Frigidaire FDSH4501AS 24'' Built-In Dishwasher with EvenDry™

FEATURES

Your dishwasher cleans by spraying a mixture of hot water and detergent through the spray arms against soiled surfaces. First, the dishwasher drains for a few seconds to remove soils dropped while loading, then fills with water covering the filter area. Water is then pumped through the spray arms. Soil particles go through and across the filter and down the drain as the water is pumped out. This series of steps are repeated as needed. The number of water fills varies with the cycle being used.

Features may vary according to model

To Start a Cycle

• When cycle and options are selected, LEDs of selected cycle and options are illuminated. The status window displays the cycle time and then displays ‘Press Start’.
• To start the cycle, press START/CANCEL pad and close the dishwasher door immediately.
• The status window displays ‘Close’ after the START/CANCEL pad is pressed.
• A tone will sound indicating the cycle is successfully started after door is closed.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Your dishwasher uses a DishSenseTM Technology to understand how much food is on the dishes and then adjusts the cycle accordingly.

CAUTION:

• Property Damage Hazard Before starting dishwasher be sure that the water is connected and turned on. Failure to do so may cause damage to the pump seal and result in water leakage.

Wash Cycle Selections

Cycle times are approximate and will vary with options selected. Hot water is necessary to activate dishwasher detergent and melt fatty food soils. An automatic sensor will check the incoming water temperature and, if it is not hot enough, the cycle will be lengthened for automatic water heating in the main wash and final rinse of all cycles. This happens even when HI-TEMP WASH option has not be selected. When HI-TEMP WASH is selected, an even higher temperature will be reached to handle heavier soil loads.

Recommended Cycle for typical use:

The Normal cycle with its factory default options of normal temperature and heated dry together provide the best all around performance. This cycle selection is recommended for everyday use and is suitable for a large range of both dish load sizes and food quantities remaining on those dishes.

Option Selections

Wash Pressure

The programmed cycles default to the “surge” pressure option which varies the pressure optimally for the cycle’s intended normal use. If a very low “spray” is desired, press the WASH PRESSURE pad. Due to wash cycle optimization, some pressure options are not selectable in all wash cycle.

Wash Temp

The programmed cycles default to the “normal” temperature option, to choose HI-TEMP or SANITIZE press WASH TEMP pad again.

Hi-Temp Wash Option

HI-TEMP WASH option is selected, by pressing the WASH TEMP pad. The dishwasher heats water in the main wash to approximately 140°F (60°C) and increases the temperature higher in the final rinse to help with the drying stage. This helps dishwasher detergent remove food grease and soil from dishes more effectively and aids in drying performance by adding additional rinse aid and increasing the water temperature.

Sanitize Option

To sanitize your dishes and glassware, select SANITIZE option, by pressing WASH TEMP pad. When selected, the light will come on and remain on until end of cycle. The water temperature in the final rinse will be raised to 155°F (68°C) and will maintain that temperature for 9 minutes. This option is available in Heavy and Normal Cycles. Only these sanitization cycles have been designed to meet NSF requirements.

The cycle time will be extended until the proper water temperature is reached. Washing action will continue during the water heating delay. For best results, the incoming water temperature should be at least 120°F (49°C).

The sanitize criteria may not be satisfied if there is an interruption of the cycle, power failure or if the incoming water temperature is below 120°F (49°C).

To turn off the SANITIZE option, press the Wash Temp pad. The SANITIZE light will turn off.

Heat Dry

The HEAT DRY option in combination with rinse aid will enhance drying performance. HEAT DRY option is available on all cycles.

Air Dry

The AIR DRY option will reduce temperature in the hot rinse of the selected wash cycle. This option will slightly decrease energy usage but will increase the likelihood that dishware will not be dry.

Child Lock Controls

To prevent children from accidentally changing the dishwasher cycle or starting the dishwasher, lock the dishwasher controls by pressing the DELAY START pad until the status window displays “loc”. To unlock the controls, press the DELAY START pad until “loc” is no longer displayed in the status window.

To Cancel a Cycle and Delay Start

Both running cycle and delay countdown can be cancelled at any time.

Open the dishwasher door and press the START/ CANCEL pad until you hear a tone. The running cycle or delay countdown is cancelled.

If desired, a new cycle can now be selected, by pressing START/CANCEL pad and closing the door immediately, the new cycle will begin.

To Cancel a Setting

If you have selected your cycle and options and decide to cancel, by pressing the START/CANCEL pad, the unit will go into a stand-by mode, which all LEDs will go out.

Delay Start

The DELAY START option allows you to automatically delay starting your dishwasher from 1-24 hours.

Select your desired cycle and options, then press the DELAY START pad until the desired delay time displays in the status window. The LEDs of selected cycle and options are illuminated. The status window displays the delay time and then displays ‘Press Start’.

To start the delay countdown, press START/ CANCEL pad and close door immediately. The status window displays ‘Close’ after the START/CANCEL pad is pressed.

A tone will sound indicating that the countdown has started after the door is closed. The selected cycle starts when the countdown is completed.

Opening the door during cycle

If door is opened while a cycle is running or delay is counting down, the dishwasher will stop running.

The LEDs of selected cycle and options are illuminated, the status window displays the remaining cycle time or delay time and displays ‘Press Start’.

To resume, press START/CANCEL pad and close the dishwasher door immediately. The status window displays ‘Close’ after the START/CANCEL pad is pressed.

A tone will sound indicating that the dishwasher will begin running from the point of interruption after the door is closed.

If the dishwasher door is kept open for too long, or the door is closed without pressing START/CANCEL pad, the running cycle or delay countdown will be cancelled.

Status Indicator Lights

The CLEAN light will remain on after door is opened.

When the SANITIZE option is selected and the criteria is met, the Sanitized indicator will display and remain on after the door is opened. If the sanitization criteria is not achieved, the indicator will not display. This can happen if the cycle is interrupted or if the sanitization temperature could not be reached due to incoming water temperature significantly below 120°F.

Status Window

The STATUS window, available on some models, indicates the following activity:

1—24 Number of delay start hours. The last hour will count down in minutes.

MINUTES Number of minutes left in cycle (1-199).

L0—L6 Level of Rinse Aid dosage.

CLOSE Close will scroll across the status window indicating the door needs to be closed.

PRESS START Press start will scroll across the status window indicating the START/CANCEL pad needs to be pressed.

User Instruction Code

Error Code

Cycle Chart

NOTE: The time remaining may suddenly increase or drop several minutes. This means that the dishwasher received input from the Smart Sensor concerning the soil load and has automatically adjusted the cycle length.

PREPARING AND LOADING DISHES

Dish Preparation

Scrape away large pieces of food, bones, pits, toothpicks, etc. The continuously filtered wash fluid will remove remaining food particles. Burned-on foods should be loosened before loading. Empty liquids from glasses and cups.

Foods such as mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice and tomato based products may cause discoloration of stainless steel and plastics if allowed to sit for a long period of time. Unless the dishwasher is to be operated at once, it is best to pre-rinse or use the rinse only cycle to rinse off these food soils.

• Load racks so that large items do not prevent the detergent dispenser from opening.
• Check manufacturer’s recommendations before washing items in question.
• If the dishwasher drains into a Food Disposer, be sure disposer is completely empty before starting dishwasher.

Loading the Upper Rack

Features and appearance of racks and silverware basket may vary from your model.

The upper rack is designed for flexibility in loading a wide variety of items including cups, glasses, stemware, small plates, bowls, etc.

Load glasses and plastic items in upper rack only.

Load items with open end facing down for better cleaning and draining.

Damage may occur if delicate items touch each other during dishwasher operation.

Long-handled knives and utensils can be placed in upper rack.

Be sure nothing protrudes through the bottom of the rack to block rotation of middle spray arm.

8 place settings standard loading pattern

10 place settings standard loading pattern

12 place settings standard loading pattern

Loading the Bottom Rack

Features and appearance of racks and silverware basket may vary from your model. The bottom rack is best for plates, saucers, bowls, and cookware. Large items should be placed along the edge so they do not block the spray arm rotation. For best results, place bowls, casseroles, and sauce pans with soiled surface facing down or toward the center. Tilt slightly for better drainage.

Make sure tall items do not block spray arm rotation.

Be sure pan handles do not protrude through the bottom of the rack and block the spray arm rotation.

8 place settings standard loading pattern.

10 place settings standard loading pattern

12 place settings standard loading pattern

Loading the Silverware Basket

CAUTION

• Load sharp items (knives, skewers, etc.) pointing down.
• Failure to do so may result in injury.

Features and appearance of racks and silverware basket may vary from your model.

Load the silverware basket while it is in the bottom rack or take the basket out for loading on a counter or table.

In some models small items like baby bottle caps, jar lids, corn cob holders, etc., can be placed in a covered section. Close the cover to hold small items in place.

Use suggested loading patterns, as shown, to increase washability of the silverware.

• Be sure nothing protrudes through bottom of basket or rack to block the spray arm.
• Do not mix silver and stainless to avoid damaging the silver finish

Mix items in each section of the basket with some pointing up and some down to avoid nesting. Water spray cannot reach nested items.

Adding an article

To add or remove items after wash cycle starts:

• Unlatch door and wait a few seconds until wash action stops before opening.
• Add the item and wait a few seconds to allow cold air to slowly expand inside dishwasher.
• To resume cycle press the START/CANCEL pad and close the door immediately.

Loading the Cutlery Tray

The Cutlery Tray is designed for flatware and most cooking or serving utensils. Heavily soiled utensils or items with baked on foods should be placed in the upper rack or silverware basket for best washing performance. The separators on the cutlery tray help keep flatware separated to avoid damage and improve cleaning.

DISHWASHER DISPENSER & DETERGENTS

Filling the Detergent Dispenser

The detergent dispenser has a main wash cup where you will add your detergent or detergent tab.

• Use only fresh automatic dishwashing detergent. Other detergents may cause oversudsing.
• When using automatic dishwashing detergent tablet, place one tablet in main wash cup and close.
• Add detergent just before starting cycle.
• Store detergent in a cool, dry location. Moist or caked detergent may not dissolve properly.

To add detergent:

1. Press the dispenser cover latch to open the main wash detergent cup.
2. Add the recommended amount of detergent to the main wash cup.
3. Slide the main wash cover back over the main wash cup to close.

CAUTION The use of industrial grade detergent can damage parts of the dishwasher leading to damage to the unit and surrounding property. Use only household grade automatic dishwasher detergents.

NOTE Hard water may cause lime deposit buildup on the interior of the dishwasher.

How much Detergent to use

The amount of detergent to use depends on the water hardness. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon. Using too little detergent can result in poor cleaning and hard water filming or spotting. Using too much detergent in soft water can cause etching to some glassware which is surface damage that appears like a film but cannot be wiped off. Your local water company, water softener company or county extension agent can tell you the water hardness in your area.

NOTE Detergent tablets and All-In-One packs may not dissolve completely if used with the QUICK WASH cycles. If one of these products are used, place the tab or pack directly on the bottom of the tub in a corner before starting the dishwasher, rather than placing these products in the dispenser.

Dosage of Detergent

Place a single detergent tablet or packet into the detergent dispenser compartment.

Detergent Usage Chart

NOTE For very hard water, detergent alone may not be enough. A water softener is recommended to improve water quality and dishwashing performance. Try adding more detergent at the beginning of the main wash portion of the cycle. As a rule, use 1 teaspoon for each grain above 12. Unlatch the door, open slowly and add detergent to the bottom of the tub. Close the door to latch and the dishwasher will continue through the cycle.

FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE

Rinse Aid

Rinse aid greatly improves drying, reduces water spots, filming. With it water “sheets” off dishes rather than forming water droplets that cling and leave spots.

A dispenser, located next to the detergent cup, automatically releases a measured amount of rinse aid during the last rinse. If spotting and poor drying are problems, increase the amount of rinse aid dispensed. The indicator will be dark when full and will show clear when it is time to refill.

To add liquid rinse aid:

1. Lift up the rinse aid cover to open.
2. Fill the rinse aid dispenser with liquid rinse aid until the liquid reaches the indicated fill level. DO NOT overfill.
3. Press the rinse aid cover down firmly to close.
4. Wipe up any spills with a damp cloth.

The dispenser holds enough for 11 to 66 washes, depending on setting.

IMPORTANT Before starting a cycle, run hot water to clear cool water from pipe.

NOTE The HEAT DRY option in combination with rinse aid will enhance drying performance. The energy required to use the HEAT DRY option costs pennies per cycle. You may choose not to select the HEAT DRY option; however you will have items in your dish load that will not be completely dry at the end of the cycle.

How to adjust the rinse aid dosage

Press and hold the RINSE ONLY and DELAY START pad for 5 seconds until the status window shows rinse aid level. Pressing the DELAY START pad increases the increment level (L0-L6).

Once the rinse-aid level reaches L6, the status window will start back at level L0.

Pressing the START button or just pausing for a few seconds confirms the rinse aid level setting: the status window shows the duration of the cycle.

Water Pressure

The hot water line to dishwasher must provide water pressure between 20 and 120 psi.

Low water pressure may occur when laundry or showers are in operation. If you experience poor wash performance you may need to wait until water use is reduced before starting the dishwasher.

Water Temperature

Hot water is needed for best dishwashing and drying results. Water entering dishwasher should be at least 120°F (49°C) to give satisfactory results.

To check water temperature entering dishwasher:

• Turn on hot water faucet nearest dishwasher for several minutes to clear cool water from pipes.
• Hold a candy or meat thermometer in the water stream to check the temperature.
• If temperature is below 120°F (49°C), have a qualified person raise the hot water heater thermostat setting.

CARE AND CLEANING

Outside

Occasionally wipe with a mild nonabrasive detergent and water. Rinse and dry.

Care of Drain Air Gap

If a drain air gap was installed for your built-in dishwasher, check to make sure it is clean so the dishwasher will drain properly. A drain air gap is usually mounted on the counter top and can be inspected by removing the cover. This is not part of your dishwasher and is not covered by warranty.

Clean the Cylinder Fine Filter

The Cylinder Fine Filter is designed to collect some big items such as broken glass, bones and pits. The Cylinder Fine Filter needs to be cleaned to maximize wash performance.

Remove the Cylinder Fine Filter as shown, rotate it counterclockwise, lift it out, empty and clean it by rinsing under running water and replace. Use of a sponge or bottle brush may be necessary to remove all food residue.

Clean the Coarse Filter

Take out the Cylinder Fine Filter and remove the Coarse Filter from the dishwasher tub bottom. Flush the Coarse Filter by holding it under running water and replace.

Winterizing

A dishwasher left in an unheated place should be protected from freezing. Have a qualified person do the following:

To Disconnect Service:

1. Turn off electrical power to the dishwasher at the supply source by removing fuses or tripping circuit breaker.
2. Shut off water supply.
3. Place a pan under the inlet valve. Disconnect water line from the inlet valve and drain into pan.
4. Disconnect drain line from pump and drain water into pan.

To Restore Service:

1. Reconnect the water, drain, and electrical power supply.
2. Turn on water and electrical power supply
3. Fill detergent cup and run the dishwasher through a HEAVY cycle.
4. Check connections to make sure they do not leak.

CAUTION

Property Damage Hazard

• Freezing temperatures may cause water lines to rupture. Be sure all supply lines to and circulating lines within dishwasher are protected.
• Failure to do so could result in property damage.

NOTE See Installation Instructions for more details on disconnecting and restoring service to your dishwasher

BEFORE YOU CALL

Before calling for service, review this list. It may save you both time and expense. This list includes common experiences that are not the result of defective workmanship or material in your dishwasher.

Food Soils Left on Dishes

• Choose another cycle for longer washing time.
• Choose the Hi-Temp Wash option.
• Check rack loading section for proper loadingavoid nesting items.
• Home water pressure may be too low - should be 20 to 120 pounds per square inch (psi).
• Check incoming water temperature. It should be at least 120°F (49°C). (See Factors Affecting Performance.)
• Check water hardness. For extremely hard water, it may be necessary to install a water softener. (See Detergent Chart).
• Use Fresh Detergent.
• Make sure items are not blocking the spray arms, preventing them from rotating.

Dishes not Dry

• Select heat dry option.
• Make sure the rinse aid dispenser is filled.
• Increase the discharge setting of rinse aid. (See Rinse Aid).
• Check the incoming water temperature. Be sure it is at least 120°F (49°C).
• Check for proper loading-avoid nesting items.
• Plastic items may need to be towel dried.
• Cups with a concave bottom will collect water. Load them at the far left of the upper rack so they will be held in a tilted position.

Glassware/Flatware Spotted or Cloudy

• Check water hardness. For extremely hard water, it may be necessary to install a water softener. (See Detergent Chart).
• Water temperature may be low. Avoid extremely low or high temperatures. (See Factors Affecting Performance.
• Avoid overloading and improper loading. (See Preparing and Loading Dishes).
• Use fresh detergent. Old detergent is ineffective.
• Make sure rinse aid dispenser is filled.
• Check to see that proper amount of detergent is being used for cycle selected. Also, check phosphate level. (See Detergent Dispenser.)
• Home water pressure may be too low - it should be 20 to 120 pounds per square inch (psi).

Dishware Chipped

• Load with care and do not overload. (See Preparing and Loading Dishes).
• Place delicate items in top rack.
• Place glasses securely against pins and not over pins.
• Load items so they are secure and don’t jar loose when moving racks in and out. Move racks in and out slowly.
• Make sure tall glasses and stemware will clear top of tub when rack is pushed in.
• Fine antique china and crystal should be hand-washed.

Water in Bottom of Tub

• Water left in the tub bottom after the cycle is complete is not normal. If water remains in the bottom of the tub, the dishwasher may not be draining properly. (See Dishwasher Does not Drain Properly).

Dishware Stained or Discolored

• Tea and coffee can stain cups. Remove the stains by hand washing in a solution of 1/2 cup (120 ml) bleach and one quart (1L) of warm water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Iron deposits in water can cause a yellow or brown film. A special filter installed in the water supply line will correct this problem. (See Removing Spots and Film).
• Aluminum utensils can leave gray/black marks when they rub against other items. Load Properly.
• Certain high acid foods can cause discoloration of stainless steel and plastics if allowed to sit for a long period. Use the Rinse Only cycle or rinse by hand if not operating dishwasher at once.
• Mixing stainless steel and silver utensils in silverware basket can cause pitting of the stainless steel blades. Avoid mixing stainless steel and silver.

Cycle Takes a Long Time

• Is cycle in a water heating delay?
• Has the delay start option been selected?
• Has the sanitize option been selected?

Normal Sounds You Will Hear

• Normal sounds include water fill, water circulation and motor sounds.

Dishwasher Leaks

• Use only fresh detergent designed for automatic dishwashers. Measure detergent carefully. Try a different brand.

Etching

• Using too much detergent especially in soft or softened water causes damage that looks like a film but cannot be removed.
• Adjust the amount of detergent based on the water hardness. (Check Detergent Chart).
• Lower the water temperature.

Detergent Left in Dispenser Cup

• Detergent may be old. Discard and use fresh detergent.
• Be sure the dish load doesn’t block spray from entering the detergent cup.
• Check to see if cycle has been completed.
• Make sure items do not prevent the detergent dispenser from opening.

Vapor at Vent

• Spilled rinse aid can cause foam and lead to overflowing. Wipe up any spills with a damp cloth.
• Water vapor escapes from the vent during the drying part of the cycle. This is normal.
• Check to see that dishwasher is level. (See Installation Instructions).

Dishwasher Won’t Run

• Check to see if circuit breaker is tripped or if a fuse is blown.
• Make sure water supply is turned on.
• Check to see if cycle is set correctly. (See Operating Instructions).
• Is dishwasher set for Delay Start Option?
• Make sure door is closed and latched.

Dishwasher Won’t Fill

• Is water supply turned on?

Dishwasher Does Not Drain Properly

• If unit is hooked up to a food waste disposer, make sure the disposer is empty.
• Check to see if the knockout plug has been removed from inside the food waste disposer inlet.
• Check to see if drain hose is kinked.
• Make sure cycle is complete, not in a pause.

Dishwasher has an Odor

• Soiled dishes left in dishwasher too long can create an odor. Use Rinse Only cycle.
• There will be a “new” smell when first installed. This is normal.
• Check to see if unit is draining properly. (See Dishwasher Does Not Drain Properly).

Stains on Tub Interior

• Washing large amounts of dishware with tomato based soil can cause a pink/orange appearance. This will not affect performance and will gradually fade over time. Pre-rinsing or using the Rinse Only cycle will reduce the chance of staining. Using air dry option will lessen staining.

Opening the door during cycle

• If the dishwasher door is opened while the unit is running, the START/CANCEL pad must be pressed and the door shut immediately to return the unit to the selected cycle and option.

Removing Spots and Film

Hard water can cause lime deposit buildup on the interior of the dishwasher. Dishes and glasses may also get spots and film for a number of reasons. (See Glassware/Flatware Spotted or Cloudy section). To remove buildup, and film, clean using the following instructions:

1. Load clean dishes and glasses in normal manner. Do not load any metal utensils or silverware.
2. Do not add detergent.
3. Select the NORMAL cycle. Press START/CANCEL pad. Close and latch the door.
4. Allow dishwasher to run until it starts the second water fill (approximately 10 minutes).
5. Unlatch an and open door and pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the bottom of dishwasher.
6. Close and latch door and allow cycle to finish.

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