4 Reasons Why GE Dishwasher Won’t Start But Has Power

GE is considered a reliable brand in producing quality dishwashers. But the common problem users face is that the GE dishwasher won’t start when the button is pressed.

There could be numerous reasons why the dishwasher won’t begin operation. We are here to provide you with a comprehensive GE dishwasher troubleshooting guide to fix the issues without bothering a technician. However, if you are new to troubleshooting an electrical appliance we suggest having an engineer in your contact list to meet any emergency.

GE Dishwasher Won’t Start: Quick Fixes

Power Supply Issues

Don’t blame the dishwasher, it may be the worn-out power supply that is creating the issue from turning ON the dishwasher.

Check if the power switch is not loosened from properly plugging into the outlet. With that said, power outlets also get worn out with time and fail to grip the plug properly which consequently creates excessive heat and leads to a circuit breaker to trip.

Solution: The solution is to turn off the power supply and replace the power outlet with a new one. However, if you still notice that the GE dishwasher is not responding then the problem is not with the power move on to the next troubleshooting.

Door Latch Problems

Another problem could be with the dishwasher’s door latch. The damaged latch doesn’t shut the door properly which signals the dishwasher to remain off. So if you notice a cracked or damaged latch then it needs to be replaced.

Solution: Turn off the power supply and pull the dishwasher outward. Unthread the latch screws and disconnect the wires. Simply reverse the process with the new door latch, connect the wires, unthread the screws, and reinstall the dishwasher to its place. Now turn ON the power and test if the dishwasher begins the cycle.

Control Panel and Touch Pad Malfunctions

If the dishwasher won’t start but has a power supply and the door latch is good the problem might be with the buttons on the control panel. When the start button is faulty it will fail from sending signals to the main control board to begin the dishwasher operation.

Solution: Press the buttons on the control, if they don’t respond then the control panel must be malfunctioned which needs to be replaced or repaired. However, if the touchpad is not working then it will be replaced with the control panel.

To further test the start button, open the control panel and locate the start switch. Remove the wires and put the multimeter probes on the button. When the probes first touch the terminals there should not have continuity. Now press the start button, continuity should be displayed this time on the multimeter. If the button fails to show this performance then it must be malfunctioned and needs to be replaced.

To test the function of the touchpad we recommend using a diagnostic mode and checking the manual if the error code points towards the faulty touchpad.

Water Supply Problems

The next common reason why your GE dishwasher won’t start could be the clogged water inlet valve. When the inlet valve becomes clogged or defective it blocks the water supply into the dishwasher. Moreover, the kinks in the hose can also become responsible to water blockage and leakage and hence preventing the dishwasher from starting the cycle.

Solution: check the inlet valve and remove the clog. If it is found defective replace it immediately. Also, remove the kinks from the hose. Also check if the kinks have caused any tear or leakage, if so also replace the hose with the valve.

Understanding Dishwasher Error Codes

When troubleshooting the GE dishwasher goes wrong, the diagnostic mode makes the process much easier. Depending upon the GE model, the diagnostic mode can be enabled by pressing and holding the ‘cycle select’ and ‘start’ simultaneously, at least for 5 sec. Note that, press the buttons when the dishwasher is in standby mode.

The diagnostic mode troubleshoots the machine and displays the error code on the control panel that points toward a defective part. How to read the GE dishwasher error code? And how to fix the issue? No worries, we have a detailed guide on it.

Error Code Number + H

When the code appears with any number and ‘H’ (for example 2H) it means the dishwasher is in delay start mode. This mode delays the wash cycle while the delay time depends upon the GE model you own.

Luckily, this error code doesn’t points toward any defective part of the dishwasher but rather offers the advantage of off-peak utility rates. For further information about the delay start operation of your GE dishwasher model, we suggested checking the manual.

Error Code C1

When the pump is taking more than 2 minutes to drain out the water from the dishwasher, the error C1 appears. The issue points towards the dirty air gaps or garbage disposal which are quite easy to fix at home.

Since the drain water, when pumped out of the dishwasher, passes through the air gap, therefore it is necessary to have the air gap clean from debris to avoid water blockage. Locate the air gap of your dishwasher (usually fixed at the back of the sink) and remove the chrome cover. Also, take out the plastic cap under the chrome. Check out and clean any food material found inside.

Also if your GE dishwasher is not newly installed it is suggested to clean out the garbage disposal. The dishwasher also drains the water through garbage disposal, if it is also blocked with food and debris it can face the issue of standing water inside.

Error Code C2

The error code C2 appears when the complete pump-out cycle is taking more time than 7 minutes. You may also hear a beep sound with the code which can simply be stopped by pressing the ‘reset’ button.

Error Code C3

Similar to C1, the C3 error code also indicates the improper draining of water from the dishwasher. However, the issue may not be with the air gap. It can be resolved by turning off the power supply and resetting the wash cycle.

Error Code C4

The C4 error code indicates the malfunctioned float switch and clogged sump area. The float switch is a device, located inside the dishwasher responsible, for sensing the water level and floats when the machine is filled. If it gets damaged or cracked the sensor stops sending signals and the machine gets filled twice.

To test the float switch reach out to its location. Move the switch upside down, the switch is working properly if you hear the clicking sound of the relay while moving. However, in case of any damage to the switch try replacing it. To do the process, reset the dishwasher and reach out to the main assembly of the float switch at the bottom of the dishwasher.

The clogged sump area is another indication associated with the C4 error code. Clean the sump or replace it if needed to avoid flooding inside.

Error Code C5

When the pump-out time is less than recommended to properly drain out the water, the C5 code appears. It may occur due to little or no water supply. Therefore primarily make sure the water supply is turned ON and the inlet valve is not clogged.

If still the code doesn’t disappear check the working of the float switch if it is sensing the water level or malfunctioned. On diagnosis and repair, repeat the same cycle to inspect the required operation.

Error Code C6

In cleaning greasy and dirty dishes, hot water proves the most essential tool. On diagnosis, if the C6 code appears on the control panel, then your GE dishwasher’s water temperature is less than hot to wash the dishes properly.

Check the water temperature it must be at 120 degrees F. Adjusting the faucet near the dishwasher will also help exiting the cold air in the line.

Moreover, faulty heating element may also be the cause behind low water temperature in the dishwasher. Locate its position and better replace the element with the new one for excellent dishwashing results.

Error Code C7

The C7 error code indicates that the water temperature sensor is no more cooperative in effective dishwashing. Certain GE models have installed water temperature sensors that are responsible for keeping an eye on temperature during the wash cycle. When the inlet reaches 140 degrees F or higher, the water gets hot enough to perform the function without using further heat.

When the sensor gets faulty and worn out to cooperate further, the wash cycle gets extended requiring additional heat and can lead to energy loss.

C7 error code can be addressed in two ways. First, turn off the power supply and reset the dishwasher. If the problem persists then the other solution is to replace the temperature sensor.

Error Code C8

When the detergent cup is not dispensing the detergent properly or the dishwasher is not receiving the required amount of detergent, the C8 code appears. The detergent cup often gets blocked due to the placement of large dishes on the way of detergent dispensing. Try loading the large items away from the detergent opening.

Another reason could be with the spray which is not receiving the amount of water required to push the detergent into the tub. Check whether the items loaded inside are blocking the spray path, if found move their position.

Moreover, to address the C8 error code, we also suggest to double check the detergent if it is not stale. Since it can also be the cause of no detergent reaching the tub.

Error Code PF

PF error code, as the name indicates, points towards the power failure in the dishwasher. The code is simplest to address, check the main power supply, select the wash cycle, and press the ‘start’ button.

If the problem persists, we recommend inspecting the power plug and power outlet if they are not worn out from supplying the current.

Error Code H20

The other most common error code of the GE dishwasher is H20. The code appears when the dishwasher is not getting enough water to begin the wash cycle.

The problem might be with the pressure switch or kinked hose which needs to be inspected properly. The pressure switch normally senses the water level inside and takes complete control of the water required to wash the items. When the switch gets faulty it results in high or low water pressure and demands to get replaced for proper functioning.

Another solution is to check the water inlet hose and restore any kinks and leaks if found.

Error Code PrS

PrS error codes indicate that the pressure sensor is malfunctioning and sending inappropriate signals to the main control board. In such a case, the sensor demands immediate replacement to begin the cycle. If you are a non-technical person we suggest consulting a technician to avoid further damage.

Error Code FTD or F56

When the dishwasher is overfilled with water and there is a slow or no drainage process then either of the two codes appears. The solution is quite similar to the water drainage error codes explained above. Clean the air gap, and check the drain hose and disposer to get rid of the problem.

Last Words

Whenever it comes to purchasing reliable and long-lasting home appliances that require little or no repair, GE is always considered an optimal brand. However, we came up with the research that GE dishwashers often won’t start and failed to respond when loaded. To troubleshoot and wipe out the damaged parts, we have provided an extensive guide along with the error codes if you persist in troubleshooting the appliance through diagnostic mode.