i00 Frigidaire dishwasher error code: A troubleshooting guide


Steven E / Wednesday September 20, 2023


open dishwasher with dishes in racks

If your Frigidaire dishwasher suddenly stops mid-cycle and you see an “i00” error code displayed, it likely indicates an issue with low supply voltage.

Let’s find out more about this error message and how we can troubleshoot your dishwasher to fix it.

What is the i00 error code?

On Frigidaire dishwashers equipped with electronic control boards, error codes starting with “i” indicate an input fault. The i00 code specifically points to a low main voltage issue, meaning the dishwasher is not getting adequate power from your home’s electrical system to operate properly. The control board monitors the voltage input and will cause an i00 error display if it drops below a certain threshold.

What causes the i00 low voltage error?

There are several possible reasons why a Frigidaire dishwasher may not be receiving sufficient voltage:

  • Loose electrical connections: Bad connections either at the dishwasher itself or in the home’s junction box can cause intermittent power issues. Repeated cycling on and off can create just enough of a gap in the flow of electricity to throw an i00 error.
  • Wiring problems: Faulty wiring running from your electrical panel to the dishwasher can cause low voltage. This may be due to damaged wires, undersized gauges for the length of the run, or improper connections.
  • Tripped breaker: If the circuit breaker supplying power to the dishwasher has tripped, it will cut voltage to the appliance and can trigger an i00 error code.
  • Faulty control board: While less common, a malfunctioning control board itself can sometimes misread voltage.
  • Insufficient supply voltage: In rare cases, the voltage supplied by the utility company may dip low enough for the dishwasher to display an i00 code. Unless you are seeing issues with other appliances, this is unlikely to be the sole cause.

READ MORE: Best Loading Techniques For Your Dishwasher

What voltage triggers the i00 error?

The threshold for a Frigidaire dishwasher control board to display the i00 error is around 180 volts. This varies slightly by manufacturer, but 180v is typical.

To put that into perspective, normal residential voltage in the U.S. is between 110v to 120v on a single leg, and 220v to 240v between two legs. Appliances are designed to tolerate reasonable fluctuations, but 180v is approaching the lower limit of the acceptable range.

Once the i00 is triggered, the dishwasher’s control board will disable heating elements and pause the wash cycle until the voltage returns to a normal range. For the error to clear, the voltage must climb back above 186v on most models.

READ MORE: What is Dishwasher Insulation and Why is it Important?

Step-by-step guide to troubleshooting an i00 error

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and identify the specific problem with your Frigidaire dishwasher. Before testing or repairing any appliance, make sure to turn it off and disconnect it from the power source.

1. Check the power supply

The first thing to check is the power supply feeding the dishwasher. Use a multimeter to test the voltage at the following points:

At the circuit breaker: Verify the breaker is still in the On position and that it’s supplying the proper voltage. You should get a reading within the normal 110v to 120v range. If not, the issue is likely contained in the electrical panel.

At the dishwasher junction box: Remove the junction box cover and test the voltage coming into the dishwasher. If significantly less than the circuit breaker, the problem is in the home wiring.

At the dishwasher power inlet: Test the voltage at the point where the power cord connects to the appliance, typically located at the bottom rear. Low voltage here indicates a problem with the dishwasher itself.

Ideally, you’ll want to see 120v at all test points from the breaker to the inlet, which will tell you there’s no problem with the power supply.

READ MORE: How to use a multimeter to check appliance parts

2. Inspect electrical connections

With the power disconnected, inspect the wiring connections starting at the junction box and moving into the dishwasher. Look for:

  • Loose wire nuts or terminals
  • Corroded connections
  • Melted or damaged wires
  • Wires not fully inserted into connectors
  • Loose power cord to inlet connections

Clean and tighten any questionable connections with wire cleaning brushes. Be careful to not use too abrasive of materials when cleaning. Make sure the terminals are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.

You should also inspect the ground wire and connections. An inadequate ground can negatively affect the voltage supply.

3. Check the control board’s operation

By going through the control board diagnostics, you should be able to determine if it is operating and communicating properly with other dishwasher components. Abnormal readings would point to a control board problem potentially causing the i00 code. But if testing shows normal function, the issue likely lies elsewhere.

To thoroughly evaluate the control board:

  • Refer to the owner’s manual for instructions.
  • Access the diagnostic mode through a sequence such as holding the “heated dry” and “normal wash” buttons for 3 seconds. The sequence varies by model. In diagnosis mode, document any error codes that are displayed. The i00 error should be stored in the control board memory if it occurred recently.
  • Browse through other available diagnostic menus and data points. Look for anything abnormal that could indicate a control board malfunction.
  • Initiate a test cycle or manual activation of components. Listen and look for proper operation of the wash motor, drain pump, inlet valve, and heating element.
  • Check any temperature sensors and pressure sensors and make sure they’re reading the correct values.
  • Confirm the user interface is functioning properly by changing settings and verifying the control board registers the adjustments.

4. Reset the electrical supply

Taking extra steps when power cycling can simulate a true reboot of the dishwasher’s electrical system. It provides the best test of normal function after an i00 error occurs.

To effectively reset the power to the dishwasher:

  • Shut off the circuit breaker supplying the dishwasher for 2-3 minutes minimum. This clears residual power from components.
  • While the power is off, turn off any other large appliances on the same circuit, like the A/C condenser, refrigerator, or electric oven. This eliminates the load for testing.
  • Turn the breaker back on. At the junction box, re-test the voltage to the dishwasher. Confirm it is between 110-120 volts.
  • Unplug the dishwasher’s power cord from the inlet for 10 seconds, then reconnect. This clears stored error codes.
  • Initiate a short wash cycle and verify it progresses through the stages with no new error codes. Let it complete fully.
  • If the i00 code returns, the problem is likely internal. If the operation is normal, the control board may have reset with the power cycling and load reduction.

How to prevent i00 errors

Catching and repairing low voltage issues protects the dishwasher from damage. Prolonged exposure to low voltage can shorten the lifespan of motors, pumps, control boards, and other components.

Here are some tips for preventing recurring i00 errors:

  • Avoid using extension cords or power strips, as these can reduce the voltage to the dishwasher.
  • Avoid overloading shared circuits in the electrical panel
  • Address any wiring issues found elsewhere in the home

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you troubleshoot and fix the i00 error on your Frigidaire dishwasher. If you need some extra help, visit us at AppliancePartsPros.com. Once you’re there with your model number, you can search for parts for your dishwasher or any other appliance. You can also chat with a pro, speak with customer service, and find more guides on our DIY blog.

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