What's Happening

HO (Hold On / Heat On) is a status code, not an error. It appears when the incoming water temperature is below the minimum threshold the dishwasher requires to begin a wash cycle — typically around 120°F (49°C). Rather than starting with cold water (which would reduce cleaning performance), the dishwasher waits and uses its internal heating element to raise the water temperature before proceeding. This is more common in cold climates, when the hot water heater is set below 120°F, or when the dishwasher is used after a long period of no hot water draw.

How to Fix It

No repair is needed in most cases. The dishwasher will automatically proceed once the water reaches the required temperature — this typically takes 5–15 additional minutes. To reduce HO delays: set your water heater to 120°F (49°C), and run the kitchen hot water tap for 30–60 seconds before starting the dishwasher to purge the cold water sitting in the supply line. If HO persists indefinitely (more than 30 minutes), the heating element or thermistor may have failed — check for an i60 code.

Frequently Asked Questions
What does HO mean on a Frigidaire dishwasher?
HO means the dishwasher is waiting for the incoming water to reach the minimum temperature before starting the cycle. It is not an error — the dishwasher will proceed automatically once the water is hot enough.
How do I prevent HO from appearing on my Frigidaire dishwasher?
Set your water heater to 120°F and run the hot water tap for 30–60 seconds before starting the dishwasher. This purges the cold water from the supply line so the first fill is already hot.
What if my Frigidaire dishwasher shows HO for more than 30 minutes?
A prolonged HO that never progresses to the wash cycle suggests the heating element is not working — the dishwasher is waiting for water to heat up but the element can't do it. Check for an i60 code and test the heating element.