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GE Appliances Dishwasher Error Codes

Expert reference guide covering all GE Appliances dishwasher diagnostic codes with comprehensive troubleshooting procedures and professional repair guidance

Quickly identify problems with your GE dishwasher and learn the correct response procedures

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GE Appliances Dishwasher Models

GE Appliances is one of the leading appliance brands in the US market, offering a comprehensive range of high-quality dishwashers designed for American households. GE dishwashers are known for their innovative features, energy efficiency, and advanced technology including SmartDispense automatic detergent dispensing, Sensor Cycle technology, and QuietPower sound reduction. The brand offers various dishwasher styles including built-in, portable, and drawer models in various capacities. Popular series include the Profile, Café, and Monogram lines. These diagnostic codes are applicable to the majority of GE Appliances dishwasher models available in the US market. Error indicators typically manifest as error codes displayed on the dishwasher control panel, LED status lights, or digital displays, providing comprehensive diagnostic information for homeowners and service technicians.

How to Read Error Codes

• Check dishwasher control panel for error code display
• Review LED status indicators on dishwasher
• Look for error messages on digital displays
• Note error code format (e.g., C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, PF, H2O, PrS, 999)
• Consult GE Appliances owner's manual for your specific model
• Error codes may be alphanumeric or numeric

GE Dishwasher Features

• SmartDispense - Automatic detergent dispensing
• Sensor Cycle - Automatic cycle adjustment
• QuietPower - Sound reduction technology
• Energy Efficient - ENERGY STAR certified
• Sanitize Cycle - High-temperature sanitizing
• Third Rack - Additional loading capacity

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Understanding Diagnostic Codes

GE Appliances dishwashers incorporate sophisticated diagnostic capabilities that automatically detect operational issues. When a problem is identified, the system communicates through error codes displayed on the dishwasher control panel, LED status indicators, and digital displays. This intelligent diagnostic framework enables rapid problem identification and helps determine the appropriate response. All GE Appliances dishwasher series utilize continuous performance monitoring with real-time error detection. Error codes typically follow alphanumeric formats (e.g., C1-C8, PF, H2O, PrS, 999, FTD, F56), indicating specific system conditions or faults. Error codes may vary slightly depending on model and firmware version. Always reference your specific model's owner's manual for precise code definitions and consult with a certified GE Appliances service technician for professional diagnosis and repair.

US Market Note: GE Appliances dishwashers are widely available in the US market through authorized dealers, major retailers, and GE Appliances direct sales channels. For service and support, contact GE Appliances customer service or an authorized GE Appliances service provider. Always verify model compatibility and availability of parts for US models.

Drain and Pump Errors

Issues with water drainage, drain pump, and drain cycle problems.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
C1	Drain Phase Timeout - Drain pump phase exceeded 2 minutes during drain cycle	•Clogged drain hose •Drain pump obstruction •Kinked drain hose •Drain pump failure •Drain filter blockage •Drain pump motor failure	Check drain hose for kinks or clogs Clean drain filter if accessible Inspect drain pump for obstructions Test drain pump operation Check drain hose connection If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician Drain pump may need replacement
C2	Drain Cycle Timeout - Complete drain cycle exceeded 7 minutes	•Severe drain blockage •Drain pump failure •Drain hose completely blocked •Drain pump motor failure •Drain system obstruction	Check drain hose for severe blockages Inspect drain pump for obstructions Test drain pump operation Check drain system for complete blockage If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician immediately Drain pump may need replacement Professional diagnosis required
C3	Drain Failure - Dishwasher is not draining properly	•Drain pump not working •Drain pump obstruction •Clogged drain hose •Kinked drain hose •Drain pump failure •Drain filter blockage	Check drain hose for kinks or clogs Clean drain filter if accessible Inspect drain pump for obstructions Test drain pump operation Check drain hose connection If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician Drain pump may need replacement
C4	Float Switch Error - Float switch stuck or defective after power failure	•Float switch stuck •Defective float switch •Clogged drain or sump •Float switch mechanism failure •Debris blocking float switch	Check float switch for obstructions Clean sump area and drain Test float switch operation Inspect float switch mechanism If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician Float switch may need replacement Professional diagnosis recommended
C5	Drain Phase Too Short - Drain pump phase is too short	•Drain pump malfunction •Drain pump sensor error •Control board error •Drain cycle timing issue	Check drain pump operation Test drain pump sensor If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician Drain pump or sensor may need replacement Professional diagnosis required
FTD / F56	Drain Error - Failure to drain properly	•Drain pump failure •Drain hose blockage •Drain pump obstruction •Drain system malfunction	Check drain hose for blockages Inspect drain pump for obstructions Test drain pump operation If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician Drain pump may need replacement

Water Supply and Fill Errors

Issues with water intake, water temperature, and fill system.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
C4	Water Fill Error - Machine filled twice after power failure, float switch issue	•Float switch stuck •Defective float switch •Clogged drain or sump •Water level sensor error	Check float switch for obstructions Clean sump area and drain Test float switch operation If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician Float switch may need replacement
H2O	Low Water Level - Low water situation detected	•Water supply valve closed •Low water pressure •Clogged water inlet filter •Faulty water inlet valve •Kinked water supply hose •Water level sensor error	Check water supply valve is fully open Verify water pressure is adequate Inspect water supply hoses for kinks or damage Clean water inlet filter screens Check water inlet valve connections Test water inlet valve operation If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician

Temperature and Sensor Errors

Issues with temperature sensors, water temperature, and heating system.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
C6	Water Temperature Too Low - Water temperature is below required level	•Water heater not working •Cold water supply only •Water inlet temperature too low •Heating element failure •Temperature sensor error	Check water heater is functioning Ensure hot water supply is connected Check water inlet temperature Test heating element operation If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician Heating element may need replacement
C7	Water Temperature Sensor Error - Dishwasher water temperature sensor is defective	•Faulty temperature sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor out of range •Open or short circuit in sensor •Sensor calibration error	Check temperature sensor connections Test sensor resistance with multimeter If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician Temperature sensor may need replacement Professional diagnosis recommended

Detergent Dispenser Errors

Problems with detergent dispenser and detergent release mechanism.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
C8	Detergent Dispenser Blocked - Detergent dispenser is blocked and cannot open fully	•Detergent dispenser mechanism failure •Dispenser obstruction •Dispenser motor error •Dispenser not closing properly •Detergent buildup	Check detergent dispenser for obstructions Clean dispenser thoroughly Remove any stuck detergent Test dispenser operation If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician Detergent dispenser may need replacement
Cup Open	Detergent Cup Not Closed - Detergent dispenser was not closed	•Detergent dispenser left open •Dispenser not properly closed •Dispenser mechanism failure	Close detergent dispenser properly Add detergent if needed Ensure dispenser is fully closed Check dispenser mechanism If error persists, contact GE Appliances service

Pressure Sensor Errors

Issues with pressure sensors and water level detection.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
PrS	Pressure Sensor Error - Pressure sensor sending invalid signal to control board	•Faulty pressure sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor contamination •Control board error •Pressure sensor malfunction	Check pressure sensor connections Clean sensor if accessible Test sensor operation If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician Pressure sensor may need replacement Professional diagnosis required

Power and System Errors

Problems with power supply, system initialization, and general system errors.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
PF	Power Failure - Power outage occurred during dishwasher operation	•Power interruption •Electrical outage •Circuit breaker tripped •Power supply issue	Check circuit breaker Verify power supply is restored Restart dishwasher cycle If problem persists, check electrical connection Contact electrician if electrical issues continue
999	System Error - Dishwasher will not start	•Control board malfunction •System initialization failure •Multiple component failure •EEPROM error •Memory corruption	Unplug dishwasher for 5 minutes and restart Check power supply connections If error persists, contact GE Appliances service technician Control board may need replacement Professional diagnosis required

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Critical Safety Notice

Do not attempt DIY repairs on your GE Appliances dishwasher without proper knowledge and safety precautions. Many diagnostic codes relate to electrical systems, water systems, or critical safety features. Specific codes requiring immediate professional intervention include: C2 (Drain Cycle Timeout), 999 (System Error), and C7 (Temperature Sensor Error). Upon encountering these codes, especially C2 which indicates a severe drain problem, immediately stop the cycle and contact a certified GE Appliances service technician without delay.

Professional service is recommended for most repairs—contact a licensed appliance repair technician or reach out to GE Appliances customer service for expert assistance.

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Maintenance Guidelines

Scheduled Service Requirements

✓Professional inspection and service annually by certified technician
✓Monthly visual inspection of dishwasher for damage or wear
✓Clean filter monthly or as recommended
✓Clean spray arms monthly for blockages
✓Check for error codes and status messages regularly
✓Follow manufacturer's maintenance schedule

Proactive Maintenance Strategies

✓Keep dishwasher clean to maximize efficiency and lifespan
✓Pre-rinse dishes before loading to prevent clogs
✓Inspect hoses and connections for damage or leaks
✓Clean door seal and gasket regularly
✓Ensure adequate water pressure and temperature
✓Review system alerts and error codes promptly
✓Run cleaning cycle monthly with dishwasher cleaner

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code C1 mean on my GE dishwasher?

C1 indicates a drain phase timeout - the drain pump phase exceeded 2 minutes during the drain cycle. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, clean the drain filter if accessible, inspect the drain pump for obstructions, and test drain pump operation. If the error persists, contact a GE Appliances service technician as the drain pump may need replacement.

What should I do if I see error code C2 (Drain Cycle Timeout)?

C2 indicates a severe drain problem - the complete drain cycle exceeded 7 minutes. This is a critical error. Check the drain hose for severe blockages, inspect the drain pump for obstructions, and test drain pump operation. If the error persists, contact a GE Appliances service technician immediately as the drain pump may need replacement. Professional diagnosis is required.

What does error code C7 (Temperature Sensor Error) mean?

C7 indicates that the dishwasher water temperature sensor is defective. Check temperature sensor connections, test sensor resistance with a multimeter, and verify the sensor is properly positioned. If the error persists, contact a GE Appliances service technician as the temperature sensor may need replacement. Professional diagnosis is recommended.

What should I do if my dishwasher shows error code 999 (System Error)?

999 indicates a system error and the dishwasher will not start. Unplug the dishwasher for 5 minutes and restart. Check power supply connections. If the error persists, contact a GE Appliances service technician as the control board may need replacement. Professional diagnosis is required.

What does error code H2O (Low Water Level) mean?

H2O indicates a low water situation. Check that the water supply valve is fully open, verify water pressure is adequate, inspect water supply hoses for kinks or damage, clean water inlet filter screens, and check water inlet valve connections. If the error persists, contact a GE Appliances service technician.

How do I check error codes on my GE Appliances dishwasher?

Error codes can be viewed on the dishwasher control panel, through LED status indicators, or on digital displays. Check the control panel for error messages (typically alphanumeric codes like C1-C8, PF, H2O, PrS, 999, FTD, F56), observe LED status lights, and consult your owner's manual for your specific model's error code format.

Can I reset error codes by unplugging my dishwasher?

Some error codes (like PF, 999, system errors) may be resolved by unplugging the dishwasher for 5 minutes and restarting, but many codes indicate conditions that require professional diagnosis. Drain-related codes (C1, C2, C3) and sensor errors (C7, PrS) should never be reset without professional inspection. Always follow the recommended solutions for each specific error code and contact a certified technician if the error persists.