GE dishwashers became a hit as soon as the first model hit the limelight. And while they’re now commonplace with the likes of Whirlpool and Samsung, they’re still subject to operation errors.
So what could be the reason for the GE dishwasher start button not working?
The GE dishwasher start button won’t work because of dirt buildup, a faulty trap and filter, or an electrical problem. You may have had the control lock activated, forgotten to latch the door, or selected an incorrect dishwasher setting. Also, the start button won’t start if you set the cycle delay.
I understand that nothing is as frustrating as wanting to clean your dishes fast only to find out that your GE dishwasher can’t start.
But the failure for the unit to start may not be as bad as you think. From my experience, the issue could be because of a small issue such as forgetting to close the door or not turning the power on.
So let’s look at why your GE dishwasher start button isn’t working and what you can do to fix the problem.
7 Reasons Why Your GE Dishwasher Start Button Isn’t Working
I’ve studied GE dishwashers enough to know why they fail to start. From what I found, the reasons are often minor and therefore have quick DIY fixes.
The table below shows the most common errors for GE dishwasher start button not working and the recommended fix.
| Problem | Quick DIY FIX | |
| 1. | GE dishwasher not getting power | Ensure you have the unit plugged into a power source and power turned on |
| 2. | Water supply turned off | Switch the water supply position to on. Check the hose for tear or kink and replace |
| 3. | Incorrect cycle settings | Reset the unit by holding down the start button for about 3 seconds |
| 4. | Control lock activated | Have the control lock deactivated and press the start button again |
| 5. | The unit’s door isn’t latched | Make sure you close the door and check that it latches properly and try pressing the start button again |
| 6. | The touchpad may be faulty | Have the touchpad replaced |
| 7. | Your GE dishwasher control board is faulty | Inspect the main control board for performance issues and replace if necessary |
Let me take this even further and discuss each of these issues in more details:
1. Your GE Dishwasher Isn’t Getting Power
Here’s the deal:
The start button of your GE dishwasher is probably not working because there’s a power issue in your home. So I suggest you check the power source first to be sure it’s working properly.
Ensure that you connect the dishwasher to a working electrical outlet and verify that the power switch is ON.
Check for tripped breakers or blown fuses in your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box. Replace any blown fuses or reposition any tripped breakers.
2. The Water Supply of Your GE Dishwasher May Be Off
If your GE dishwasher’s start button won’t respond as expected, it might be because the water supply system built into the machine isn’t working.
If I had this problem myself, I would check if the water supply valve is on the ON position and adjust it if it isn’t. I’d also go as far as inspecting the water supply hose for kinks or rips.
You should do the same. Also, gently straighten the kinks in the line. But if you notice the water supply hose has signs of leaks or damage, have it replaced.
I recommend getting the Kelaro dishwasher installation kit an easy-to-install solution that’s equally made of premium grade 304 stainless steel, which means superior corrosion resistance.
But if the water supply valve and hose are working properly, a faulty water inlet valve may be the reason why your GE dishwasher button isn’t responding.
The valve is an important element that opens and shuts as needed to enable water into the dishwasher at the appropriate times throughout the wash cycle. I recommend that you inspect the water input and replace the water input valve as necessary.
3. Your Unit Has Incorrect Cycle Settings
Here’s the thing:
A GE dishwasher won’t start if you don’t select a wash cycle – or if you select the wrong cycle to run.
Fortunately, you can easily fix this issue by pressing and holding down the Start button for a maximum of three seconds. Doing so will disable the wash cycle and get the machine to start working optimally again.
With the current wash cycle disabled, you shouldn’t have a problem starting the dishwasher for a second time – of course assuming that there isn’t another underlying issue.
4. The Unit’s Control Lock is Active
Because you have had the control lock (also known as the kid lock function) engaged, pressing the start button isn’t going to get the unit to start working.
I understand how important the Control Lock is. For what it’s worth, it keeps kids away from interfering with the current wash cycle and from starting new ones. It also helps keep hands and feet out of the bottom racks and avoids broken fingers because youngsters can’t reach in.
Before you may utilize the control panel, you must first disengage the control lock. To turn off the Control Lock function on GE dishwashers:
- Press and hold the Lock pad for three seconds
- Put your four-digit passcode if asked
When the Control Lock function is off, the lock symbol blinks twice to indicate that you have deactivated the lock.
Now press the start button to see if works.
5. You Haven’t Latched the Unit’s Door
Your GE dishwasher’s start button isn’t responding because the door closed, as it should. Check to see if anything is obstructing the door, which may include dishes that you haven’t properly loaded in the unit.
You may have to remove some, or all, of the dishes from the unit and load them again one at a time. Then, make sure the door closes completely and that you’ve engaged the latch.
If your GE dishwasher won’t start even after you close the door properly, the door latch or switch may be broken. The door switch will not indicate the dishwasher to start if the door latch is faulty.
Even if the latch engaged but the door switch is defective, the unit still won’t start. That’s because the switch won’t transmit the electrical signals required to start the dishwasher. In either situation, you may have to replace both components.
The GE WD13X10003 Dishwasher Door Latch is a good example to consider for a replacement.
In addition to fitting multiple models, this original door latch replacement is also easy to install, so you don’t need the help of a professional to have it fixed.
6. There May Be a Problem with the Touchpad
Verify that the display is operational. On most models, this needs holding down a key for about five seconds.
Some displays stay lit as long as the power is on, some light and turn off even with the unit engaged.
Now, try pressing each button to see if they’re working as expected. If you notice that the start button isn’t starting the next time you try to start the machine, then it’s highly likely the touchpad has a problem.
The best thing to do in this case would be to replace the control panel. And one of the best options available for the GE dishwashers is Ge WD34X22262 Genuine OEM Dishwasher Control Panel.
I do recommend replacing the entire control panel instead of just the touchpad because it’s easier to do so. And you aren’t going to spend more than $150 on the replacement, so it should be relatively affordable.
7. The Control Board is Faulty
A faulty control board can result in a variety of issues, ranging from buttons not working to the dishwasher failing to start.
Try disconnecting and re-plugging your dishwasher’s control panel if you doubt that it could be the problem. Simply trying to reinforce the connection between the control board and the control panel sometimes help to fix the problem.
Unplugging the system and removing the motherboard allows you to test the control board. After that, you may connect a known-good power supply to the motherboard.
If your attempt to troubleshoot the main control board fails, you may have to replace the entire control board.
A good example of a control board that you might want to consider if you have the GE dishwasher is the GE WD21X24901 Dishwasher Electronic Control Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do You Start a GE Dishwasher Without the Start Button?
It’s possible to start a GE dishwasher without ever touching the start button. To do this:
- Close the unit’s door and ensure you latch it securely.
- Check your home’s electrical fuse and replace it if blown.
- Unlock the control panel and hold the Heated Dry button for about three seconds.
- Turn the water valve on.
- Switch on the dishwasher from the wall.
It’s that simple. The unit should start, even if the start button isn’t functional.
2. How Do I Reset the Control Panel on My EG Dishwasher?
You can reset the GE dishwasher control panel by holding the start button for about five seconds. Again, hold down the Start and Select Cycle buttons for a second. The control panel will light up, indicating a reset.
3. How Do You Reset a GE Dishwasher That Won’t Start?
You can reset a GE dishwasher that won’t start by pressing the Start or Reset button during a washing cycle. Wait for about two minutes to pump out water. Then you can open the unit’s door and add dishes to clean.
Final Thought: ”Why GE Dishwasher Start Button Is Not Working”
I hope this guide on GE dishwasher start button not working has helped you to understand that you don’t necessarily need a professional technician to help you with some of the most common dishwasher problems.
As someone who has handled GE dishwasher before, I can tell you from experience that some of the most common issues are so minor that they only require DIY fixes.
So if your GE dishwasher’s button doesn’t work, try the troubleshooting options that I’ve shared in this guide. You should be able to fix the problem all by yourself.