Frigidaire Dishwasher i20 Error Code: The Draining Problem

The Logic Verdict: Draining Issue

The i20 error code on a Frigidaire dishwasher indicates a draining problem. The dishwasher’s control board has detected that water is not leaving the tub within the expected timeframe.

This is one of the most common Frigidaire errors and is usually caused by one of three things:

1. A Clog: Food particles, broken glass, or debris blocking the filter, sump, or drain hose.
2. A Kink: The drain hose behind the unit is bent or pinched.
3. A Failed Pump: The drain pump has burned out or the impeller is broken.

The “Pro” Shortcut: You don’t need to guess. You can use the dishwasher’s built-in Diagnostic Mode to manually force the drain pump to run. This tells you instantly if the pump is dead or just clogged.

Common Causes

• Clogged Filters: The fine mesh filter at the bottom is packed with grease or debris.
• Blocked Drain Hose: A kink in the hose or a clog at the garbage disposal connection (especially the “knockout” plug if it’s a new installation).
• Failed Drain Pump: The motor that pushes water out has failed.
• Pressure Sensor Issue: The sensor thinks there is water when there isn’t (less common for i20, but possible).

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: The “Easy” Checks

Before taking anything apart, check the obvious culprits:

1. Clean the Filter: Remove the bottom rack and the spray arm if necessary. Twist out the cylindrical filter and wash it. Scoop out any debris from the sump area.
2. Check the Disposal: If your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, run the disposal to clear it. If you just installed the disposal, make sure the knockout plug was removed.
3. Check the Hose: Look under the sink. Is the drain hose looped high (high loop) to prevent backflow? Is it kinked or pinched by anything?

Step 2: Enter Diagnostic Mode (The “Pro” Test)

As shown in the video, you can force the dishwasher to test the drain pump without running a full cycle.

1. Enter Mode: With the door open and unit on, hold the High Temp and Start/Cancel buttons (usually the 1st and 3rd buttons) simultaneously for about 5 seconds until the lights flash.
2. Select Test: Press the 1st button (High Temp) repeatedly to cycle through tests.
   • Press until you reach Test 5 (or the 5th position). This is the Drain Pump Test.
3. Activate: Close the door. The drain pump should immediately turn on.
4. Listen & Observe:
   • Humming but no draining: The pump is trying to run but is jammed (glass/debris) or the impeller is broken.
   • Silence: The pump is not getting power or the motor is dead.
   • Draining: If it drains fine here but not in a cycle, it might be a sensor issue or intermittent clog.

Step 3: Replace the Drain Pump

If the pump is silent during Test 5, or if it hums but doesn’t move water (and you’ve verified there are no clogs), the drain pump needs to be replaced. This is a very common failure on these units.

Required Part: Frigidaire Drain Pump (A00126401)

Also Check: If your hose is damaged or disgusting, replace it while you’re back there. Frigidaire Drain Hose (807117001)

Summary

1. Clean the filters and check the disposal.
2. Run Test 5 in Diagnostic Mode to test the pump.
3. Replace the drain pump if it fails the test.