Frigidaire Dishwasher Spray Arm Melted (Fixed!)

Has the spray arm in your Frigidaire dishwasher melted? It’s common for the lower arm to detach and melt on the heating element.

In this guide, I will show you how to repair and prevent a melted spray arm.

How To Fix A Melted Spray Arm In The Frigidaire Dishwasher?

1. Consider replacing it with a new one. Specific models can be purchased on Amazon for top, middle, and bottom arms.
2. For minor damage, repair with epoxy.
3. For problematic holding tabs, use a stainless steel screw and washer as a makeshift solution.
4. Prevent future issues by regularly inspecting for secure attachments and not overloading the dishwasher.

Let’s get into some more detail on how to do this below!

Replace The Spray Arm

The clips that keep the spinner attached might be broken or old. This could have made the spray arm drop onto the heating coil, causing it to melt.

In this case, your best option is to get a new spray arm. Changing it is easy, and you can do it yourself.

Here’s how to change each spray arm:

How To Replace The Top Spraying Arm

You can buy a new top spray arm for your Frigidaire dishwasher from Amazon. The part you probably need is #154754502. This top spray arm is compatible with almost all Frigidaire dishwashers.

The Amazon listing doesn’t provide specific dishwasher model numbers for confirmation.

However, you can compare its photo with that of your old spray arm. If it looks similar to your old one, then it will likely fit your dishwasher.

Here is how you replace the upper spray arm that fell off:

1. Open your dishwasher and take out the top tray by unlocking and pulling out the stops on both sides.
2. Take off the old spray arm by twisting the big nut at the top to the left.
3. Attach the new spray arm. Make sure it hangs down about a quarter-inch from the top inside part of the dishwasher. Make it tight.
4. Put the top tray back. Pull the side rails, put the wheels in place, push the tray back in, and lock the stops.
5. Double-check everything is firm and fixed.

Here is a video that explains the process:

How To Replace The Middle Spraying Arm

You can buy a new spray arm for your Frigidaire dishwasher from Amazon. The part you probably need is #5304506740. This spray arm fits most Frigidaire dishwasher models. Just make sure to check for your model number on the Amazon listing.

Here’s how you can replace the center spray arm:

1. Open the dishwasher door and take off the rack stops from the upper rack.
2. Carefully pull out the upper rack. As you do so, hold the rack steady and push the rails back inside.
3. Turn the rack upside down on the dishwasher door. You’ll see the center spray arm is attached with a small lock at the back.
4. Press down on the locking clip and lift the spray tube to free it. You can now take out the old spray arm.
5. When putting in the new spray arm, make sure the notch is in the right position. Tilt the arm down and ensure its back tab goes beyond the rear wire. Then, press forward until you hear a click, indicating it’s locked in place.
6. Turn the rack right side up and pull the rails slightly out. This will allow you to place the rack’s wheels onto the rails. Begin with one side, then the other. Double-check all four wheels are on the rails and push the rack back in.
7. Extend the rails and reattach the rack stops. Slide them in from the top, making sure they pass through both the upper and lower holes, then secure them.

Here is a video that explains the process:

How To Replace The Bottom Spraying Arm

You can purchase a new bottom spray arm for your Frigidaire dishwasher from Amazon. The part you’re likely to need is #154568001. This bottom spray arm fits most Frigidaire dishwashers. You can make sure by checking if your dishwasher’s model number is on the Amazon listing.

How to Replace the Lower Spray Arm in Your Dishwasher:

1. Open your dishwasher and take out everything from the bottom rack. Then, remove the rack itself.
2. Pull the old spray arm directly upwards to take it out.
3. Throw away the old spray arm.
4. Position the new spray arm in place, ensuring it clicks securely and rotates without any obstructions.
5. Place the bottom rack back in the dishwasher and close the door. The replacement is now done.

For a visual guide, check out this video:

Repair The Melted Spray Arm

The water pressure causes the spray arm to rotate. If there’s a significant hole in the spray arm due to melting, it may not spin and spray properly. This can lead to the dishes not being cleaned effectively.

If the damage isn’t too severe, you might be able to repair the melted spray arm using epoxy.

Here is how to repair a melted Frigidaire spray arm:

1. Trim away the melted or distorted plastic with a utility knife or small handsaw.
2. Prepare a two-part epoxy, like JB Weld.
3. Tape one side of the damaged area, fill the other side with epoxy, and let it set.
4. Once set, switch sides: remove the tape, then tape the filled side, fill the open side with epoxy, and let cure.
5. Reattach the spray arm and secure it.
6. Replace the dish rack, reconnect the power, and run a short test cycle.

Ensure the holding tabs are okay before putting the spray arm back in the Frigidaire. Even after fixing the melted section, it might still fall and melt again.

If the tabs are bad, you can use a screw to fix them:

1. Take out the spray arm and the plastic clip from the dishwasher. Normally, the clip unscrews counterclockwise.
2. Get a small stainless steel screw and washer to replace the plastic clip.
3. Put the washer on the screw and attach it where the plastic clip was.
4. Attach the spray arm to the retainer using the screw. Don’t screw it too tight.
5. Put the retainer and spray arm back in the dishwasher.

Remember, this is a home solution. Always be careful when making changes to your dishwasher.

There’s also a video that demonstrates fixing the spray arm using epoxy:

Preventing A Melted Spray Arm

Inspect the spray arms regularly to ensure they’re securely attached. They should be slightly wobbly to allow free rotation, but not overly loose.

Avoid overloading the dishwasher, ensuring no dishes or utensils obstruct the spray arms. Listen for unusual clunking sounds during a wash, as this might indicate a spray arm issue.

Check the holding tabs or clips of the spray arm for signs of wear and replace if necessary. If there’s visible damage on a spray arm, replace it promptly.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, the melting of a spray arm in a Frigidaire dishwasher, particularly the lower one, is a common yet fixable issue.

Whether you opt for a replacement, a quick epoxy fix, or preventive measures, maintaining your dishwasher’s performance is within reach.

Stay proactive, and your dishwasher will thank you with consistently clean dishes.

Thanks for reading!