GE Dishwasher Troubleshooting | 10 Problems & Solutions

Cleaning issues, water filling troubles, stopping during the wash cycle, water leaks, drying, and draining issues are among the most frequent GE Dishwasher problems.

Now, this might have scared you but all of these problems are pretty common in almost all dishwasher brands. The majority of the time, these issues are not as serious as they appear.

So, today I am going to give you some GE dishwasher troubleshooting tips. Before calling a technician, you should try to fix it yourself.

GE Dishwasher Troubleshooting

Here are the most common GE dishwasher problems and ways to troubleshoot them.

Tip: Since this post covers all common GE dishwasher problems, you may scroll down to the heading of the problem you’re looking for.

1. GE Dishwasher Not Cleaning:

One of the main reasons your dishwasher will not clean your dishes properly is a blockage in the drain line.

This could be a hair that got stuck in the drain trap or a piece of food that has clogged up the drain line.

Either way, it needs to be unblocked so your dishwasher can do its job.

To check if there is a clog:

• Turn off the power, and remove the access panel.
• Now use a small flashlight to look into the drain tube. If you see any obstructions, use a pair of wire-nosed pliers to remove them.
• If there are no obstructions, use a plunger to clear out any debris blocking the drain line. Make sure to push the plunger down into the drain line to the bottom of the tub.
• Now, turn the water back on and test your dishwasher to see if it has improved cleaning performance.

If it hasn’t, then call the GE service center for further assistance.

2. Not Cleaning Top Rack:

This may happen if your top rack is not installed properly or not secured to the rails.

If this is the case, then the door will not close properly and the detergent and rinse agents will not be able to access the dishes in the upper rack.

To check if the top rack is installed properly:

• Open the access panel and remove the two Phillips screws that hold the top rack in place.
• If the rack is not securely attached to the rails, it will come off when you remove the screws.
• Replace the top rack and reattach it to the rails using the two Phillips screws.
• Make sure they’re tight so the top rack will not come off again.

3. Not Spraying Water: 

If you have this problem, then there is a leak in the hose connecting the water supply valve to the dishwasher. The repair is easy. All you need to do is replace the leaking part.

To do this:

• Remove the access panel and locate the hose that connects the water supply valve to the dishwasher.
• Now unplug the dishwasher and remove the three remaining Phillips screws from the bottom of the unit.
• Lift the tub out of the unit and remove it. You will see the two hoses attached to the water supply valve on the left and the drain hose on the right.
• Now, inspect the hoses. If there is a leakage, remove the leaking part (it should come off easily if you use a pair of needle-nose pliers) and replace it with a new part.
• Reattach the hose to the water supply valve using the nut and washer.
• Replace the access panel and put the dishwasher back together. To ensure that it stays in place, tighten all of the Phillips screws.
• Now re-start your dishwasher and do a test. If there are no further problems, you can run your dishwasher for a few cycles to make sure it operates properly.

4. Not Filling with Water: 

This might be due to a number of factors. One of which is an obstruction in the fill hose. Another possibility is a leaky faucet or a broken water pipe.

You must handle this problem right away, regardless of the reason.

If left unattended, it can lead to a flooded home which is very uncomfortable and possibly even dangerous.

To troubleshoot this problem,

• Turn off the power and take off the access panel first.
• Next, remove the screws that hold the fill tube in place and then pull it out of the dishwasher.
• Now, examine the fill tube to make sure there are no obstructions or debris that could prevent the water from flowing properly.
• Obviously, if there are, you will have to remove (use the wire-nosed pliers) them. Check for leaks in the water supply line and at the faucet as well.
• If everything looks fine, then turn the water back on and test your dishwasher to see if it has filled up with water.

If it hasn’t, then call the GE service center for further assistance.

5. Not Stopping After Full Cycle: 

This is another common problem that happens because of an obstruction in the drain line.

If this is the case, your dishwasher will continue to run until the water level gets too high.

This could cause damage to your tub or even an overflow onto your floor.

To troubleshoot this issue, turn off the power, remove the access panel, and then use a small flashlight to look into the drain tube. If you see any obstructions, use a pair of wire-nosed pliers to remove them.

6. GE Dishwasher Not Starting:

This is the most common complaint a homeowner has about their dishwasher.

If your dishwasher does not start when you turn the knob or push the button, it could be one of several different problems.

The electrical connections at the panel board should be checked first. Is the power coming on at the circuit breaker panel? Does the breaker that controls the circuit where your dishwasher is located, have the correct amount of amperage?

Make sure the circuit breaker panel is installed correctly and is not overloaded. (GE recommends no more than 40% of the total number of the amp-hours capacity of any one circuit.)

If these checks come back good, then check the wiring to the dishwasher. Is the wiring connected properly to the terminals? Do any of the wires have broken insulation? You must replace the defective wire if you answered yes to any of these questions.

If none of this checks out, then it could be a problem with the water valve that is controlling the flow of water into the machine.

Here is a complete troubleshooting guide on the GE dishwasher not starting.

7. GE Dishwasher Water Leaks:

One of the most prevalent causes of a GE dishwasher not working properly is water leaks. This can cause staining on your dishes, rings around the drain, and water spots on your floors.

Follow these steps to locate and fix the water leak:

• At the breaker panel, turn off the electricity.
• Unplug the unit from the outlet.
• Remove the top access panel from the unit.
• Remove the three Phillips screws holding the access panel in place. Pull the access panel away from the unit.
• Check all of the seams and joints for water stains or discoloration. If you find any, use an awl or a screwdriver to poke inside the seam or joint and see if you can get any water. If you do, blot up the water with a paper towel or a rag.
• Equally important, make sure there are no dry spots on the unit or its components. If there is, add more liquid soap or baking soda to the rinse aid dispenser.

If you still have water spots after performing the above steps, check the drain pump and motor. These are the two most likely areas where a water leak will occur.

Where the drain line goes into the unit, ensure there are no pinhole leaks.

Also, be sure the drain hose is not leaking at any point between where it leaves the dishwasher and the point where it enters your plumbing system.

If you find any leaks, use a piece of rag or a paper towel to blot up the water carefully. Be careful not to use too much force, or you may cause the leaky part to come off.

8. GE Dishwasher Not Draining: 

When the dishwasher is not draining, there may be several reasons for this problem, such as leaks, dirty dishes, blockage in the drain, faulty pump, and many more. 

You need to check each individual part to see if it needs replacement or any repair work. Read our complete guide on how to troubleshoot the GE dishwasher not Draining.

9. GE Dishwasher Not Drying:

Your dishwasher will not dry your dishes properly because there is a leak in the gasket that seals the door.

This could be a crack or hole in the gasket caused by corrosion or damage from foreign objects. Or it could be a manufacturing defect.

To find out if the gasket needs replacement or if any other issue causing the dishwasher not to dry your dishes, check out this article on how to troubleshoot the GE dishwasher not drying.

10. GE Dishwasher Arms Not Spinning: 

If the upper and lower arms of your GE dishwasher do not spin freely and easily when you open and close the door, this can cause staining on your dishes and breakage of items in the machine.

The most common cause of this problem is an accumulation of food particles or burnt-on grease around the arm’s pivot point. These particles cause friction, which in turn causes the arm to bind up.

To Troubleshoot:

• Remove the unit’s front panel and inspect the area for any buildup.
• If you see any food particles or grease, use a wire brush or an abrasive pad to clean it off.
• Make sure you don’t break any of the plastic pieces in the process.
• Now put the access panel back on the unit and see if that solves the problem.
• If it does, great! You can now use the dishwasher again.
• If not, take it back to the store where you bought it for repair. 

Well, these were the most common GE dishwasher problems that you may encounter. I hope this GE dishwasher troubleshooting & repair guide has helped you to fix your problem.

Conclusion:

These are just a few of the most common reasons why a GE dishwasher might not be working properly. However, if you follow the steps outlined in this guide, you should find and correct the problem very quickly.

Whereas, if you do not correct the problem in time, you may end up with an expensive and inconvenient repair bill. GE manufactures some of the highest quality appliances in the world but they do have their share of problems.

However, by following the easy methods in this article, you may quickly resolve these problems. So, if you own a GE dishwasher, go ahead and give it a try. You may be pleasantly surprised at how well it works for you.

But, if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact a professional service specialist. They’ll be able to see the issue and fix it far faster than you can.

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.