Smoke from Frigidaire Dishwasher

[scoots]

Back in 2011 we installed an 18" Frigidaire Dishwasher (FDR252RBS2) which has worked fine until yesterday. About 30 seconds after staring a wash cycle, the machine made a "strange noise" (father's description) and began to issue smoke with an electrical smell. The machine was shut off right away.

I'm calling a repair man out for this project, but I am asking for input on this style of machine. Is it problem-prone? Worth repairing etc?

The problem is it's a narrow unit to accommodate some old cabinetry that can't be changed without reconfiguring the kitchen. I got this unit as a heavily discounted return/discontinued model, but the full price replacement costs make me wince. If the price to replace the damaged part (probably the motor)is high, I may just consider reconfiguring the cabinets...

 

[tomturbomatic]

Or you could get a full size vintage convertible portable, which would be front loading, with a nice top that could be used like an island with a work surface.

 

[vacbear58]

Launderess

I believe that Laundress had a similar unit (hers might have been a portable) who wrote a couple of very interesting (not to say entertaining) threads on the demise of her Frigidaire/Kenmore and its ultimate vintage replacement. Use the Super Searchalator (its on the top right hand side of the screen) to find them

Al

 

[combo52]

Frigidaire Built 18" DW

These were the last of the American built 18" DWs, they were sold under many name plates. They were just ok performers, but easy to fix and MUCH roomier inside inside than the current Chinese built 18" DWs that almost everybody is selling now.

Most likely causes of a burning smell, 1 loose connections in the wiring junction box, 2 something on the heating element and the DW either didn't fill or the timer turned too far [ past the fill period ] when the machine was first turned on , 3 could be anything from a bad motor , timer, bad door switch, etc.

The motors for these are a little expensive, but if the DW has been satisfactory to you I would repair it even if it needs a new motor.

Repairing it is certainly better than getting one of the tiny new ones and sending a couple hundred dollars to China.

 

[scoots]

Thanks for the responses

Thanks to everybody and John for the input on this... I will probably pull the DW out and have a look for the easy possible fixes that John suggests before calling repair.

 

[scoots]

* UPDATE *

The water seals in the bottom of the tub failed and burned out the motor. Does anybody have a wholesale source for these parts? I have been quoted a price of $450 (min)for replacement from the repair man.

 

[mrb627]

YIKES!

Don't feel bad. I had the same thing happen to a Kitchenaid just outside of the warranty. Perhaps a Bosch would be a better solution.

Malcolm

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/bosch-1...!!46560675159&kpid=4841797&k_clickid=112cb4cd

 

[henene4]

Bosch or Miele

We own the previous generation of the Slimline Bosch dishwashers and they are the best cleaners and have the best price to build quality ratio.
Miele cleans just as well, but lasts longer. Though, it costs way more.