Frigidaire FDB949GFT2 User manual

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Safety
Instructions ............................2
Features .................................3
Normal Operating
Sounds ...................................4
Operating
Instructions ......................... 4-7
Preparing and
Loading Dishes .................. 7-12
Dishwasher Dispenser
and Detergents ............... 13-14
Factors Affecting
Performance ........................ 14
Care and
Cleaning ............................... 15
Solutions to Common
Dishwashing Problems .... 16-18
Consumer Services
Warranty & Service........................... 19-20
Versión en español ................................. 19
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS P/N 154255904 (9810)
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Brand: Purchase Date:
Model #:
Serial #:
(see Features page for location)
Questions? 1-800-444-4944
(United States)
1-800-661-9913
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Dishwasher
Use & Care Manual
900 Series
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Web Site at http://
www.frigidaire.com

2
Important Safety Instructions
 Read all instructions before using your
dishwasher.
 Use your dishwasher only as instructed in
this Use and Care Manual.
 This Manual does not cover every possible
condition and situation that may occur. Use
common sense and caution when installing,
operating and maintaining any appliance.
 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.
 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 agents
recommended for use in a dishwasher.
Printed in U.S.A.
©1998 White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
All rights reserved.
 Store dishwasher detergent and rinse
agents out of the reach of children.
 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.
 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.
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock,
or injury when using your dishwasher,
follow basic precautions including the
following:
This symbol will help alert you to such
dangers as personal injury, burns, fire, and
electrical shock.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS

3
Your dishwasher cleans by spraying a mixture of hot water and detergent through the spray arms
against soiled surfaces. Each cycle begins with a pre-drain. Next, the dishwasher fills with water
covering the filter area. Water is then pumped through the filter and spray arms. Soil particles go
down the drain as the water is pumped out and replaced with clean water. The number of water
fills will vary with the cycle being used.
Dishwasher Features
Serial Label
(located on right
side of tub)
Bottom Rack
pages 11,12
Heating
Element
page 15
Glass Trap
page 15
Self-Cleaning Filter
page 15
Tub Gasket
page 15
Lower Spray Arm
pages 11,12,16
Overfill Protector
page 15
Vent
pages
4,6,17
Top Rack
pages 8,9,10,
Middle Spray Arm
pages 8,11,16
Detergent Dispenser
page 13
Nozzle and Upper Spray
Prewash Detergent
Cup
page 13
Rinse Aid
Dispenser
page 14
Funnel
pages
8,9,10,16

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. Close door to latch.
5. Select desired CYCLE (See Cycle Chart). The
indicator light above the pad will glow when
selected.
6. Select desired OPTIONS (See Energy Options).
The indicator light above the pad will glow
when selected.
7. If using DELAY START, go to step number 9.
8. Run hot water faucet nearest dishwasher until
water is hot. Turn water off.
9. To start, press START/CANCEL pad.
Wash Cycle Selections
Note: 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 timer will be
delayed for automatic water heating in the
main wash of all cycles. This happens even
when HI-TEMP WASH option has not been
selected. When HI-TEMP WASH is selected, an
even higher temperature will be guaranteed to
handle heavier soil loads.
LatchVent
Model FDB949
Very Important
InformationRead Before
Operating Your Dishwasher!
Normal Operating
Sounds
This dishwasher does not sound like most
dishwashersITS QUIETER.
The new Precision Wash System uses
energy efficient motors for the wash and
drain portions of the cycle you select. Each
cycle has a series of water fills and drains for
washing and rinsing dishes. As each cycle
begins, you mayor may nothear the drain
motor.
The next sound you will hear is the
splashing water as it enters the tub. Then
the lower arm rotates and circulates water.
This is followed by a pause and a slightly
different sound as the middle arm sprays
water. If you listen closely, you will hear the
change in sound as the wash action switches
from one arm to the other.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: If you compare this
dishwasher to previous models, you may
be surprised at what you DONT hear!

5
Operating Instructions (continued)
Hi-Temp Wash
When HI-TEMP WASH option is selected, the
dishwasher heats the water in the main wash
to approximately 140°F (60°C).
This increase in water temperature helps
dishwasher detergent remove food grease and
soil from dishes more effectively and aids in
drying. HI-TEMP WASH option can be used
with all cycles except CHINA CRYSTAL and
RINSE HOLD.
When HI-TEMP WASH is selected, the light
above the pad will come on and remain on
until end of cycle. To turn off the HI-TEMP
WASH option, press the pad a second time.
The light above the pad will turn off.
Hi-Temp Rinse
A HI-TEMP RINSE of approximately 145°F
(63°C) will automatically be provided in the
final rinse on POTS PANS, HEAVY WASH,
NORMAL WASH and SHORT WASH (BOTH
RACKS), if HI-TEMP WASH option has been
selected. This higher temperature helps speed
drying and reduce spotting.
No Heat Dry
NO HEAT DRY option saves electricity since
the heating element is off during drying
portion of cycle. When selected, the light
above the pad will come on and remain on
until end of cycle. To speed the 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.
Options Selections
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
2 washes
4 rinses
94 min.*7.2
6.0
27.3
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
1 wash
2 rinses
66 min.*3.6
3.0
13.6
For regularly soiled dishes and
silverware.
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
1 wash
2 rinses
68 min.*3.6
3.0
13.6
For lightly soiled dishes or pre-
rinsed dishes, pots, pans and
silverware when you do not
have a full load.
For rinsing dishes that will be
washed later.
2 rinses17 min.gal.
imp. gal.
liters
2.4
2.0
9.1
 Select POTS & PANS,
HI-TEMP WASH and
other desired OPTIONS.
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
2 washes
5 rinses
106 min.*8.4
7.0
31.8
For pots, pans, casseroles and
dinnerware with dried-on or
baked-on soils.
*Includes dry time.
Cycle Chart
Description Time
(approx.)
Washes/
Rinses
Water
(approx.)
To Select CycleCycle
Pots & Pans
Normal Wash
Short Wash
(Lower Rack)
Rinse/Hold
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
2 washes
4 rinses
99 min.*7.2
6.0
27.3
For heavily soiled dishes
and silverware.
Heavy Wash
For lightly soiled or pre-rinsed
dishes and silverware when
you do not have a full load.
Short Wash
(Upper Rack)
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
1 wash
4 rinses
82 min.*6.0
5.0
22.7
For lightly soiled and
pre-rinsed dishes and
silverware.
Short Wash
(Both Racks)
gal.
imp. gal.
liters
1 wash
4 rinses
82 min.*6.0
5.0
22.7
For lightly soiled china and
crystal.
China Crystal
 Select RINSE HOLD.
DO NOT USE detergent.
 Select HEAVY WASH
and desired OPTIONS.
 Select NORMAL WASH
and desired OPTIONS.
 Select CHINA CRYSTAL
and desired OPTIONS.
 Select SHORT WASH
(BOTH RACKS) and
desired OPTIONS.
 Select SHORT WASH
(LOWER RACK) and
desired OPTIONS.
 Select SHORT WASH
(UPPER RACK) and
desired OPTIONS.

6
Operating Instructions (continued)
To select heated dry, press the pad a second
time. The light above the pad will turn off.
Heated dry provides faster drying since the
heating element is on during the drying
portion of the cycle. With either option, a fan
circulates the air inside the dishwasher to
speed drying.
You may see water vapor coming from the
vent during the drying portion of the cycle.
The vent is closed during washing to hold
moisture and sound inside and then opens
for drying. The drying option may be changed
at any time during the cycle and affects only
the drying period.
Opening the door longer than one minute
during the dry cycle cancels the selected dry
program.
Delay Start
The DELAY START option allows you to delay
starting your dishwasher up to 9 hours.
Press the DELAY START pad until the desired
delay time shows in the STATUS window.
To cancel the DELAY START option and begin
the cycle before the delay period is over, press
the START/CANCEL pad.
To Cancel a Cycle
You can cancel a cycle anytime during the
cycle. Press START/CANCEL pad and the
dishwasher will start a 90 second drain. At the
end of the drain, select the desired cycle.
Note: The dishwasher is programmed to
remember your last cycle so you do not
have to reset each time. To start the
dishwasher using the same cycle and
options selected on the previous wash,
just press the START/CANCEL pad.
Status Indicator Lights
When the ADD-A-DISH light is on, you can add
additional items.
The WASHING light comes on at the beginning
of cycle and remains on until the end of the
main wash.
The RINSING light will come on and remain
on during the last two rinses of all cycles.
The DRYING light indicates the drying portion
of the cycle. The light will come on when
either drying option is selected.
The CLEAN light will come on at end of cycle
and remain on until door is opened.
Child Lock Controls
To prevent children from accidentally changing
the dishwasher cycle or starting the
dishwasher, lock the dishwasher controls by
touching the NO HEAT DRY pad for 3 seconds.
The CONTROLS light will come on and no
new selections can be made until the lock is
released. To unlock the controls, touch the NO
HEAT DRY pad for 3 seconds until the light
goes out.

7
Status Window
The Status window indicates the following
activity:
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.
 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.
Preparing and
Loading Dishes
Operating Instructions
(continued)
1H-9H......... Number of delay start hours. The
last hour will count down in
minutes.
CL ............... Close dishwasher door. The
status indicator lights will also
flash to indicate current cycle
status.
HO.............. Indicates a water heat delay.
MINUTES.... Number of minutes left in cycle
(1-99). If cycle is longer than 99
minutes, a small light will appear
to the left of the first 9 and
remain on until time counts
below 99.
PF ............... Appears in window when
dishwasher is first installed, or
when power has been
interrupted. HI-TEMP WASH and
NO HEAT DRY indicator lights
will also flash. To clear, touch
START/CANCEL pad.

8
Preparing and Loading Dishes (continued)
Loading the Top Rack
Important: Do not cover the funnel when
loading.
The upper rack is designed for flexibility in
loading a wide variety of items including cups,
glasses, stemware, small plates, bowls, etc.
Load plastic items in top rack only. Melting
may occur if placed in bottom rack.
Be sure nothing protrudes through the
bottom of the rack to block rotation of middle
spray arm.
Do not cover funnel
Grabber
The Grabber offers the ultimate in flexibility.
When closed, load with saucers or small
dishes. Open halfway and it is perfect for small
casseroles. Open completely for those hard to
fit items such as coffee pots, food processors,
etc. As you load your dishwasher, you will find
many other ways to use this unique feature.

9
Preparing and Loading Dishes (continued)
Cup Shelves/Stemware Holders
Two split cup shelves/stemware holders
handle your delicate stemware with care.
They can also be used to hold two layers of
cups, mugs and other short items. When using
both levels, alternate items with layer below so
that water can reach all inside surfaces. Fold
up to load tall glasses.
Do not cover funnel
Loading the Top Rack continued
Adjustable Mechanism
The upper rack is adjustable and can be
lowered up to 2 inches for loading taller items
in upper rack. With the rack lowered, 10"
plates will fit in both the upper and lower
racks. Press lever on each side to lower and
pull up rack to raise.

10
Preparing and Loading Dishes (continued)
Upper Rack Option
SHORT WASHUPPER RACK option can be
used to wash a wide assortment of items when
you dont have a full load. Also, when the
upper rack fills up with glasses and the lower
rack is still empty, you dont have to wait
anymore for clean glasses.
Do not cover funnel
Utility Basket
The utility basket has two dividers that can be
opened to hold longer items or closed for
small items like measuring spoons, bottle
stoppers, etc. The covers on each end can be
folded down out of the way or closed to keep
small items inside. The utility basket also
doubles as a silverware basket when using the
SHORT WASHUPPER RACK option.