Is your GE dishwasher giving you some headache? Maybe you’re pressing the control panel but nothing seems to be responding? This GE dishwasher troubleshooting guide is for you.
Common GE dishwasher problems include inability to clean dishes, failure to spray water, water leakages, and the dishwasher not filling with water. Other issues include the dishwasher blinking, a continuous beeping sound, and failure to drain. Worst of all, the GE dishwasher may fail to start.
GE dishwashers are hands down some of the best models on the market. But like Whirlpool, Bosch, and KitchenAid dishwashers, they’re prone to malfunction and they might fail to work altogether.
In this GE dishwasher troubleshooting, I’ll share the 12 most common problems I see with all the GE models. I’ll also share some possible DIY solutions that can help you fix the problems and have your unit working again exactly as it should.
Let’s get started.
GE Dishwasher Troubleshooting: 12 Common Problems and Fixes
The table below is a quick summary of the most common GE dishwasher problems and the most recommended DIY fix.
| Problem | Solution | |
| 1. | GE dishwasher not cleaning | Cleaning the clog in the drain pipe should fix the problem |
| 2. | GE dishwasher not spraying water | Remove any leaking component from the unit and replace with new one. |
| 3. | GE dishwasher failing to start | Check if you’ve connected the unit to a power source. Make sure the Main Control and Control Panel is in good condition. Ensure you close and latch the door. |
| 4. | The unit won’t spin | Clean food stains and dirt from the pivot point of the unit to fix problem |
| 5. | GE dishwasher has an issue with water leak | Examine all seams and joints for discoloration or water stains. Ensure there are no pinhole leaks at the point where the drain line enters the unit. |
| 6. | GE dishwasher won’t fill with water | Clean the clog in the fill hose and fix the leaking faucet or damaged water line. |
| 7. | GE dishwasher making a beeping sound | Check what the noise indicates and fix the unit accordingly |
| 8 | GE dishwasher control lock is active | Deactivate the control lock to start using the unit again |
| 9. | The dishwasher isn’t draining | Clean the clogged drain and replace leaking pump |
| 10. | GE dishwasher not stopping after full cycle | If you see any obstacles in the drainpipe, remove them with a pair of wire-nosed pliers. |
| 11. | Unit won’t dry dishes | You need to have the gasket replaced |
1. GE Dishwasher Failing to Clean
Nothing is more frustrating than a GE dishwasher that won’t clean dishes. And while that’s the last thing you’d ever want with your model, it’s likely to happen anyways.
Quite too often, a clog in the drainpipe is the primary cause of a dishwasher’s inability to clean dishes effectively. There may be hair caught in the drain trap or a food particle plugged the drain line.
You’ll have to clear the obstruction to get the dishwasher to clean your dishes, as it should.
- Remove the access panel and turn off the power.
- Using a little flashlight, check the drain tube for obstacles and remove them with a pair of wire-nosed pliers.
If there are no obstacles, use a plunger to clean the drain line of any debris, making sure you push the plunge all the way to the bottom of the tub’s drain pipe.
Now, reactivate the water supply and test your dishwasher to determine whether its cleaning performance has improved.
2. GE Dishwasher Not Spraying Water
If you are experiencing this issue, there is likely a leak in the line connecting the dishwasher’s water supply valve. Fortunately, fixing this issue isn’t difficult because you only need to replace the leaking component.
- Remove the access panel to locate the hose that links the water supply valve to the dishwasher.
- Unplug the dishwasher from the power source and remove the screws from the unit’s base.
- Remove the tub by lifting it out of the unit and check on the left for the two hoses connected to the water supply valve and drain hose on the right.
- Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, remove the leaking component and replace it with a new component if there is a leak.
- Use the nut and washer to reconnect the hose to the water supply valve.
- Replace the access panel and reassemble the dishwasher. To guarantee it remains in place, tighten each screw properly.
Now restart and test your dishwasher and run your dishwasher through a few cycles to ensure appropriate operation.
3. GE Dishwasher Failing to START
GE dishwasher not starting is the most prevalent problem I’ve heard many people complain about, but it’s also one that doesn’t have to be challenging to fix.
If your dishwasher does not activate when you turn the knob or press the button, there may be a number of potential causes.
First, there may be an issue with the electrical connections at the panel board.
Ask yourself:
- Is electrical current getting to the breaker panel?
- Does the circuit breaker that regulates your dishwasher’s circuit have the proper amperage?
Ensure that the circuit breaker panel you install is the right one, and that you don’t exceed 40 percent of a circuit’s total amp-hour capacity.
Next, examine the dishwasher’s wiring. Have you had the wire correctly connected to the terminals? Are there any lines with compromised insulation? Replace faulty wires if the unit has any.
The water valve that controls the flow of water into the machine may be faulty. If this is the case, have the valve replaced. The GE WD15X10011 Water Inlet Valve is a good example of a water inlet valve that you can buy as a replacement part.
4. GE Dishwasher Failing to Spin
You might deal with stained and broken dishes if the upper and lower arms of your GE dishwasher do not spin freely and easily when you open and close the door.
Food particles or burnt-on grease may have built up around the pivot point of the arm, causing the failure to spin.
To check for any accumulation:
- Remove the front panel of the dishwasher.
- Use a wire brush or an abrasive pad to remove any food particles or oil.
- Inspect the unit to make sure none of the plastic components is broken.
5. GE Dishwasher Has a Water Leak Problem
Water leaks in a GE dishwasher can result in discolored dishes, rings around the drain, and wet marks on the floor.
- Switch off the power at the circuit breaker panel.
- Unplug the unit from its power source.
- Remove the unit’s upper access panel and the screws securing the access panel.
- Take the access panel from the unit.
Examine all seams and joints for discoloration or water stains. Insert an awl or a screwdriver into the seam or joint to examine if there is any water and use a paper towel or piece of cloth to absorb the moisture if any.
Ensure there are no pinhole leaks at the point where the drain line enters the unit. Additionally, ensure that the drainpipe does not leak anywhere between the dishwasher and the point where it enters the plumbing system.
6. GE Dishwasher Not Filling with Water
Your GE dishwasher may not be filling with water because of a clog in the fill hose, a leaking faucet, or damaged water line.
- Turn off the power and remove the access panel.
- Unscrew the screws that secure the fill tubing to the dishwasher and take it out.
- Inspect the fill tube to ensure there are no obstacles or debris that might impede the water’s flow.
If there are any obstacles, use wire-nosed pliers to remove them. You can get the INGCO Pliers Tool if you don’t already have a pair with you.
Also, I recommend that you inspect both the water supply line and the faucet for leaks and replace them if need be.
Turn the water back on and test your dishwasher to see whether it has filled with water if everything appears to be in order.
7. GE Dishwasher Blinking or Beeping Sound
Electronically controlled dishwashers may begin making beeping noise or flashing light. The beep or flash brings your attention that the dishwasher may be servicing.
Because the meanings of the various blinking lights and beeping noises vary from model to model, I strongly recommend that you consult your manual for clarification.
For example:
A beeping noise every 30 seconds is an indicator of an unlatched dishwasher door. Here, all oi have to do is to shut the door to fix the error.
The “Start/Reset” light blinks to indicate that you have reset the dishwasher. Depending on the type, this light can flash for anywhere from 75 to 90 seconds, but this doesn’t indicate a problem with the unit, though.
There may be a problem with the dishwasher if other lights or beeping noises appear. You can try resetting the dishwasher by pushing the “Start/Reset” button and waiting two minutes.
8. GE Dishwasher Child Lock is Active
There is also a function called Child Lock on GE dishwashers to make them even more secure. By activating the “Child Lock” feature, only adults can turn the dishwasher ON and OFF.
Child locks prevent the dishwasher from operating, so kid won’t alter the current wash cycle o start new ones.
Press and hold for three seconds to switch off the function, so you can get the unit working as it normally should.
9. GE Dishwasher Not Draining
There are several possible causes for GE dishwasher not draining, including leaks, unclean dishes, clogged drains, and a broken pump.
Inspect each component to see if it needs repairing or a complete replacement.
10. GE Dishwasher Failing to Stop After a Full Cycle
Another typical issue that GE dishwashers tend to have is the failure for the unit to stop working after a full cleaning cycle.
The common cause of the problem is a clog in the drainpipe, which may result in damage to your tub or cause an overflow onto the floor.
To resolve this issue, switch off the power, remove the access panel, and then peer down the drain tube with a tiny flashlight. If you see any obstacles, remove them with a pair of wire-nosed pliers.
11. GE Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes
You want your dishes dry after a complete wash cycle. But that might not be the case if the GE dishwasher has an issue.
The gasket that seals the door of your GE dishwasher is leaking, preventing it from drying your dishes correctly.
If your GE dishwashers don’t dry dishes, you may need to have the gasket replaced. The
GE WD08X10032 Genuine OEM Tub Gasket can make a good replacement because it’s made of premium materials for durability and exact fit.
12. GE Dishwasher Failing to Clean Top Rack
The failure to clean the top rack isn’t a big GE dishwasher problem, but it can still be a little more inconveniencing.
Often, the cause of the problem is having the rack improperly placed on the rail. It’s also possible that you have hadn’t had the rack fastened to the rail.
In this case, the door will not close correctly and the detergent and rinse chemicals won’t reach the higher rack of dishes.
- Open the access panel and unfasten the screws that hold the top rack in place
- If the rack is not secured to the rails, it will fall off when the screws are removed.
- Replace the top shelf and use the two Phillips screws to fasten it to the rails.
Ensure that they are tight so that the top rack does not fall off again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do You Reset a GE Dishwasher?
You can reset the GE dishwasher by pressing the Start or Reset button during a cycle.
For the top load models, you’ll need to open the top door, press the reset button, and then close the door.
In both cases, you should wait at least 120 seconds for the unit to pump out water and reset.
2. How Do I Run a Diagnostic Test on My GE Dishwasher?
You can enter the diagnostic test on a GE dishwasher by pressing and holding the Cycle Start button for about five seconds.
3. Why Does My GE Dishwasher Keep Beeping and Not Starting?
It could be an indication of a power surge. The best way to control this issue is to reset the dishwasher, wait about three minutes, and then resume normal operation.
Conclusion
It’s uncommon for a GE dishwasher to malfunction for one of these reasons. But, as you have seen, none of these common problems is difficult to solve and you don’t even need professional help.
If you follow the instructions in this article, you should be able to determine what the problem is and fix it on your own.
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