GE dishwasher not turning on? Here is what to do

This troubleshooting guide will help you fix your GE dishwasher if it won’t turn on (or run).

Let’s jump into the suggested repairs without more ado.

GE dishwasher not turning on? Try these fixes

Your general electric dishwasher not turning on? Well, here are the basic fixes you can try:

Check voltage input (to the dishwasher)

If the display (or buttons) won’t light up and the machine is non-responsive, first check if there is a power supply problem.

Specifically:

Check inside your household breaker box for tripped circuit breaker (verify that the breaker controlling dishwasher’s electrical circuit is not off) or reset the fuse.

Additionally, if your GE dishwasher runs from a wall switch, verify that power is, in reality, turned on.

Also, check the cable (the power cord might have come loose from the wall, if your unit has one) – don’t forget to test if the wall outlet is itself functional.

And you also want to press the reset button (to restore power) if you have plugged it into a GFCI/ GFI outlet.

 

Check the door switch operation

The door switch (also called the interlock switch) is commonly a culprit when a dishwasher won’t start or run.

Here you may need to enter the error code mode (the mode allows repairmen to diagnose individual parts).

To switch to the diagnostics error code mode:

When the appliance is in Stand-by Mode (in cycle selection mode & not actually running a cycle), proceed to press and hold down these two buttons combined for 5 seconds..

Cycle Select + Start (simultaneously).

The machine will perform a Door Status Check for 10 seconds on entering diagnostic error codes mode.

Note that if all the LEDs illuminate solidly, the door will have been detected as latched firmly.

On the other hand, you should try to shut the door correctly if all the LEDs are flashing at the end of the check.

Quick Tip: Be sure to press the “Start” pad within 5 to 10 seconds of shutting the door(this is one of GE dishwashers safety features).

Side note: These machines also usually fail to start if the door latch is not functioning properly so it is important to check and repair/replace the latch, if needed.

Remember to troubleshoot door problems further if they persist (in fact, sometimes the machine’s door IC board may be damaged and needing to be replaced).

 

Cancel demo mode (if in demo mode)

The unit will not run if in demo mode as well so check and turn the demo mode off.

Here is the thing: If the “start” button/pad is either not responsive or it makes triple beeps every time it is pressed (while other buttons operate as normal), the unit is probably in “demo” mode.

Quick Tip: To leave demo mode, just press and hold “START” + “HEATED DRY” pads (simultaneously) for 5 seconds.

 

Cancel Control Lock (Child lock-out)

By the same token, it is worth checking if the Control Lock is activated, where available- the child lockout feature prevents the appliance from unintentionally being turned on.

To turn it OFF, follow the instructions in this video or check your owners manual.

 

Turn the water valve on

Again, the dishwasher won’t start if it detects that the water valve is not running so check and turn it on (underneath the sink), if necessary.

 

Leak protection is could be to blame if it won’t run (and you need to correct the leak first)

For GE dishwashers with LCD display, the leak protection feature (also called Floor Protect) may be preventing it from running (since there is a large leak in the pan) even though there is power.

If this is the case, you will notice the “LEAK DETECTED” alert appear on the display.

Fix the leak and try to run it again.

 

Reset the dishwasher

Oftentimes, resetting your appliance fixes a ton of issues and it is ,in fact, one of the first things you should try if your GE dishwasher wont start but has power.

So, how do you reset a GE dishwasher?

Simply press “Start/Reset” button (in some models you press “Start/Restart“).

This cancels the cycle and will make the water start draining.

Now, you will notice the “Start/Reset” light start to blink as water goes out. You should, of course, close the door (you don’t want water to splash out).

Note that the light will stop blinking within 2 minutes (or thereabouts) indicating that the reset is complete.

Otherwise, you can just switch the circuit breaker on and then off.

 

Check the main board service light (LED)

A service LED (green) is typically added to GE dishwashers main board to aid diagnostics.

Thus, a good way of checking if the board is receiving voltage is by accessing the main board and checking the status of the service LED.

Now, if the LED is OFF (not blinking), it means the unit is probably not powered so you should try the following steps:

1. Check if there is power in your household (it may have been interrupted).
2. If there is power (and the electrical breaker is ON), check control voltages.

The main control board should be replaced (order GE Dishwasher genuine Electronic Control Board from Amazon here) if improper (or no) voltage was found.

Reminder:The seller will be reaching out to ask for the model # before sending it so be sure to double-check your dishwasher model number (needless to say, you want to ensure you are purchasing the correct part).

How to replace control board on GE dishwasher

1. Turn the breaker (for your GE dishwasher) off.
2. Remove the bottom cover (you can use a nut driver).
3. Remove the two screws on the metal cover.
4. Now get the metal cover out to expose the main control board.
5. Next, unplug the wire connectors (to the board).
6. Remove the control board.
7. Snap the replacement main control board in place.
8. Reattach the wiring.
9. Test if the dishwasher will now turn on (and re-assemble the remainder of the dishwasher).

Quick Tip: This YouTube video demonstrates the replacement procedure step by step (it must be said that it is quite an easy fix). 

 

Brand new GE dishwasher not turning on

If your unit is newly installed and it seems to have no power (and you have checked all the possible power supply issues mentioned earlier), ask the company that did the installation to check it.

This is important because the warranty on these dishwashers typically doesn’t cover installation problems.

 

GE dishwasher not turning on after power outage

If you have confirmed that power has been restored, the best way to resolve the issue is by resetting the appliance.

Follow the reset steps stipulated earlier.

 

Final words

When servicing, it is important to check all wiring too (for loose connections). 

Why?

Because loose pins/wiring is often the cause for erratic functioning or complete failure of the unit to turn on.

One final thing: if your unit is still under warranty and you still have the ge dishwasher not starting issue, it is best to schedule a service appointment with GE here.

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