Frigidaire Dishwasher i20 Code: Causes & Fix

What is the Frigidaire Dishwasher i20 error?#

i20 means your Frigidaire dishwasher tried to drain and could not clear the water in time — a drain fault. The good news is that this is one of the most DIY-friendly codes there is, because the cause is usually a clog you can reach, not a dead part. Standing water in the bottom of the tub is the classic symptom, and a clogged filter is the first place I look every single time.

i20 on a Frigidaire Dishwasher: likely causes and repair cost#

On a Frigidaire Dishwasher, the i20 code signals: drain fault.

Typical professional repair: $75–$250 · Difficulty: moderate · often owner-fixable

Fastest thing to try first: Clean drain filter and check disposal knockout.

Symptoms that often accompany i20: Standing water in tub after cycle; Foul odor from dishwasher; Gurgling sounds during drain

Technician diagnostic sequence for i20:

1. Remove and clean the drain filter assembly at the tub bottom
2. If connected to disposal, verify the knockout plug was removed during installation
3. Check drain hose for kinks and ensure high-loop or air-gap installation
4. Listen for drain pump hum — no sound = motor failure

Parts a technician may check or replace: drain pump assembly; filter assembly

Field note: The disposal knockout plug being left in place during installation is the single most common cause of i20 on new Frigidaire dishwashers. Check this first.

How to troubleshoot the i20 error yourself#

Go after the clog in order. Pull the bottom rack and remove the cylindrical filter at the floor of the tub — rinse out the food debris and grease that collect there, since a packed filter is the leading cause of i20. Next, check the drain hose for a kink or a clog where it runs to the sink drain or disposal, and if the dishwasher is tied into a garbage disposal, confirm the disposal's knockout plug was removed and run the disposal to clear it. Also clear the air gap on the countertop if your setup has one. These steps solve the large majority of i20 faults. If the filter, hose, air gap, and disposal are all clear and i20 still shows, the drain pump itself is likely failing — that is where I would bring in a technician to test and replace it.

Is the Frigidaire Dishwasher i20 error worth fixing?#

Most i20 repairs cost nothing beyond your time, because the fix is a filter or hose clog. When it does turn out to be the drain pump, a professional repair runs $75 to $250, which is a small fraction of a new dishwasher. So i20 is essentially always worth fixing — I cannot think of a scenario where a drain fault alone would justify replacing the machine. Clear the clog first; only pay for a pump if the simple checks come up empty.

Frigidaire Dishwasher i20: frequently asked questions#

What does the i20 error mean on a Frigidaire dishwasher?#

i20 is a drain fault — the dishwasher could not pump the water out of the tub within the expected time. It usually leaves standing water in the bottom.

Is it safe to keep using a Frigidaire dishwasher showing i20?#

Running it again without draining just leaves dirty water sitting in the tub, so it is best to clear the drain first. There is no safety hazard, but dishes will not get clean until it drains.

Can I clear the i20 error myself?#

Usually, yes. Cleaning the filter, clearing the drain hose, and checking the disposal knockout resolve most i20 codes with no parts. A failed drain pump is the exception that needs a technician.

How much does it cost to repair i20 on a Frigidaire dishwasher?#

There is often no parts cost if it is a clog you clear yourself. If the drain pump has failed, a professional repair runs $75 to $250.

Which parts usually fail when a dishwasher throws i20?#

The clogged filter and drain hose cause i20 far more often than any part, but when a component fails it is typically the drain pump.

Why does a clogged drain filter trigger the i20 error?#

A packed filter restricts the water trying to reach the drain pump, so the tub cannot empty in time and the control reports i20.

Is a Frigidaire dishwasher with i20 worth repairing?#

Absolutely — most fixes are free, and even a drain pump at $75 to $250 is far cheaper than replacing the dishwasher.