Frigidaire Dehumidifier Flashing – Filters, Buckets And Error Codes


Frigidaire dehumidifiers are one of the best dehumidifiers for maintaining optimum humidity levels, and while they are highly efficient and quiet devices, over time they can begin to flash or malfunction as a result of several reasons.

The Frigidaire dehumidifier FILTER RESET light begins blinking after 250 hours of operation or when the filter needs cleaning, and can be reset by pressing the reset button once. A blinking BUCKET FULL light indicates that either the water bucket is full or it is improperly installed. To resolve the BUCKET FULL light problem, empty the water bucket and reinstall it correctly.

In this article, we’ll explain in more detail why your Frigidaire dehumidifier is blinking and how to fix it for all Frigidaire dehumidifier models. We also provide a step-by-step guide on cleaning your Frigidaire humidifier and answer some frequently asked questions about it.

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Reasons for a flashing light in Frigidaire Dehumidifiers

In Frigidaire dehumidifiers, the ‘FILTER RESET’ light and the ‘BUCKET FULL’ light can start blinking, and in some models these lights can be accompanied by a P2 error code (FFAD6022W1) or an illuminated Quick Glance light (FGAC5044W1).

It is essential to fix these problems immediately so that your dehumidifier can continue working normally. This article applies to the following Frigidaire Dehumidifier models:

Frigidaire 22 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier (FFAD2233W1)

Frigidaire 35 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier (FFAD3533W)

Frigidaire 50 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier (FFAD5033W1)

Frigidaire 50 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump (FFAP5033W1)

Frigidaire 50 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier with Wi-Fi (FGAC5044W1)

Frigidaire 60 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier (FFAD6022W1)

There is one main reason why the FILTER RESET light on Frigidaire dehumidifiers begin to blink/flash and another two reasons why the BUCKET FULL light can be flashing:

Filter Reset Light Blinking

The FILTER RESET light serves as a reminder to clean the filter. It will automatically illuminate after the dehumidifier has completed 250 hours of operation.

You will have to reset the Frigidaire dehumidifier to turn off the ‘FILTER RESET’ light.

To reset the Frigidaire dehumidifier:

  • Turn off the unit and unplug it.
  • Remove the filter and clean it.
    • For most Frigidaire dehumidifiers the bucket will need to be removed to access the filter. Once removed simply clean the filter by rinsing it in clean, cool water.
  • Allow the filter to dry before re-installing it.
  • Plug back the device into a power source.
  • Reset the unit by pressing the ‘FILTER RESET’ button once. The light should turn off immediately.
Frigidaire Dehumidifier ModelLocation of Filter Reset Button
22 Pint
(FFAD2233W1)
On the extreme left side of the digital control panel
35 Pint
(FFAD3533W)
On the extreme left side of the digital control panel
50 Pint
(FFAD5033W1)
On the extreme left side of the digital control panel
50 Pint with Built-in Pump
(FFAP5033W1)
On the extreme left side of the digital control panel
50 Pint with WIFI
(FGAC5044W1)
Right to the ‘Mode’ button and left to the ‘Timer’ button
60 Pint
(FFAD6022W1)
Right to ‘Auto’ and left to ‘Turbo Fan’ button

If you choose to clean your filters more regularly then you can go ahead and reset your unit even though the light is not flashing or illuminated. This way your device will reset its 250 hours of operation timer.

Bucket Full Light Blinking

A blinking BUCKET FULL light indicates that the water bucket is full or improperly inserted/seated. To turn this light off, you will have to remove and empty the bucket, or position it correctly. To do this:

  • Turn off the unit and unplug it. Try not to move the unit, as the water in the bucket can easily spill on the ground.
  • Unclip the bucket by pressing its sides gently.
  • Once the bucket is unlocked, hold it with the top handle and pull it towards yourself by keeping one hand below it. This will remove the bucket from the unit.
  • Empty the bucket of any water.
  • Then place the bucket back into the unit gently and push it inside the unit until it is seated correctly. You’ll hear a click sound when the bucket is in the correct position
  • Turn the unit again, and the BUCKET FULL light will no longer be flashing.

If the BUCKET FULL light still persists, check the float on the water bucket and ensure that it is snapped correctly. If not, remove the water bucket and reinstall it correctly, ensuring there is no dirt or debris that has become lodged in the bucket housing area.

P2 Error Code in Frigidaire FFAD6022W1 Dehumidifier

In addition to the flashing BUCKET FULL light, the Frigidaire FFAD6022W1 dehumidifier also displays a P2 error code to indicate that the water bucket is full, removed, or improperly positioned.

Quick Glance light in Frigidaire FGAC5044W1 Dehumidifier

When the Bucket full or clean filter light is on, the orange-coloured Quick Glance light (the LED light at the top of the front panel) will turn on, gradually turning dark and bright every 4 seconds.

To turn off the quick glance light, press and hold the fan speed button (right of ‘humidity control’ and left of the ‘Power’ button) and the plus sign (+) button simultaneously for 3 seconds.

How to Clean a Frigidaire Dehumidifier

Frigidaire recommends cleaning their dehumidifiers every two weeks.

Cleaning the Filter

  • Turn off the unit.
  • Locate the grill at the back of the unit. Pull the tabs on the upper part of the grill (in the FFAD6022W1 model there is only a single tab on the lower side ), and the filter will be exposed.
  • Hold it from the top and gently pull it out.
  • Clean the filter gently with a vacuum or wash it with cool, tap water. Let it air dry.
  • Once the filter is completely dry, insert it back into the back grill.
  • Turn the unit on and reset it.

Cleaning the Outer Surface

  • Dust off the cabinet using a clean, dry or damp cloth.
  • Cacuum the grill using a brush attachment.

Cleaning the Water Bucket

  • Remove the water bucket.
  • Clean the bucket with lukewarm water and detergent.
  • Add some mild detergent and rub the tank surface gently with a soft brush.
  • Rinse off the water bucket with clean water.
  • Let it air dry before reinstallation.

Cleaning the Pump Filter

  • Clean the pump filter at the same time as you clean the bucket.
  • Remove the screw and take out the pump drainage structure and filter. Clean them using a damp cloth, air dry and then insert them back in.

How to fix an EC error code on a Frigidaire Dehumidifier

An EC error code on a Frigidaire humidifier (except the FFAD6022W1 model) indicates that the device is operating at an inappropriate voltage or temperature. To fix this error, unplug the unit, check the voltage, ensure it is 115V±10%, and keep the temperature within a range of 41°F to 89°F.

Check the unit gain under normal operating conditions to see if the EC error has gone away; if not, contact your nearest authorized Frigidaire Service Center.

Why is my Frigidaire Dehumidifier not Working?

A Frigidaire dehumidifier might not be working due to the following reasons:

1. When the water bucket is full or has reached the preset level, the dehumidifier will stop working. To fix this problem, remove the water bucket, empty it, and reinstall it back into the unit.

2. The dehumidifier can turn off automatically if the preset dryness level (relative humidity) is achieved. If you need some extra dehumidification, choose the ‘CONTINUOUS’ option using the humidity button/knob. You can reset the unit to the desired setting after the dehumidifier starts.

3. Improper bucket installation can also cause the unit to malfunction.

4. The device will not work if the plug is disconnected. Insert the plug properly into a wall outlet.

5. Your device can also stop working due to a blown house fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. Reset the circuit breaker and use a time delay type fuse.

Plentiful Air has more detailed information on why a dehumidifier is not collecting water, and how to fix it, available here.

Why is there frost on the filter’s coils?

Frost appears in Frigidaire dehumidifiers as a result of refrigerant flowing quickly through the coils. Low operating temperatures can also cause frost formation. Frigidaire dehumidifiers can technically operate at temperatures above 40°F, but the coils are known to frost up when temperatures drop below 65°F.

However, if you just turned off the dehumidifier, and you see frost on the coils behind the filter there’s usually nothing to worry about.

Russell Singleton

Russell holds a Bachelor of Science (Environmental and Marine Geoscience) with Class I Honors. He is currently completing his doctorate in science and is passionate about all earth processes, especially isotope geochemistry and paleohydrology.

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