Frigidaire MDB421RHS3 User manual

Dishwasher
100 and 400 Series
Product Registration Card
Please fill in completely, sign and return promptly!
Safety
Instructions ........................ 2
Features .............................. 3
Normal Operating
Sounds ............................. 4,6
Operating
Instructions ...................... 4-7
Preparing and
Loading Dishes ............... 8-9
Dishwas her Dispenser _l
and Detergents .............. 10-11
Factors Affecting
Performance ...................... ll
Record All Information For
Future Reference
Brand: Purchase Date:
Model #:
Serial #: (see Features page for location)
Questions?
(United States)
Care and
Cleaning ............................ 12
Solutions to Common
Dishwashing Problems...13-15
Consumer Services
Warranty & Service ............................... 16
Versibn en espa_ol ............................. 4,6
(Canada)
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS P/N154408001(0105)

Important Safety Instructions
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:
°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.
• 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.
• 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.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
@2001 White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. 2

Dishwasher Features
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.
Funnel
pages
Tub Gasket 8,13 Top Rack
page 12 page 8
Middle Spray Arm
pages 8,9,13
Lower Spray Arm
pages 9,13
Serial Label
(located on right
side of tub)
Bottom Rack
page 9
Overfill Protector
page 12
Prewash
Detergent Cup
page 10
Detergent Dispenser
page 10 \
Glass Trap
page12
Sel_Cleaning Filter
page 12
Heating Element
page 12
Rinse Aid
Dispenser
page 11
Vent
pages
4-7,14

Operating Instructions
Vent Latch
oPnoN$
LIGHTWASH
Appearance may vary from your model.
Very Important
Informationm Read Before
Operating Your Dishwasher!
Normal Operating
Sounds
This dishwasher does not sound like most
dishwashers--IT'S QUIETER!
Your dishwasher 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 upper 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!
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
Cycle Chart).
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.

Operating Instructions (continued)
Wash Cycle Selections
Note: Cycle times are approximate and not all cycles available on all models.
Cycle
Pots &
Pans
Heavy
Wash
Normal
Wash
Light
Wash
Rinse/
Hold
Plate
Warmer
Description
For pots, pans,
casseroles, and
dinnerware with dried-
on or baked on soils.
For heavily soiled
dishes and silverware.
For regularly soiled
dishes and silverware.
For lightly soiled or
pre-rinsed dishes and
silverware.
For rinsing dishes that
will be washed later.
For warming dishes
and serving plates
before serving hot
foods.
Cycle Chart
To Select Cycle
•Turn dial to POTS & PANS.
• Select desired OPTIONS.
• Turn dial to HEAVY WASH.
• Select desired OPTIONS.
• Turn dial to NORMAL WASH.
• Select desired OPTIONS.
• Turn dial to LIGHT WASH.
• Select desired OPTIONS.
• DO NOT USE detergent.
• Turn dial to RINSE/HOLD.
• Load clean plates and dishes
to be warmed.
• Turn dial to PLATE WARMER.
• Select HOT DRY option.
Water
(approx.)
7.2 gal.
6.0 imp. gal.
27.3 liters
7.2 gal.
6.0 imp. gal.
27.3 liters
6.0 gal.
5.0 imp. gal.
22.7 liters
4.8 gal.
4.0 imp. gal.
18.2 liters
1.2 gal.
1.0 imp. gal.
4.5 liters
Time
(approx.)
89 min.*
89 min.*
81 min.*
74 min.*
6min.
14min.
Washes/
Rinses
2 washes
4 rinses
2 washes
4 rinses
2 washes
3 rinses
1 wash
3 rinses
1 rinse
*Includes dry time.
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.
With either option, you may see water vapor
coming from vent during the washing and/or
drying portion of cycle. On some models, 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.

Operating Instructions
Vent Latch
WASHCYCLES OPTIONS
POTS& NOI_'VIALHOT COOL
PANS i_O114BiDRY DRY DRY1NG
Very Important
Informationm Read Before
Operating Your Dishwasher!
Normal Operating
Sounds
This dishwasher does not sound like most
dishwashers--IT'S QU IETER!
Your dishwasher 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 upper 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!
Appearance may vary from your model.
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. Select desired cycle (See Cycle Chart).
5. Turn dial clockwise to select cycle.
6. Select desired energy OPTIONS (See
Energy Options).
7. Run hot water faucet nearest dishwasher
until water is hot. Turn water off.
8. To start, close door to latch.

Operating Instructions (continued)
Wash Cycle Selections
Note: Cycle times are approximate and not all cycles available on all models.
Cycle Chart
Cycle Description To Select Cycle Water Time Washes/
(approx.) (approx.) Rinses
89 min.**Pots &
Pans*
Heavy
Wash
Normal
Wash
Light
Wash
Rinse/
Hold
For pots, pans,
casseroles, and
dinnerware with
dried-on or baked on
soils.
For heavily soiled
dishes and
silverware.
For regularly soiled
dishes and
silverware.
For lightly soiled or
pre-rinsed dishes
and silverware.
For rinsing dishes
that will be washed
later.
• Press POTS & PANS button.
• Turn dial to POTS & PANS/
HEAVY WASH.
• Select desired OPTIONS.
• Press NORMAL & OTHER
button.
• Turn dial to POTS & PANS/
HEAVY WASH.
• Select desired OPTIONS.
• Press NORMAL & OTHER
button.
• Turn dial to NORMAL WASH.
• Select desired OPTIONS.
• Press NORMAL & OTHER
button.
• Turn dial to LIGHT WASH.
• Select desired OPTIONS.
• DO NOT USE detergent.
• Turn dial to RINSE/HOLD.
7.2 gal.
6.0 imp. gal.
27.3 liters
7.2 gal.
6.0 imp. gal.
27.3 liters
6.0 gal.
5.0 imp. gal.
22.7 liters
4.8 gal.
4.0 imp. gal.
18.2 liters
1.2 gal.
1.0 imp. gal.
4.5 liters
89 min.**
81 min.**
74 min.**
8min.
2 washes
4 rinses
2 washes
4 rinses
2 washes
3 rinses
1 wash
3 rinses
1 rinse
*The timer may be delayed for automatic water
heating in the main wash if the water is not hot
enough.
** Includes dry time.
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.
With either option, you may see water vapor
coming from vent during the washing and/or
drying portion of cycle. On some models, 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.

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.
• 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 Top Rack
Features and appearance of racks and
silverware basket may vary from your model
Important: Do not cover the funnel when
loading.
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.
Be sure nothing protrudes through the bottom
of the rack to block rotation of middle spray
arm.
Do not cover funnel

Preparing and Loading Dishes (continued)
Loading the Bottom Rack
Features and appearance of racks and
silverware basket may vary from your model.
Make sure tall items do not block spray arm
rotation.
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.
Adding a Dish
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.
• Close door firmly to latch and resume cycle.

Dishwasher Dispenser & Detergents
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.
• Useonlyfresh automaticdishwashing 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.
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.
Pre Wash Cup
Main Wash Cu
Cover \
Detergent Usage Guide
Cycle Soft Water Medium Hard Water Hard Water Very Hard Water*
(0-3 grains) (4-8 grains) (9-12 grains) (over 12 grains)
Pots & Pans
Heavy Wash
Normal Wash
Lig ht Wash
Rinse Hold
2 teaspoons
(each cup-
1/4 full)
2 teaspoons
(Main Wash cup-
1/4 full)
No Detergent
5 teaspoons
(each cup-fill to line
above "Regular")
5 teaspoons
(Main Wash cup-fill to
line above "Regular")
No Detergent
8 teaspoons
(each cup-
completely full)
8 teaspoons
(Main Wash cup-
completely full)
No Detergent
Each Cup-
Completely Full
(water softener
recommended)
Main Wash Cup-
Completely Full
(water softener
recommended)
No Detergent
(water softener
recommended)
*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 atthe 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.
10