GE Café Dishwasher Beeping Every 60 Seconds: Water in... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The GE Café dishwasher has a flood sensor in the base. When water accumulates, the sensor sends a signal to the main control unit (MCU). The MCU then activates the beeping alarm and may prevent the dishwasher from starting. The sensor typically operates on a low voltage DC circuit (5V DC) which completes when water is present.

Symptoms:

The homeowner reports a GE Café dishwasher beeping every 60 seconds. There may or may not be visible water on the floor. The dishwasher may or may not start a cycle.

Possible Causes:

Water leak from the tub seal
Faulty drain pump seal
Leaking water inlet valve
Condensation buildup triggering the sensor
Cracked or damaged hose connections
Defective flood sensor

Solution:

1

Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the breaker panel. Verify 0V AC at the dishwasher outlet with a multimeter.
2

Remove the lower access panel (kickplate) using a 1/4-inch nut driver.
3

Inspect the base for standing water. Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any water.
4

Identify the source of the leak by carefully inspecting hoses, the drain pump, water inlet valve, and tub seal.
5

Tighten hose clamps with a 5/16-inch socket or replace damaged hoses. If the drain pump or water inlet valve is leaking, replace the component.
6

Replace the tub seal if it's cracked or damaged. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the new seal before system.
7

After repairs, reconnect power and run a test cycle. Monitor for any further leaks.

Safety Warning:

Always disconnect power to the dishwasher before performing any repairs. Be aware of potential electrical hazards. Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures should be followed. Some components contain 120V AC.

Prevention:

Regularly inspect hoses and connections for leaks. Clean the dishwasher filter to prevent drain blockages that can cause water backups. Avoid overloading the dishwasher.

Expert Tip:

To clear the error code after fixing the leak, some GE Café models require you to press and hold the “Start/Reset” button for 5 seconds. This may reset the MCU and clear the flood sensor alarm. Otherwise, a full power cycle may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the flood sensor itself to see if it's defective?

Disconnect power. Locate the flood sensor. Disconnect the sensor wires. Use a multimeter set to ohms. When dry, the sensor should read open (infinite resistance). When wet, the resistance should drop significantly, near 0 ohms. If the resistance doesn't change when wet, the sensor is defective.

•What type of silicone grease should I use on the tub seal?

Use a food-grade, NSF-approved silicone grease. This ensures that the grease is safe for contact with potable water and won't contaminate the dishwasher's cleaning process.

•The beeping stopped after I removed the water, but it came back a few days later. What does this mean?

This strongly suggests a slow leak. The leak is small enough that it takes a few days for enough water to accumulate in the base to trigger the flood sensor again. Re-inspect all hoses, seals, and components very carefully. Check for hairline cracks in the tub itself.

GE Café Dishwasher Beeping Every 60 Seconds: Water in Base Tray Removal Guide

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the flood sensor itself to see if it's defective?

•What type of silicone grease should I use on the tub seal?

•The beeping stopped after I removed the water, but it came back a few days later. What does this mean?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: