Frigidaire i40 Error Code — What It Means
The i40 code on a Frigidaire dishwasher indicates a clogged filter or sump fault. The manufacturer defines this as food soils building up in the sump area and restricting circulation or drain flow. You’ll often see water remaining in the tub at the end of a cycle when this fault is active.
In practice, technicians treat i40 as a drain and flow restriction complaint. Debris in the filter assembly, sump, pump impeller path, or drain hose can all trigger the code. A partial blockage at the sink or disposal connection can also cause water to stay in the unit and set the fault.
Common Causes
- Clogged filter or glass trap Food particles, grease, and sludge accumulate in the filter assembly and restrict water flow through the sump.
- Debris in the pump area Seeds, labels, glass fragments, or other foreign objects lodge in the pump inlet or impeller path and block circulation.
- Partial drain hose blockage Kinks, buildup, or restrictions in the drain hose prevent the dishwasher from evacuating water completely.
- Clogged sink or disposal connection The drain hose connects to a blocked sink drain or disposal, causing water to back up into the dishwasher sump.
- Sump contamination Heavy grease or organic sludge coats the sump interior and interferes with normal water level and flow sensing.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Disconnect power at the breaker or unplug the unit before you begin any inspection or cleaning work.
- Remove the lower rack and locate the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub, then twist or lift to remove the cylindrical glass trap and any additional filter screens according to your model’s design.
- Clean the filter and glass trap thoroughly under running water to remove all food soil, grease, and debris, then inspect the sump opening below for seeds, labels, glass, or other foreign objects and remove anything you can reach by hand.
- Check the pump inlet area for obstructions by looking into the sump cavity after the filter is out, and remove any accessible debris without forcing tools into the pump impeller.
- Inspect the drain hose under the sink for kinks or sags and disconnect it to check for internal blockages, then verify that the sink drain or disposal connection is clear and the sink drains normally.
- Reinstall the filter assembly in the correct order and orientation, restore power, and run a rinse or short cycle to test whether the unit drains completely and the fault clears.
- Clear the fault code if it persists after cleaning by pressing and holding the appropriate button combination for your model, or simply power-cycle the dishwasher and start a new cycle.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher filter assembly | Amazon | Replace if the filter screen or glass trap is cracked, warped, or cannot be cleaned. |
| Drain pump | Amazon | Required if the unit still will not evacuate water after all blockages are cleared and the sump is clean. |
| Drain hose | Amazon | Use if the existing hose is kinked, cracked, or has internal buildup that cannot be flushed out. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a technician if the i40 code returns after you’ve cleaned the filter, sump, and drain path and confirmed the sink drains properly. Persistent faults can point to a failing drain pump, a damaged sump component, or a pressure-sensing issue that requires diagnostic tools and model-specific service data. Also call for help if you find physical damage to the pump impeller or sump housing, or if you’re uncomfortable working around water and electrical connections.