Frigidaire F71C12 User manual

1
Dishwasher
Use & Care Manual
Record All Information
For Future Reference
Brand:
Purchase Date:
Model #:
Serial #:
(located on right side of tub)
Questions? 1-800-444-4944
(United States)
1-800-661-9913
(Canada)
READ AND SAVETHESE INSTRUCTIONS
Product Registration
Card
Please fill in completely, sign and
return promptly!
P/N 154336703
(9812)
Safety
Instructions.............2-3
Operating
Instructions.............4-6
Preparing and
Loading Dishes.......7-8
Dishwasher
Dispenser and
Detergents............. 9-11
Factors Affecting
Performance ............12
Care and
Cleaning ...............13-14
Changing Color
Panels...................15-16
Solutions to
Common
Dishwashing
Problems ..............17-20
Consumer Services
Warranty & Service....21-24
Versión en español......... 22
MDB100, MDB110
MDB125, F71C12
Models:
Visit Frigidaire Company’s
Web Site at
http://www.frigidaire.com

2
• Read all instructions before
using your dishwasher.
• Use your dishwasher only as
instructed in this Use and
Care Manual.
• DISHWASHER MUST BE
ELECTRICALLY
GROUNDED. Read the
Installation Instructions for
details.
• This dishwasher is designed
to operate on regular house
current (120 V, 60 Hz). Use a
circuit equipped with a 15
ampere fuse or circuit
breaker. Use a 20 ampere
fuse if dishwasher is
connected with a food waste
disposer.
• Do not operate dishwasher
unless all enclosure panels
are in their proper place.
This symbol will help alert you to such dangers
as personal injury, burns, fire and electrical
shock.
Important Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or
injury when using your dishwasher, follow basic
precautions including the following:
•
Dispose of discarded
appliance and shipping or
packing material properly.
• To avoid entrapment and/or
suffocation, remove door or
door latch mechanism from
any dishwasher that is
discarded or not in use.
• Keep young children and
infants away from dishwasher
when it is operating.
• Do not let children abuse, sit,
stand or play on door or racks
of a dishwasher.
• Use only detergents and rinse
aids recommended for use in
a dishwasher.
• Store dishwasher detergent
and rinse aids out of the
reach of children.

3
• Do not wash plastic items
unless marked ‘‘dishwasher
safe’’ or the equivalent. Check
with manufacturer for
recommendations, if not
marked. Items that are not
dishwasher safe may melt
and create a potential fire
hazard.
• If the dishwasher drains into a
food disposer, make sure
disposer is completely empty
before running dishwasher.
• Disconnect electrical power to
dishwasher before servicing.
• Repairs should be done by a
qualified technician.
• Do not tamper with controls.
• Do not touch the heating
element during or immediately
after use.
• When loading items to be
washed:
- Locate sharp items and
knives so that they are not
likely to damage the door seal
or tub.
- Load sharp items and
knives with the handles up to
reduce the risk of cut-type
injuries.
Important Safety Instructions (continued)
• Under certain conditions,
hydrogen gas may be
produced in a hot water
system that has not been
used for 2 weeks or more.
HYDROGEN GAS IS
EXPLOSIVE. If hot water
system has not been used for
such a period, before using
dishwasher, turn on all hot
water faucets and let water
flow from each for several
minutes.This will release any
accumulated hydrogen gas.
HYDROGEN GAS IS
FLAMMABLE. Do not smoke
or use an open flame during
this time.
• Do not store or use
combustible materials,
gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
©1998 White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
Instructions appearing in this Use & Care Manual are not meant to cover every possible
condition and situation that may occur. Practice common sense and caution when installing,
operating, and maintaining any appliance.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS

4
Operating Instructions
Getting Started
1. Load dishwasher (See Preparing and Loading Dishes).
2. Add detergent (See Dishwasher Dispenser & Detergents).
3. Add rinse aid, if needed (See Rinse Aid).
4. Turn dial clockwise to select cycle (See Wash Cycle Selections).
5. Select desired energy OPTIONS (See Energy Options).
6. Run hot water faucet nearest dishwasher until water is hot. Turn
water off.
7. To start, close door to latch.
The model number can be found on right side of tub just inside
the door. Features and appearance may differ depending on the
model you selected.

5
Operating Instructions (continued)
Pots & Pans
For pots, pans, casseroles and
dinnerware with dried-on or
baked-on soils:
• Turn dial to POTS & PANS.
• Select desired OPTIONS.
Normal Wash
For regularly soiled dishes and
silverware:
• Turn dial to NORMAL WASH.
• Select desired OPTIONS.
LightWash
For lightly soiled or pre-rinsed
dishes and silverware:
• Turn dial to LIGHT WASH.
• Select desired OPTIONS.
Rinse/Hold
For rinsing dishes that will be
washed later:
• DO NOT USE detergent.
• Turn dial to RINSE/HOLD.
Plate Warmer
For warming dishes and serving
plates before serving hot foods.
• Load clean plates and dishes
to be warmed.
• Turn dial to PLATE WARMER.
• Select HOT DRY option.
Wash Cycle Selections
Note: Not all cycles available on all models.
Cycle Chart - MDB100, MDB110
*Includes dry time.
Cycles Water
(approx.) Time (approx.) Washes/Rinses
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
2 washes 4 rinsesNormal
Wash 109 min.*6.9
5.7
26.1 gal.
imp. gal.
liters
2 washes 3 rinsesLight
Wash
(MDB110)
103 min.*5.8
4.8
22.0

6
Energy Options
Hot Dry Option
HOT DRY option provides faster
drying since the heating element
is on during the drying portion of
the cycle.
Cool Dry Option
COOL DRY option saves
electricity since the heating
element is off during the drying
portion of the cycle. To speed
drying process, open the door
slightly after the cycle is
complete.
Some water droplets may
remain on door and tub and in
areas where dishes touch
silverware basket and rack.
Operating Instructions (continued)
Cycle Chart - MDB125, F71C12
*Includes dry time.
Cycles Water
(approx.) Time (approx.) Washes/Rinses
103 min.*Pots &
Pans 8.4
7.0
31.8
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
2 washes 5 rinses
Normal
Wash 95 min.*
7.2
6.0
27.3
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
2 washes 4 rinses
Light
Wash 89 min.*
6.0
5.0
22.7
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
1 wash 4 rinses
Rinse/
Hold 10 min.
1.2
1.0
4.5
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
1 rinse
Plate
Warmer 14 min.
With either option, you may see
water vapor coming from vent
during drying portion of cycle.
The drying option may be
changed at any time during the
cycle and affects only the drying
period.

7
Preparing and Loading Dishes
Dish Preparation
Scrape away large pieces of
food, bones, pits, toothpicks, etc.
The continuous filtered wash
system 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 rinse off these food soils.
Loading theTop Rack
The top rack is designed for
cups, glasses, small plates,
saucers and bowls.
Load glasses in top rack.
Damage may occur if placed in
bottom rack.
Load plastic items in top rack
only.Melting may occur if placed
in bottom rack.
Load items with open ends
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 top
rack.
• 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.

8
Preparing and Loading Dishes (continued)
Loading the Bottom
Rack
Place plates and platters so that
they do not touch.
Place bowls, casseroles and
sauce pans with the soiled
surface facing down or toward
the center.Tilt slightly for better
drainage.
Be sure pan handles do not
protrude through the bottom of
the rack and block the spray arm
rotation.
Loading the Silverware
Basket
Mix spoons, forks and knives to
prevent nesting. Mixing items
gives better cleaning and drying.
For safety, load sharp knives and
forks with handles up.
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.
Note: Silverware basket may
vary by model.
Do not block tower protector

9
Dishwasher Dispenser & Detergents
• Use only fresh automatic
dishwashing detergent. Other
types will cause oversudsing.
• Add detergent just before
starting cycle.
• Store detergent in a cool, dry
location. Moist or caked
detergent will not dissolve
properly.
Filling the Detergent
Dispenser
Some models have a detergent
dispenser with one covered and
one uncovered cup.Detergent in
the uncovered cup falls into the
dishwasher when the door is
closed.The covered cup opens
automatically to release
detergent. See illustration below.
The uncovered cup on models
with only one cup will be
labeled “Detergent” and
detergent should be added
before starting selected cycle.
Cover
Fill to second
line when
using
standard
dishwashing
detergent.
Fill to first line
when using ultra
or concentrated
detergent.
Fill both cups
for Pots & Pans
and Normal.
Fill covered
cup only for
Light Wash.

10
Dishwasher Dispenser & Detergents
(continued)
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 permanent etching on
glassware.
Your local water company, water
softener company or county
extension agent can tell you the
water hardness in your area.
More detergent may be needed
if the phosphorus content is
8.7% or less.The phosphorus
content is shown on the
detergent label.
How much Detergent to
use
* 12 grains and higher is extremely hard water.
Detergent alone may not be enough. A water
softener is recommended to improve water quality
and dishwashing performance.
Detergent Chart
Water Hardness Amount to Use
Soft (0-3 grains) 2 Teaspoons
10 Teaspoons
(fill level with top)
5 TeaspoonsMedium (4-8 grains)
Hard (9+ grains*)

11
Rinse Aid
A rinse aid greatly improves
drying and reduces water
spots and filming. Water
“sheets” off dishes rather than
forming water droplets that cling
and leave spots.
Rinse aids come in solid or liquid
form. If your dishwasher does
not have a rinse aid dispenser,
the solid rinse aid should be
fastened to the front corner of
the upper rack. When material
dissolves and the container is
empty, it is time to replace.
A dispenser for liquid rinse aid is
located next to the detergent cup
and automatically releases a
measured amount of rinse aid
during the final rinse. If spotting
and poor drying are problems,
increase the amount of rinse aid
dispensed by rotating the dial to
a higher number. The dial is
located under the dispenser cap.
The indicator will be dark when
full and will show clear when it is
time to refill.
To add liquid rinse aid, turn
dispenser cap 1/4turn
counterclockwise and lift out.
Pour in rinse aid until liquid
touches the indicated fill level.
Replace cap.
Do not overfill since this can
cause oversudsing.Wipe up any
spills with a damp cloth.
The dispenser holds enough for
35 to 140 washes, depending on
setting.
Dispenser
Opening Indicator
Dispenser
Cap Adjustable
Setting
Dishwasher Dispenser & Detergents
(continued)

12
Factors Affecting Performance
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.Wait until water use is
reduced before starting
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 stream of
water to check the
temperature.
• If temperature is below 120°F
(49°C), have a qualified
person raise the hot water
heater thermostat setting.
Important: Before starting a
cycle, run hot water to clear
cool water from pipe.

13
Outside—Occasionally wipe
with a mild nonabrasive
detergent and water. Rinse and
dry.
Inside—The inside of the
dishwasher, including the filter,
is self-cleaning with normal use.
If needed, clean around the tub
gasket area with a damp cloth.
Note: Hard water may cause
lime deposit buildup on the
interior of the dishwasher. For
cleaning instructions see
‘‘Removing Spots and Film’’
section.
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 countertop
and can be inspected by
removing the cover. This is not
part of your dishwasher and is
not covered by warranty.
Care and Cleaning
Heating element
Filter Spray arm/tower
assembly
Allow heating element to cool
before cleaning the interior.
Failure to do so can result in
burns.
Burn Hazard
Overfill Protector—keeps
dishwasher from overfilling and
is located in the left front corner
of the tub.
• Clean occasionally with
household cleaner
containing vinegar or bleach
to dissolve any buildup.
• Overfill Protector should
move up and down freely
about one inch. If it does not
move, lift and clean
underneath.

14
Care and Cleaning(continued)
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 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(s) and run
dishwasher through a
NORMAL cycle.
4. Check connections to make
sure they do not leak.
Note: See Installations
Instructions for more details.
Property Damage Hazard
Freezing temperatures may cause water lines to
rupture.Besureallsupplylinestoandcirculating
lines within dishwasher are protected.
Failure to do so could result in property damage.

15
Changing Color Panels
Some models come with reversible door panel inserts.
2. Grasp top and bottom of panels and bow slightly until they are clear
of trim. DO NOT REMOVE SPACER.
To change the color panel:
1. Remove snap-on bottom trim by pulling forward. Support color
panel(s) at bottom while removing trim. Slide color panel(s)
downward
1/2”.
Metal door panels are sharp and
should be handled with care.
Wear gloves to protect hands.
Failure to do so can result in
injury.
Cut Hazard
Spacer
Side
Trim Color Panel(s)
Bottom
Trim
Color
Panel(s)

16
3. Arrange panel(s) so desired color is facing out. Place one side of
panel under side trim and bow slightly until other side fits under
opposite trim. Slide panel(s) up to fit under control panel.
4. Replace bottom trim by fitting slot over bottom edge of door and
secure by pressing from one side to the other.
Customized Wood Panels
Some models can be customized with 1/4”wood panels. Refer to your
installation instructions for more information.
Control Panel
Color Panel(s)
Bottom
Trim
Bottom Edge
of Door
Changing Color Panels (continued)

17
Solutions to Common Dishwashing
Problems
• Increase the amount of rinse
aid, if available on your model.
(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.
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.
• Check to see that proper
amount of detergent is being
used. 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).
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.
• Check rack loading section for
proper loading—avoid 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.
• Check to make sure tower in
lower rack is not blocked.
• Make sure items are not
blocking the spray arm,
preventing it from rotating.
• Check to see if the liquid rinse
aid dispenser needs refilling
or if the solid rinse aid needs
replacing.
Dishes not Dry
• Select Hot Dry option.
• Make sure the liquid rinse aid
dispenser is filled. Check
container to see if it is time to
replace solid rinse aid.

18
Solutions to Common Dishwashing
Problems(continued) • Mixing stainless steel and
silver utensils in silverware
basket can cause pitting of
the stainless steel blades.
Avoid mixing stainless steel
and silver.
Etching
• Using too much detergent in
soft or softened water causes
this film that cannot be
removed.
• Adjust the amount of detergent
based on the water hardness.
(Check Detergent Chart.)
• Lower the water temperature.
• Use the Cool Dry option.
Detergent Left in Cups
• Detergent may be old. Discard
and use fresh detergent.
• Be sure water action can
reach the dispenser.
• Check to see if cycle has been
completed.
• Make sure items do not
prevent the detergent
dispenser from opening.
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.
Dishware Stained or
Discolored
• Tea and coffee can stain cups.
Remove the stains by hand
washing in a solution of 1/2cup
(120 ml) bleach and one quart
(1 L) 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.
Rinse by hand if not operating
dishwasher at once.

19
Solutions to Common Dishwashing
Problems (continued)
Dishwasher Leaks
• Use only fresh detergent
designed for automatic
dishwashers. Measure
detergent carefully.Try a
different brand.
• Spilled rinse aid can cause
foam and lead to overflowing.
Wipe up any spills with damp
cloth.
• Check to see that dishwasher
is level. (See Installation
Instructions.)
Normal SoundsYou Will
Hear
• Normal sounds include water
fill, water circulation and
motor sounds.
Water in Bottom ofTub
• Water left in bottom of tub after
cycle is complete is not
normal. If water remains in the
bottom of the tub, dishwasher
may not be draining properly.
(See Dishwasher Does Not
Drain Properly.)
Vapor at Vent
• Water vapor escapes from the
vent when the dishwasher is
operating.This is normal.
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.)
• Make sure door is closed and
latched.
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 Won’t Fill
• Is water supply turned on?
• Does overfill protector move
up and down freely? (See
Overfill Protector section.)
Normal water fill covers filter
area.

20
Solutions to Common Dishwashing
Problems(continued)
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, spots 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. Turn dial to NORMAL WASH.
Close and latch door to start.
4. Allow dishwasher to run for
40 minutes to reach the main
wash portion of cycle.
5. Unlatch and open door and
pour 2 cups of white vinegar
into the bottom of
dishwasher.
6. Close and latch door and
allow the cycle to finish.
Note: If these conditions persist,
a home water softener should be
considered.
Dishwasher Has an
Odor
• Soiled dishes left in
dishwasher too long can
create an odor. Use Rinse/
Hold cycle or rinse by hand.
• 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 onTub 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/
Hold cycle will reduce the
chance of staining. Using Cool
Dry option will lessen staining.