the racks inside the tub. Some people choose to let dishes build up over a few days instead of wasting detergent and utilities on a few cups, plates and utensils from one day. You can use the "Rinse Only" cycle in most Frigidaire dishwashers to wash off food with water only. The grinder at the bottom of the tub takes care of especially tough particles before drained out. In this instance, the dishwasher only goes through two rinse cycles, omitting the two to five wash cycles that are a part of other selections. Also, some Frigidaire dishwasher models offer "Hi-Temp Rinse." Again, the dishwasher may not advance or start the rinsing phase until the water has reached a specified temperature.

Alternate Troubleshooting

• Most Frigidaire dishwashers fill with water first and then initiate the "washing phase" of the cycle you selected. If the appliance doesn't even run preliminary filling activities, you may have to troubleshoot the water supply valve to make sure it is on. There may have been a power failure that blew a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker. Also, you should look in your owner's manual for proper door closing procedures because the dishwasher will not start if it is not latched correctly.