General Electric Dishwashers are designed to be easily accessible and offer maximum features and still qualify for Energy Star ratings. Even if you have older units at home, they probably had a good run already. But every now and then appliances break and we are so dependant on them for reliable service. Continue reading to learn about common GE dishwasher error codes, what they mean, and how you can solve the problem at hand efficiently.
Most Common GE Dishwasher Error Codes
User manual for your model will contain the information on your GE dishwasher model, here are some of the most common error codes:
| Code | Definition | Solution |
| number + H | The dishwasher is in Delay Start mode. | Points to the delayed wash start mode. The feature is very useful when you want to take advantage of off-peak hydro rates, schedule the dishwashing to work when nobody in the house is using the shower, or simply want to have your dishes done by a certain time. You have to keep in mind that unlatching the door does not cancel the delayed start mode. |
| C1 | The pump out during drain has exceeded 2 minutes. | Clean the air gap. Replace or reposition the hose. Run the disposer to clean it out. If problem persists, contact service. |
| C2 | The total pump out cycle exceeds 7 minutes. | Press RESET to stop the beep. |
| C3 | The dishwasher will not drain. | Disconnect power, reset the dishwasher. |
| C4 | Machine filled twice after a power failure. Float switch stuck or failed. Clogged drain or sump. | Touch start and then cancel/reset. Tap on the float cover to unstick the float. This is the plastic cover that looks like an upside down cup in the front left corner of the floor of the dishwasher. Also, check the sump area in the back bottom of the tub for debris. It looks like an upside down silverware basket and can become clogged. If the problem persists, contact service. |
| C5 | The pump out time is too short. | Make sure that the water supply is turned on. Try the same cycle again. Tap on the float cover to unstick the float. This is the plastic cover that looks like an upside down cup in the front left corner of the floor of the dishwasher. |
| C6 | Water temperature is too low. | Water temperature coming into the dishwasher should be at least 120 degrees F. Run the faucet adjacent to the dishwasher prior to starting the dishwasher to purge any cold water from the line. Adjust the water heater temperature. Don’t use the washing machine or take showers when using the dishwasher. Use options on the dishwasher to cause the machine to run longer and thus add more heat. |
| C7 | The dishwasher’s water temperature sensor circuit has become inoperative. | Disconnect the power at the circuit breaker for about 30 seconds and then reset the dishwasher. If the problem persists, contact service. |
| C8 | This display indicates that the detergent cup is blocked from opening fully. | Remove obstruction (i.e. silverware, pan). Relatch door and wait 30 seconds for cup to open. |
| PF code | Indicates that there has been a power failure to dishwasher. | Simply select the desired cycle and options, press the Start pad and the dishwasher will function normally. |
| Cup Open | The detergent cup has not been closed. It’s a reminder to add detergent and latch the cup closed. | When the problem occurs, the cycle will not start, but you can override by pressing the start pad again without opening the door. If this problem persists, contact service. |
| LEAK DETECTED | Possible leak is detected. | The cycle will be cancelled on models with leak detection. If LEAK DETECTED is displayed, contact service. |
| 999 | Possible leak detected on models with “Floor Protect with Alert” feature. All others: The unit’s control needs to be reset. | The dishwasher will not start. contact service. |
| H2O | Indicates a low water situation. | If H2O only appears during 1-Hour Wash, schedule service. Feel free to run any other cycle until that update is done. If H2O appears during other wash cycles (AutoSense, Heavy, Normal or Light), then double-check that the inlet water hose is not kinked. If neither above apply, call for service. |
While some units seem to work smoothly and then suddenly stop dead, others show the signs of problems before. Unusual sounds, signals flashing, cycles not complete, water not draining properly, and throwing error codes at you… Sometimes only later you understand that it was not a temporary glitch, but a signal of serious malfunction.
In general, error, or fault codes are developed to help service technicians to diagnose the problem. It is important to understand that it sometimes does not reflect the problem, but the fact that the machine “thinks” what the problem is. It might misinterpret the signals.
This is where the professional service technician makes all the difference. We specialize in GE appliances repair and we have years of experience when it comes to dishwasher repairs. Knowing all of the most common dishwasher issues, we will make the repair quick and inexpensive for you. So contact I-Fix Appliances today to get your GE dishwasher working again.
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