This is Why Your Frigidaire Dishwasher Spray Arm Melted!

Last updated on October 22nd, 2022 at 05:29 pm

Has your Frigidaire dishwasher spray arm melted, and you’re left frustrated about what to do? 

This is very relatable as the dishwasher spray arm is important in ensuring the machine cleans dishes properly.

So, when the spray arm melts, it makes it challenging for the dishwasher to clean dishes properly. When this happens, it becomes compulsory to troubleshoot the issue. 

Thankfully, you’re at the right place. This article will help you answer your melted Frigidaire dishwasher spray arm questions.

The Frigidaire dishwasher spray arm melts when it falls off and comes in contact with the heating element. It falls off because it is loose, broken, or worn out. The spray arm also melts because low water pressure inside the dishwasher during a wash cycle causes overheating—the heat results in the spray arm melting.

In this article, I will explain why the spray arm is melting, how to fix it, and the steps to replace it. By the end, you will also understand why spray arms are essential in a dishwasher.

Why Does a Frigidaire Dishwasher Spray Arm Melt?

A Frigidaire dishwasher spray arm melts because it’s not firmly attached to the pump. It is the most common reason for the dishwasher’s spray arm melting.

However, the lower spray arm is more likely to melt because it is easier to secure it too loose during installation mistakenly.

The lower spray arm loosens, and when the dishwasher runs, it falls off and gets stuck on the heating element bracket as it rotates, causing it to melt.

Therefore, securing the spray arm is essential to stay intact for a while. However, the spray arm wears down and becomes loose over time, even when you attach it properly.

It then causes the arm to tilt towards the heating element and melt. Changing the dishwasher parts after using them for a long time is vital to prevent this scenario.

However, the spray can still melt when it is secured too tight. It cannot spin freely and may touch the heating element and melt.

Hence, you should avoid securing the spray arm too tight or loose and check the nuts regularly to prevent the spray arm from melting.

Also, the heating element brackets need to be in their correct position so it doesn’t come in contact with the spray arm. 

Finally, the Frigidaire dishwasher’s spray arm melts due to excessive heat. The heat results from the dishwasher not filling with water or spraying water on the vital parts.

The spray arm uses the help of the water pressure to rotate, and the water pressure needs to be high enough for the spray arm to function correctly.

Although the heat may be minimal initially, as the dishwasher runs, it gradually gets hotter and eventually causes the spray arm to melt.

Therefore, you must check the water inlet valve and ensure the water pressure is adequate while running a wash cycle.

You also need to ensure nothing is blocking the holes on the spray arm. The clog can contribute to overheating.        

How Do I Fix the Top of the Spray Arm on My Dishwasher?

You can fix the top of your dishwasher’s spray arms by cleaning them regularly or securing them. These actions will help the spray arms last longer and function properly.

These methods prevent the spray arms from loosening and overheating if you fix the top properly. 

Although, it is best to change the spray arms after using them for a long time. However, there is no guarantee that they won’t get faulty, and you need to fix them.

You can use the two methods outlined below to fix the spray arms when this happens.

#1. Cleaning the Spray Arms

Your dishwasher’s spray arms have holes to spray water and clean your dishes. These holes are prone to blockage from dirt, food particles, and other items. 

The clog makes it difficult for the spray arm to release water to clean your dishes properly. It then causes the water pressure level to decrease.

When the holes clog, you need to remove the spray arms to fix them. Then, you will put them under a tap to push water through the holes and identify the clogged ones.

Once you identify the clogged holes, you should soak the affected spray arm in a bowl of hot water and a white vinegar mixture.

It will help to remove any item blocking the holes. Alternatively, you can use a toothpick to clean the clogged holes. Then, you can reinstall the spray arms in the dishwasher.

#2. Securing the Spray Arms

Securing the spray arms will prevent the top from falling off its mount. You need to check it regularly to determine if it is properly attached.

However, if the spray arm falls off its mount, you must attach the top correctly and avoid fixing it too loose or too tight.

Here is a table to help you correctly identify and fix the issue.

Issues	Solutions
Clogged holes	Unclog by soaking in hot water and vinegar or using a toothpick.
Loose spray arm top	Secure it to the mount firmly.
Worn-out spray arm	Replace the top of the spray arm.
Fallen spray arm	Reattach it if it is not damaged.
Broken spray arm	Replace the top of the spray arm.

How Do You Replace the Spray Arm on a Frigidaire Dishwasher?

The first step to fixing the spray arm on a Frigidaire dishwasher is disconnecting the appliance from its power source. Then, you can perform any repair or replacement.

If your dishwasher doesn’t have a power cord connected to an electrical outlet, you can turn it off at the circuit breaker. Then, turn on the dishwasher to check if it is properly disconnected.

It is essential to disconnect the power appropriately to prevent electrocution. Once you are sure you disconnected it correctly, you can open up the dishwasher.

So, you can follow the steps below to replace the spray arm on your Frigidaire dishwasher.

Step 1: Remove the Lower Rack

Open the dishwasher and remove the lower rack. You do not need any tool to remove the lower rack because it is not permanently attached to the dishwasher.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Spray Arm

Once you remove the lower rack, you can reach the lower spray arm. Grasp the middle of the spray arm and pull it up.

Some Frigidaire dishwasher models have a locking tab under the lower spray arm. Use a screwdriver to free the locking tab.

First, locate the wash arm support and trap assembly to remove such a spray arm. You will find them under the lower spray arm.

Next, turn the trap assembly 90 degrees in a clockwise direction and remove it from the dishwasher.

Step 3: Replace the New Spray Arm

Inspect the lower spray arm for damages, and replace it with a new one if it is damaged. You can reinstall the current spray arm if it is still good.

For a spray arm attached directly to the insides of the dishwasher, install the replacement or old spray arm the same way you removed it.

On the other hand, if the spray arm is attached to the trap assembly, you need to ensure the replacement rests appropriately on the trap assembly.

Next, return the unit to its position in the dishwasher with the lever facing down. Push it down securely and turn it anticlockwise until it makes a lock sound.

Take the lock tabs holding the spray arm and position them on the spray arm support. Then, press it until it locks appropriately.

Step 4: Return the Lower Rack

Spin the lower spray arm to ensure it rotates freely and slightly moves forward and backward so nothing disturbs its movement.

Also, ensure it doesn’t come in contact with the heating element. Then, return the lower rack to its position.

Step 5: Replace the Center Spray Arm

Slide the upper rack from your dishwasher, then spin the nut holding the center spray arm counter-clockwise until the arm comes off.

Position the new center spray arm on the support and spin the securing nut clockwise. Check if the arm rotates freely and if nothing is hindering its movement.

Step 6: Replace the Upper Spray Arm

Remove the upper spray arm by spinning the locking ring clockwise. Then, detach the locking ring too.

Remove the locking ring from the new upper wash arm to prepare it for installation. Place the locking ring on the arm support with the flat side pointing up.

Next, position the new wash arm to align with the support and spin the locking ring in a counter-clockwise direction to secure the arm.

Spin the spray arm manually to confirm it is moving freely, then return the upper rack to its position.

Step 7: Turn On the Dishwasher

Reconnect the dishwasher to its power source and load some dishes in it. Close the door and start a wash cycle to check if the spray arms function correctly.

Why Does the Frigidaire Dishwasher’s Lower Spray Arm Keep Falling Off?

The Frigidaire dishwasher’s lower spray arm keeps falling off because it is either loose, worn out, or broken. You need to ensure the arm connection is firm on the mount.

The lower spray arm wears out over time if you keep using the dishwasher without changing the arm. It eventually falls off when it wears out.

Additionally, the spray arm can fall off if it gets broken or loosened due to dishes bumping against it frequently. 

It is unavoidable to prevent dishes from bumping against the spray arm. Therefore, you need to check the arm regularly and tighten it correctly.

You should also only load a few dishes in the dishwasher simultaneously so they don’t bump against the spray arm.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a Frigidaire dishwasher spray arm melts because;

• The lower spray arm touches the heating element.

• The low water pressure causes overheating.

Taking note of these issues will help you to prevent the spray arm from melting. However, if the spray arm melts, you can fix the issue by replacing it with a new one.