Frigidaire FFBD1821MW0A Owner's manual

Dishwash_
FactoJ

Read all instructions before using this appliance.
Save these instructions for future reference,
This symbol will help alert you to such dangers as
personal injury, burns, fire, and electrical shock.
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or injury
when using your dishwasher, follow basic precautions
including the following:
• Useyour dishwasher only as instructed in this Use and
Care Manual.
• This Manual does not cover every possible condition and
situation that may occur. Usecommon sense and caution
when installing, operating and maintaining any appliance.
• NSFcertified residential dishwashers are not intended for
licensed food establishments.
• DISHWASHERMUSTBEELECTRICALLYGROUNDED.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. Usea 20 ampere fuse if
dishwasher isconnected with a food waste disposer.
• Do not operate dishwasher unless all enclosure panels
are in their proper place.
• Toavoid entrapment and/or suffocation, remove door or
door latch mechanism from any dishwasher that is
discarded or not in use.
• Keepyoung children and infants away from dishwasher
when it isoperating.
• Do not let children abuse, sit, stand or play on door or
racks of a dishwasher.
• Useonly detergents and rinse agents recommended for
usein a dishwasher.
• Store dishwasher detergent and rinse agents out of the
reach of children.
Do not wash plastic items unless marked "dishwasher
safe" or the equivalent. Checkwith manufacturer for
recommendations, if not marked. Items that are not
dishwasher safe may melt and create a potential fire
hazard.
•Disconnect electrical power to dishwasher before
servicing.
• If the dishwasher drains into afood disposer, make sure
disposer iscompletely empty before running dishwasher.
• 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 itemsto bewashed:
Locate sharp items and knives sothat 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. HYDROGENGASIS EXPLOSIVE.If
hot water system has not been usedfor 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
GASIS FLAMMABLE.Do not smoke or use an open
flame during this time.
• Do not store or usecombustible materials, gasoline or
other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this
or any other appliance.
Product Registration
Thank you for choosing Frigidaire.
This Use & Care Guide is part of our commitment to customer
satisfaction and product quality throughout the service life of
your new appliance.
Weview your purchase as the beginning of a relationship. To
ensure our ability to continue serving you, please usethis page
to record important product information.
Purchase date
Model number
Serial number
Registering your product with Frigidaire enhances our ability
to serve you. You can register online at
www.frigidaire.com or by dropping your Product
Registration Card in the mail.
@2009 Electrolux Home Products, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

Yourdishwasher,illustratedbelow,cleansbysprayingamixtureofhot,cleanwater,anddetergentagainstthesoiledsurfaces
ofyourdishesandtableware.Eachcyclestartswithapre-drain.Next,thedishwasherfillswithwatertoalevelevenwiththe
heatingelement.Thiswaterisconstantlypumpedthroughtherotatingsprayarmandsprayedontothedishes.Soiledwateris
pumpedoutandreplacediwthcleanwaterduringacylce.Thenumberofwaterfillsdependsuponthecyclebeingused.
UpperRack
Upper Spray Arm
Lower Rack __
Lower Spray Arm
Motor
Control Panel
DoorSpring
Panel
Toe Kick
Leveling Legs

Getting Started
1. Check Filter (See Cleaning Filter)
2. Load dishwasher (See Preparing and Loading Dishes).
3. Add detergent (See Dishwasher Dispenser &
Detergents).
4. Add rinse aid, if needed (See Rinse Aid).
5. Select wash cycle (See Cycle Chart).
6. Selectdesired OPTIONS.
7. See page 11 for instructions on connecting the portable
dishwasher.
8. Run hot water faucet nearest dishwasher until water is
hot. Turn water off.
9. To start, close door to latch.
Cycle Chart
Cycle To Select Cycle Water Time* Washes/
(approx.) (approx.) Rinses
Heavy Wash
For heavily soiled dishes and
silverware.
NormalWash
For regularly soilded dishes and
silverware.
Light Wash
For Lightly soiled and pre-rinsed
dishes and silverware.
China Crystal
For lightly soiled Chinaand
Crystal
Energy Saver
For Lightly soiled and pre-
rinsed dishes and silverware.
RinseOnly
For rinsing dishes that will be
washed later.
Select HEAVYWASHand
select desired OPTIONS.
Select NORMALWASH and
select desired OPTIONS.
Select LIGHT WASH and selecl
desired OPTIONS.
Select CHINA CRYSTALand
desiredOPTIONS.
PressENERGYSAVERand
select desired OPTIONS.
DONOT USEdetergent.
Select RINSEONLY.
4.41 gal.
3.7 imp. gal.
16.7 liters
3.5 gal.
2.9 imp. gal.
13.4 liters
3.5 gal.
2.9 imp. gal.
12.0 liters
2.7 gal.
2.24 imp. gal.
10.2 liters
2.7 gal.
2.24 imp. gal.
10.2 liters
1.8 gal.
1.5 imp.gal.
6.8 liters
125 min. *
95 min. *
85 min. *
80 min. *
65 min. *
25 min. *
2 washes
5 rinses
2 washes
4 rinses
2 washes
3 rinses
1 rinses
2 washes
2 rinses
* Includes dry time

Dish Preparation
It is not necessary to rinse dishes before putting them
into the dishwasher. Just remove large pieces and
quantities of food, bones, pits, etc. Empty glasses and
cups. It may be necessary to presoak or lightly scour
firmly cooked-on or baked-on foods.
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 dishes facing the center of the rack so that the
water spray from the rotating spray arm can reach
soiled surfaces.
Besure large items do not block the detergent
dispenser, preventing it from opening during the wash
cycle.
To be sure an item is dishwasher safe, read the
manufacturer's care instructions.
• If the dishwasher drains into a food disposer, be sure
disposer iscompletely empty before
dishwasher is started.
• To save energy, wash full loads.
• For best washing results, load correctly and avoid
overloading.
Energy Options
Hi-Ternp Wash Option
When HI-TEMP WASH ON option isselected, 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 CRYSTALand RINSEONLY.
HI-TEMP WASH is automatically provided when HEAVYWASH
cycle is selected.
To turn off the HI-TEMP WASH option, press the pad a
second time.
Air Dry Option
The unit defaults to heated dry when it isstarted with any
cycle selected. This drying uses a combination of the heated
dry with rinse aid that achieves enhanced drying
performance. If you prefer to only have AIR DRY for dishes,
you will select AIR DRY and the uit will not energize the
heating element. This will reduce energy consumption, but
reduce drying performance.
Delay Start
The DELAYSTART option allows you to automatically delay
starting your dishwasher from 2 - 4 hours.
Make cycle selections, press the DELAYSTART key until the
desired delay LED is it, then close the door and the delay
time will start.
To cancel the delay and start the cycle before the delay
period is over, open the door and press the START/CANCEL
key. Close the door and the cycle will start.

Loading the Top Rack
Glasses and cups--Place glasses and cups
against outside pins at an angle, Cups with a concave
bottom will collect water,
Small plates and saucers--Place dishes
between middle two rows of pins.
Plasticware--Load plasticware in the top rack to
avoid melting.
Bowls-Place bowls between the middle 2 rows of
pins facing down.
Miscellaneous items--Place long handled
knives and utensils intop rack.
CUp Shelf--The cup shelf can be folded down over
short items (juice glasses, cups, etc.) for more loading
space. When using cup shelf, alternate items with layer
below so that water can reach all inside surfaces.
Loading the Silverware
Basket
Load sharp items with handles up. Be sure
items do not protrude through the holesin the basket and
stop the rotation of the spray arm.
Load silverware so items are mixed in each section to
prevent nesting. Water spray cannot effectively reach
nested items.
Loading the Bottom Rack
Large plates and platters--Place between
the support pins with soiled sides facing inward.
Bowls, casseroles and sauce pans--
Load upside down or at an angle facing inward. _31ightly
tilting items will provide better drainage.
Pots and pans--Place upside down and at an
angle. Do not allow handles to protrude through bottom of
rack, blocking wash arm rotation. Load large items at the
sides and not across the front so they do not block the
detergent dispenser preventing it from opening.
!
Adding a Dish
1. Make sure there is a full wash cycle yet to be completed
so that any added items are thoroughly washed and
rinsed.
2. Unlatch door and wait for water action to stop.
3. Open door and add dish.
4. Firmly close door to latch and resume cycle.

Filling the Detergent Dispenser
The detergent dispenser has 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.
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 a permanent film called etching. Your
local water company, water softener company or county
extension agent can tell you the water hardness in your
area.
The use of industrial grade detergent can damage the
heating coil and other parts of the dishwasher leading to
damage to the unit and surrounding property. Use only
household grade automatic dishwasher detergents.
Try adding more detergent at the beginning of the main
wash portion of the cycle. As a rule, use i 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.
•Use only fresh automatic dishwashing detergent.
Other detergents will cause oversudsing.
•Add detergent just before starting cycle.
• Store detergent in a cool, dry location. Moist or
caked detergent will not dissolve properly.
• Do not fill both washcups, unless you have very hard
water, see chart below*.
_Cover
Main Wash Cup
Cover Latch
Pre Wash Cup
Note: If the cover is closed on the Main Wash
Cup, open by pressing the cover latch.
Detergent Usage Guide
Cycle Soft Water Medium Hard Water Hard Water Very Hard Water*
(0-3 grains) (over 12 grains)
Heavy Wash
Normal Wash
Light Wash
Energy Saver
Rinse Only
1.5 teaspoons (each
cup-
1/4 full)
1.5 teaspoons
(Main Wash cup-
1/4 full)
No Detergent
(4-8 grains)
4 teaspoons
(each cup-fill to line
above "Regular")
4 teaspoons
(Main Wash cup-fill to
line above "Regular")
No Detergent
(9-12 grains)
6 teaspoons
(each cup-
completely full)
6 teaspoons
(Main Wash cup-
completely full)
No Detergent
EachCup-
Completely Full
Main Wash Cup-
Completely Full
No Detergent

Rinse Aid
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.
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 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 istime to refill.
To add liquid rinse aid, turn dispenser cap 1/4 turn
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.
DispenserOpening
I
Less
Indicator
/
More
J
Adjustable setting
Water Pressure
Water pressure should be between 20 and 120 pounds per
square inch. Low water pressure occurs most often during
periods of high water consumption, such as when laundry
or showers are being done. To determine if you have
enough water pressure, put a 2 quart container under fully
opened hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher. It should
fill in less than 14 seconds. Be sure all other faucets are
turned off during test.
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.
Not selecting the AIR DRY option in combination
with rinse aid will enhance drying performance.
The energy required to use the AIR DRY option
costs pennies per cycle. You may choose to select
the AIR DRY option; however you will have items
in your dish load that will not be completely dry at
the end of the cycle.
Dispenser Cap

Burn Hazard
Allowheatingelementtocool
beforecleaningthe interior.
Failureto dosocanresultin
burns.
Outside--Occasionally washwith a mild nonabrasive
detergent and water. Rinse and dry.
Inside--The inside of the dishwasher is self-cleaning
with normal use.
To clean stainless steel wipe with the grains.
Use a Dishwasher Safe Detergent to help with the stains or
discolorations.
N EVER use products that contain Chlorine Bleach or
Citric Acid.
Important: The dishwasher motor is permanently
lubricated at the factory and does not need to be
oiled.
Hard water may cause lime deposit buildup on the interior
of the dishwasher.
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.
See Installation Instructions for more details on disconnecting
and restoring service to your dishwasher.
To Restore Service:
1. Reconnect the water, drain, and electrical power supply.
2. Turn on water and electrical power supply.
3. Fill both detergent cups and run dishwasher through a
NORMALWASH Cycle.
4. Check connections to make sure they do not leak.
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. Drain air gaps are usually mounted on countertop
and can be inspected by removing the cover. A drain air
gap is not part of your dishwasher and is not covered by
this warranty.
See Installation Instructions for more details on disconnecting
and restoring service to your dishwasher.

Property Damage Hazard
Freezing temperatures may causewater linesto
rupture. Be sure all supply lines to and circulating lines
within dishwasher are protected. Failureto do so could
result in property damage.
Cleaning the Filter
For optimum performance, tour dishwasher is equipped
with a filter assembly featuring a main filter, cup and
fine filter as shown in the drawing above. All food
fragments are removed from the dishwasher as water
passes through the filter assembly.
Each part of the assembly should be cleaned often to
ensure that all food fragments are removed from the
dishes. To remove food fragments from the filter
assembly, the filters must be removed from the
dishwasher. To remove the filters, pull up on the edge
of the main filter. Next, rinse the main filter and fine
filter under running water. Cleaning with a brush may
also be necessary to remove any fragments trapped in
the filters. Once cleaning has been completed, simply
reassemble the filter as shown in the drawing above. To
ensure that the filter is fully seated, please press down
on the top of the main filter. Using the dishwasher
without a properly installed filter is not
recommended as it will reduce the cleaning
efficiency and may damage dishware.
Cleaning the Spray Arm
The spray arm may need to be cleaned to insure that
there are no clogs to the spray arm jets and bearings
due to hard water chemicals.
To remove spray arm simply hold the spray arm in place
and turn the retaining nut clockwise and pull up on the
spray arm lifting off the shaft.
To clean the spray arm use warm soapy water using a
soft brush to clean the jets and bearings.
To replace the spray arm simply set the spray arm on
the shaft, take the retaining nut and turn it counter
clockwise till it has locked into place.