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Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Code i20

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Drain problem — water not draining

The most common cause of the i20 error on a Frigidaire dishwasher is filter clogged (~50% of cases); start with: clean the drain filter.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$95 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $150+ by doing it yourself
Frigidaire Dishwasher error code i20 on the display panel
How the i20 code appears on a Frigidaire dishwasher display

What Does Error Code i20 Mean on a Frigidaire Dishwasher?

Drain problem — water not draining.

The dishwasher couldn't pump out the wash water within the allowed time, so it stops with standing water in the tub. A clogged filter, a kinked or air-locked drain hose, a blocked disposal knockout, or a worn drain pump are the usual causes.

What Causes Error Code i20?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Filter clogged 50% of cases
  2. 2
    Drain hose kinked 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Disposal blocked 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Pump failed 10% of cases

How to Fix Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Code i20

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clean the drain filter

    Remove the cup-shaped filter in the tub floor and rinse out food debris and grease that block flow.

  2. 2

    Check the drain hose

    Confirm the hose has a high loop and no kinks, and isn't clogged where it meets the disposal or standpipe.

  3. 3

    Clear the disposal knockout

    If newly connected to a disposal, make sure the plastic knockout plug was removed and the disposal is clear.

  4. 4

    Test the drain pump

    With the filter and hose clear, check the drain pump for continuity and listen for it running without moving water.

    🔩 Multimeter 🔩 Frigidaire dishwasher drain pump ($45–$95)

How to Reset Error Code i20

After clearing the filter, hose, or disposal, cancel the cycle (hold Cancel/Start to drain), then start a short cycle to confirm the water drains and i20 clears.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Frigidaire dishwasher reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Dishwasher not draining →

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When to Call a Professional

If the filter, hose, and disposal are all clear but i20 persists, the drain pump has failed or the control board's pump circuit is faulty — have a technician test and replace it.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$280

Related Error Codes

i30
Leak detected in base
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code i20 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows i20 →

Electrolux logo
Electrolux Dishwasher i20
Drain fault — clogged filter or blocked drain path

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Frigidaire Dishwasher:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Frigidaire Dishwasher repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Codes

i10 Water supply problem — insufficient fill PF Power failure — cycle interrupted i40 Clogged filter or sump — restricted water circulation i50 Wash motor / circulation pump and heater assembly fault i60 Water heating failure — water not reaching target temperature iC0 Communication error — touchpad/control not talking to main board

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Frigidaire Dishwasher when error i20 appears? +
It is not advisable. The dishwasher may still power on, but running it while i20 is active can worsen the drainage fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes i20 on a Frigidaire Dishwasher? +
Across reported Frigidaire dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is filter clogged (50% of cases), drain hose kinked (25%), then disposal blocked (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
i20 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored i20 fault; if it returns, the drainage problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean the drain filter, then check the drain hose — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Frigidaire Dishwasher error i20? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$95 in parts, versus $150–$280 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $150. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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