GE Washer Won’t Start/ Work/ Turn On/Off | Repair Guide 2025

You have been washing clothes for days, and suddenly your GE washer stops working. Now, you are frustrated and don’t know what to do.

No worries! I am here to help you to fix your GE washer that is not turning on.

This troubleshooting guide will show you step-by-step what to do if your GE washing machine not starting. Within a few minutes, you’ll know what’s wrong, how to fix it, and have your clothes clean.

GE Washer Not Starting: 11 Common Reasons

If your GE washing machine won’t start, then try these troubleshooting steps first before calling a repair person or buying a new washer.

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1. Check the power source.

Make sure it is connected properly. If it is not, then unplug the power cord and replug it firmly into the electrical outlet.

Also, make sure the appliance is plugged into the same electrical outlet as your washing machine. Sometimes, when people move an appliance from one electrical outlet to another, they forget to turn off the old electrical outlet.

This can cause all kinds of problems, including Ge washer not starting.

2. Check the Water Supply:

If the GE washer won’t turn on, the next thing to check is the water supply. Evidently, the washing machine has a water inlet valve that needs to be open for water to flow into the machine.

But, if this valve is stuck shut, then water cannot flow into the washer, and it will not start. To check if the water valve is open or closed:

• Remove the washer from the electrical outlet.
• Then, hold the washer under water and see if it will start.
• If it does, then the valve is open, and water is flowing properly. If not, then the valve is closed, and you need to fix it.
• You can use a simple screwdriver to open the valve. Or, if you are handy with a pair of pliers, you can unscrew the valve cap and remove it so you can get to the valve seat and clean it out.
• Whatever way you do it, the goal is to make sure the water supply is clean and free of obstructions, so the washing machine has an easy flow of water.

3. Check the Drain Pump:

Next, check the drain pump. This is a small, electric motor-driven device that forces water from the washer’s drum into the plumbing system of your house.

If there is a clog in the drain line, the drain pump cannot force the water out of the washer, and it remains in the drum. This makes the washer think there is water in the drum, and it will not start.

However, if everything is OK with the drain line, the drain pump will work like a champ and force water out of the drum and into the drain pipe.

To check if the drain pump is operating properly:

• Turn off the power to the washing machine.
• Remove the access panel from the washing machine’s bottom.
• Look at the electrical connections of the drain pump.
• If everything looks OK, then the drain pump is working properly. If not, then you need to clean or replace the drain pump.

4. Check the Detergent Dispenser:

If your GE washer is still not working, the next thing to check is the dispenser for detergent. Make sure the dispenser is not stuck or blocked up. If it is, then the washer will think there is no soap in the machine, and it will not start.

Hence, it is very important the dispenser is free-flowing and allows the detergent to be dispensed easily.

For instance, if the dispenser has a plastic screw top on it, then you can use a simple screwdriver to remove the top and see if the detergent is flowing freely. If it is not, then you need to clean or replace the detergent dispenser.

5. Check the Door Sensor:

Next, check the door sensor. This electronic device determines whether or not the door of the washer is open or shut. If the door is not shut properly, then the washer will not start.

So, the door sensor must be working properly. To test the door sensor:

• Simply open the door to the washing machine and then close it.
• Then, power up the washing machine and see if it starts.
• If it does not, then there is probably a problem with the door sensor.
• All you have to do in this situation is replace the door sensor.

If the washing machine still does not start, then we are really beginning to wonder if there is something wrong with your appliance.

6. Check the Water Level:

The water level should be set so that the float valve activates and stops the water flow when the water is full.

If the water level is too low, the float valve will not activate and allow the water to flow into the drum. This will prevent the motor from starting.

Also, make sure the fill valve on the water supply is open. This valve is supposed to remain open until the water is at a certain level in the tank. If it is not, then the washing machine may not get enough water to start.

7. Check the Wiring Harness:

Still, the GE washer won’t turn on? Now, check the wiring harness. This is the connector that connects the washer to the electrical outlet. The washer will not start if there is a short circuit in the wiring harness.

So, it is critical that the wiring harness is free of shorts and has secure connections.

If it does not have good connections, then you should replace the entire harness. To remove the harness:

• The access panel on the bottom of the washing machine must be removed. You can use a simple screwdriver to do this.
• Look at the harness. Is it all attached well, and does it look like it has good connections?
• If it does not, then you should replace the harness. It is easy to remove the old harness, attach the new one, and re-attach the access panel.

8. Check the Electrical Connections:

When people move an appliance from one electrical outlet to another, they forget to turn off the old electrical connection.

And this can result in a number of problems, including appliances not starting. Therefore, before you call a repair person, examine all electrical connections to ensure that they are snug and secure.

9. Check the Washing Machine Control Panel:

Next, check the control panel that is located inside the cabinet of the washing machine. This is where all the controls for the washing machine are located.

The controls will include a knob or a button for each setting on the washing machine. For example, there may be a knob for temperature, a knob for water level, a knob for spin cycle, and so forth.

In brief, just examine all these knobs and buttons and make sure they are all in working order. If they are not, then you should adjust them.

Still, your GE washing machine is not turning on? Check the next step.

10. Clean the Filter:

Now, this is an important step. If there is any debris in the filter, it can prevent the motor of the washer from starting.

To clean the filter:

• Use a simple wire brush to remove any dirt or debris that may be clogging up the filter.
• Also, be sure to clean off the outside of the filter where it is accessible.
• Now, put the filter back in place and see if the washing machine will start.
• If it does not, then I am really beginning to wonder if something is wrong with your washing machine.

11. Replace the Fuse:

Check the fuse box that is located under the sink. If the washer has tripped the circuit breaker, then the fuse probably blew. Replace it with a new one and see if the washer turns on.

By the way, this is an inexpensive step that sometimes solves the problem. Unquestionably, it is worth a try. Still, the washer won’t turn on? Time for more serious steps.

These 11 are the most common reason for the GE washer not starting. I hope you have now fixed the problem.

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Why My GE washer Won’t Turn Off?

If your GE washer is not turning off and It has been going for hours, there could be various reasons for this.

For example:

• The fuses could be bad and need to be replaced.
• The circuit breaker could be tripped.
• The washer could have a dead battery. This is also unlikely because you would have noticed if this was the case. In addition, if the washer had a dead battery, it would not have started in the first place. 
• In the wire harness, there might be a short circuit.
• The washer could be defective and need to be returned to the factory.
• The motor could be defective and needs to be replaced.
• Or, the filter could be clogged.
• It is also possible that the water is too hard, too soft, or just not hard enough. 
• There could be a problem with the electrical connections.

Well, these are the most common reasons for your GE washer not turning on and stopping working. But, there may be other reasons.

If your washing machine still does not turn on after performing the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this post, then you should contact a competent repair person.

Final Words:

Well, you have now examined and tried each of the most likely causes of a GE washing machine not starting. As you can see, there are a few more causes of a washing machine not starting that I did not explain.

However, these are the ones I believe to be the most common reasons why a washing machine will not start.

I think I have explained everything about how to start a washing machine. But, just to make sure, let me recap what we have discussed so far:

1. The most common reason a washing machine will not start is that the drain is plugged. This prevents water from entering the tub and thus, the motor from getting the power it needs to run.
2. The next most common reason is that there is not enough water in the tub. If this is the case, then the motor will not get the power it needs to start.
3. A third most common reason is the electrical system on your house is overloaded.

If you are still unable to fix your problem, don’t hesitate to call the GE service center for further assistance. Or, you can also leave a comment so our expert can give you advice. 

Steven Settles

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.