I'd at least try to unplugg the machine over night and plugging it in again the next morning.
Probably won't do much, but sometimes that makes these machines think again about quitting their jobs or at least gives you a few cycles before it happens again and thus some days to research a replacement.
Which lights are flashing exactly? Could be a fault code, and that might help to solve the problem without any actual repair.
Otherwise, the biggest competitor is Whirlpool, who builds the Maytags.
Especially on the lower end Maytags and Whirlpools, the differences are minor between these 2. Only really big thing is that instead of a chopper, the Whirlpool models all have a removable filter.
Maytag actually only has 2 models on their website currently.
While they are priced differently and have different model numbers, a quick look at the manuals and a little comparison using the compare feature reveals the only difference is the racking, and even there only minorly. The base machine is the same.
The cheaper one is actually quieter and has one place setting more space rated then the 50$ more expensive one.
They list a 10 year limited parts manual. Don't be fooled by that. That only covers the part cost and only for the racks, the stainless steal tank and the chopper blade. These parts rarely ever fail, and even if they do, the warranty states that you have to have these replaced by an authorized service technician. And as labour cost isn't covered, you still have to pay for the service call.
For 50$ (MSRP) less then the cheaper Maytags, you can get the Whirlpool branded version of the same base machine:
https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/d...washer-with-1-hour-wash-cycle.wdf560safw.html
That gets obvious if you look at the manuals and the pictures of the controll panels site by site: Same cycles, same cycle times, same usages per cycle, same changes for the options, exact same layout of the controls etc.
Racking should be the same as well. It however lacks the (almost useless) 10 year warranty thing.
It also has ice blue controll panel indicators compared to the amber once on the Maytags, and in my opinion, on a white machine, the blue ones look cooler.
If it's between these 3, I'd get whichever you can get the cheapest at your store of choice.
If you don't care for a cycle time countdown and a stainless steal tub, Whirlpool makes other models at a way better value. There are 4 models priced between 379$ MSRP and 499$ MSRP that I'll link and discuss in order from cheapest to most expensive (keep in mind the Frigidaire you have is 399$ MSRP currently):
1:
https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/d...our-wash-cycle.wdf130pahw.html#specifications
This cheapest machine at 379$ has only 3 cycles (Heavy, Normal, 1-hour wash), one option (High Temp main wash at 135F) and a 4 hour start delay.
It has verry basic racking with 0 ajustments, the most basic cuttlery basket and generally nothing more then the most basic interior.
Cycle times and usage are the same as the Maytags\Whirlpool, thus one assumes the same cycles are used.
It however lacks any nois insulation and thus is rated at 63dB. For comparison, you current DW is 55dB, the Maytags are 50 or 47, the Whirlpool version of the Maytags is 54. Due to the dB scale being weired, an increase by 5dB means the noise appears 2-4 times as loud. 63dB is about the noise inside a car at about 60-70mph.
I wouldn't recomend it.
2:
https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/d...washer-with-1-hour-wash-cycle.wdf330pahw.html
Same machine with only 2 differences:
a) They added those little foldable plastic cup shelfes on the sides of the top rack.
b) Noise level is 55dB, so the same as your current machine.
With its features, specs and MSRP of 399$, this would be an equal replacement to your current machine and certanly a better pick then the 379$ Whirlpool model simply due to the immense noise reduction.
(Side note: In this link, the first picture showing the entire front of the machine is not the correct one. It shows a model with Sani Rinse option. The picture showing just the control panel shows the actual control panel layout used on this machine.)
3:
https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/d...washer-with-1-hour-wash-cycle.wdf520padw.html
This machine is labeled at 449$.
Noise stays the same, however, it has a few verry neat add-ons compared to the next cheaper model.
In terms of racking, the big thing that changed is the cuttlery basket. It now has lids with dividers which improof cleaning by a lot, and even more, it can be mounted either in the lower rack or in the door. Positions can be easily changed by requirements or prefference. Adds basicly an entire extra row of space to the bottom rack.
Further, the Soak&Clean cycle has been added. A cycle designed to be run over night (it takes 7:31h) verry simmilar to the Heavy cycle, however, the prewash and first stage of the main wash are extended by a lot. This is supposed to replace soaking of burned in stuff over night manualy in a sink. Should work, never heared of anybody using it though.
And, finally, this model has the one basic option any DW should have: Sani Rinse. It also has the High Temp wash option as the previous models. The Sani Rinse option raises the main wash temperature to 135F just as High Temp does, but it further boosts the final rinse from 140F to 156F. This sanitizes dishes and helps with drying and if occasionally used makes sure that there is no stink from bacteria in your kitchen sink (if the drain is hooked up to it).
That would be the model I'd buy TBH.
4:
https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/d...-dishwasher-with-sensor-cycle.wdf540padw.html
Priced at 499$, this model has little to offer over the 449$ model number 3.
It is slightly quieter at 53dB. The racking appears to be the same though.
The cycles are still the exact same as model 3, it adds a Sensor Wash cycle though. Keep in mind that all Whirlpool machines have a soil sensor that is always used on the Normal cycle anyways.
This cycle is more tailored towards everyday loads. Compared to the Normal cycle it uses a little more water by default, takes a little longer if the lowest soil level is sensed and is programmed to be less frugal in general, meaning that where the Normal cycle would be preferring not to run a prewash because the soil level is sensed at just below the cut off, the Sensor Wash would be more likely to run another prewash to ensure proper cleaning.
The maximum version of Normal and Sensor Wash (meaning maximum number of prewashes and post wash rinses as well as hotest and longest main wash due to highest soil level sensed) are simmilar though.
Given all that, I'd go with model number 3.
