Are you tired of constantly having to deal with your GE dishwasher not starting? If so, you're not alone! This can be a frustrating and time-consuming problem, but don't worry, we have some tips and solutions for you. In this post, we'll be discussing the most common causes of a GE dishwasher not starting, along with step-by-step troubleshooting instructions. We'll also be answering some frequently asked questions about GE dishwashers, so you can get your dishwasher up and running in no time!
Causes
Here's a list of the most common causes why a GE dishwasher won't start:
- Door switch - A faulty door switch is often the most common reason why a dishwasher won't start. It may prevent the dishwasher from starting even if the door is properly closed.
- Control board - A defective control board can cause the dishwasher to not start. This component is responsible for controlling the various functions of the dishwasher and sending signals to other components.
- Thermal fuse - A thermal fuse can cause the dishwasher to not start if it is tripped. This is a safety device designed to protect the dishwasher from overheating.
- Water inlet valve - A clogged or defective water inlet valve can cause the dishwasher to not start. This valve is responsible for supplying water to the dishwasher.
- Timer - A faulty timer can cause the dishwasher to not start. This component regulates the dishwasher's cycles and ensures that they start and end at the appropriate times.
- Power supply - A dishwasher that won't start could be due to a power supply issue. This could be a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or a power outage.
- Float switch - A float switch that is stuck in the "on" position can cause the dishwasher to not start. This switch is responsible for detecting the level of water in the dishwasher and preventing overfilling.
- Pump assembly - A clogged or defective pump assembly can cause the dishwasher to not start. This component is responsible for circulating water throughout the dishwasher.
Error codes
Here's a table of the most common GE dishwasher error codes and their explanations:
| Error Code |
Explanation |
| E1 |
The dishwasher is not filling with water. This could be caused by a clogged or defective water inlet valve, a damaged float switch, or a faulty timer. |
| E2 |
The dishwasher is not draining properly. This could be due to a clogged drain hose or a defective pump assembly. |
| E3 |
The dishwasher is overfilling with water. This could be caused by a float switch that is stuck in the "on" position or a clogged pump assembly. |
| E4 |
The dishwasher is not heating properly. This could be due to a faulty heating element, a defective thermostat, or a damaged control board. |
| E5 |
The dishwasher is experiencing an electrical issue. This could be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or a power outage. |
| E6 |
The dishwasher is experiencing an issue with the door. This could be due to a faulty door switch, a damaged door gasket, or a misaligned door. |
| E7 |
The dishwasher is experiencing a water leak. This could be due to a damaged hose, a clogged drain hose, or a leaky water inlet valve. |
| E8 |
The dishwasher is experiencing an issue with the spray arm. This could be due to a clogged spray arm, a damaged spray arm bearing, or a defective motor. |
It's important to note that these error codes are just a general guide and the actual cause of the problem may vary. It's best to consult with a professional appliance repair technician to diagnose and fix the issue.
Step-by-step instruction
Here's a step-by-step instruction on how to troubleshoot a broken GE dishwasher:
- Check the door switch: Make sure that the dishwasher door is properly closed and latched. If it is, then the problem may be a faulty door switch. To check this, locate the door switch and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the switch is defective, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the control board: The control board is responsible for controlling the various functions of the dishwasher and sending signals to other components. If the dishwasher is not starting, the control board may be defective. To check this, locate the control board and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the control board is defective, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the thermal fuse: The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the dishwasher from overheating. If the thermal fuse is tripped, the dishwasher will not start. To check this, locate the thermal fuse and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the thermal fuse is tripped, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the water inlet valve: The water inlet valve is responsible for supplying water to the dishwasher. If the dishwasher is not starting, it may be due to a clogged or defective water inlet valve. To check this, locate the water inlet valve and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the water inlet valve is defective, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the timer: The timer regulates the dishwasher's cycles and ensures that they start and end at the appropriate times. If the dishwasher is not starting, the timer may be faulty. To check this, locate the timer and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the timer is defective, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the power supply: A dishwasher that won't start could be due to a power supply issue. Check if there is a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or a power outage.
- Check the float switch: The float switch is responsible for detecting the level of water in the dishwasher and preventing overfilling. If the float switch is stuck in the "on" position, the dishwasher will not start. To check this, locate the float switch and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the float switch is defective, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the pump assembly: The pump assembly is responsible for circulating water throughout the dishwasher. If the dishwasher is not starting, it may be due to a clogged or defective pump assembly. To check this, locate the pump assembly and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the pump assembly is defective, it will need to be replaced.
Note: If you are not familiar with electrical troubleshooting or do not feel confident in making these repairs, it is best to call a professional appliance repair technician.
If nothing helped
If the troubleshooting steps and tips provided in the article do not resolve the issue with your GE dishwasher, here are some alternative solutions to consider:
- Contact the manufacturer: GE has a customer support team that can assist with resolving any issues with their dishwashers. Contacting them can be a good first step in getting the problem resolved.
- Hire a professional: If you're unsure about how to diagnose and repair your dishwasher, consider hiring a professional appliance repair technician. They will have the expertise and tools needed to properly diagnose and repair the issue.
- Replace the dishwasher: If your GE dishwasher is older and continually giving you trouble, it may be time to consider replacing it with a new model.
- Get a warranty: If your GE dishwasher is still under warranty, take advantage of the warranty and have the manufacturer or a professional repair technician handle the repairs.
- Do research: Do your research and read reviews and ratings from other customers who have had similar issues with their GE dishwashers. This can give you a better idea of what to expect and what solutions may be most effective.
By considering these alternative solutions, you can hopefully resolve any issues with your GE dishwasher and get it up and running again.
Tips
Here's a list of tips for caring for your GE dishwasher:
- Run hot water in your sink for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher. This will ensure that the water entering the dishwasher is hot, which will help with cleaning and sanitizing the dishes.
- Load the dishwasher properly. Make sure that dishes are placed in the dishwasher in a way that allows for proper water and detergent distribution.
- Use the correct detergent. Make sure to use a detergent that is specifically designed for dishwashers. Overloading the detergent can lead to buildup and can harm the dishwasher.
- Use a rinse aid. A rinse aid will help prevent water spots and streaks on your dishes.
- Clean the dishwasher regularly. Use a dishwasher cleaner to clean the interior and exterior of the dishwasher. This will help remove any buildup or residue that could impact the performance of the dishwasher.
- Check and clean the filters. The dishwasher filters should be checked and cleaned regularly to ensure proper performance.
- Check the door seal. The door seal is responsible for keeping water inside the dishwasher. If the seal is damaged or worn, water could leak out, which could damage the floor or cabinets.
- Replace worn or damaged parts. If any parts of the dishwasher are damaged or worn, they should be replaced to ensure proper performance and longevity.
- Only use a dishwasher-safe dishware. Avoid using dishes or cookware that are not labeled as dishwasher-safe, as they could become damaged or discolored during the cleaning process.
- Regularly inspect and maintain the dishwasher. Regular maintenance and inspection will help ensure that your dishwasher continues to perform well and lasts for many years.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) for GE Dishwasher Won't Start:
What could cause my GE dishwasher to not start?
Some common causes for a GE dishwasher not starting include a faulty door switch, control board, thermal fuse, water inlet valve, timer, power supply, float switch, or pump assembly.
What should I do if my GE dishwasher won't start?
If your GE dishwasher won't start, you should first check the door switch to make sure the door is properly closed and latched. If the door switch is fine, you can then check the control board, thermal fuse, water inlet valve, timer, power supply, float switch, and pump assembly to see if any of these components are faulty.
How can I check if my door switch is working properly?
To check if your door switch is working properly, locate the switch and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the switch is defective, it will need to be replaced.
How can I check if my control board is working properly?
To check if your control board is working properly, locate the board and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the control board is defective, it will need to be replaced.
What should I do if my thermal fuse is tripped?
If your thermal fuse is tripped, it will need to be replaced. This is a safety device designed to protect the dishwasher from overheating.
How can I check if my water inlet valve is working properly?
To check if your water inlet valve is working properly, locate the valve and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the water inlet valve is defective, it will need to be replaced.
How can I check if my timer is working properly?
To check if your timer is working properly, locate the timer and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the timer is defective, it will need to be replaced.
What should I do if there is a power supply issue causing my dishwasher not to start?
If there is a power supply issue causing your dishwasher not to start, you should check if there is a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or a power outage.
How can I check if my float switch is working properly?
To check if your float switch is working properly, locate the switch and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the float switch is defective, it will need to be replaced.
How can I check if my pump assembly is working properly?
To check if your pump assembly is working properly, locate the pump and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the pump assembly is defective, it will need to be replaced.
Conclusion
With the information in this post, you should now have a better understanding of why your GE dishwasher may not be starting, and what you can do to fix it. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, these tips and instructions will help you get your dishwasher back to working properly. So, don't wait any longer, grab a multimeter and get to work on fixing your GE dishwasher!