Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Code i5A

The i5A code means the dishwasher detected an over temperature or overload condition in one of its pump motors. Specifically, the control board detected the wash pump drawing 0.68 amps or more for 10 seconds, or the drain pump drawing 0.55 amps or more for 10 seconds. The dishwasher shuts down to protect the motor from heat damage. The cause is typically a blocked pump, a wiring problem, or a failing motor.

No, you should not run the dishwasher while the i5A fault is active. The code indicates one of the pump motors is under excessive load, and continued operation can overheat and permanently damage the motor. The dishwasher will typically halt the cycle on its own when this fault is detected, which is the control board protecting the components.

Repair costs depend heavily on the root cause. Clearing a pump obstruction yourself costs nothing beyond your time. A replacement drain pump typically runs in the range of $30 to $80 for the part, while a wash pump motor can range from $60 to $150 or more. Adding professional labor generally brings total repair costs to somewhere between $100 and $300, depending on the failed component and local service rates.

Some causes of i5A are DIY-friendly, particularly clearing debris from the pump impeller or reseating a loose wire harness connector. If the pump chambers are clear and the harness looks intact, diagnosing a failing motor or PCB fault requires electrical testing that is more suited to an experienced technician. Starting with the basic inspection is a reasonable first step before calling for service.

A power reset may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying cause is not corrected the fault will return as soon as the pump encounters the same overload condition again. Resetting is useful for confirming whether the fault was a one-time event, but it is not a repair. Persistent i5A codes require physical inspection and diagnosis.