GE washer Problems & Troubleshooting Guide 2024

There are always problems with your washing machine, especially the bad washers, no matter how careful you are.

Sometimes, the water doesn’t drain properly, or the machine may stop running after a few minutes into the cycle.

This can be frustrating because it’s not always clear what is causing your GE washer problems.

Is it the detergent, the soil level, or something else? It can be difficult to troubleshoot these issues on your own if you don’t have the right guide.

So, I am here to help you with your common GE washing machine issues.

Here in our troubleshooting guide, you will find all the information you need to fix your GE washer so it can help you do laundry again!

The most common GE washer problems include water fill issues, leaks, not starting, cycle disruptions, drainage problems, and noise.

12 Common GE Washing Machine Problems

Check out the 12 smart ways to fix the common problem in your GE washer.

1. GE Washer Not Filling with Water:

If you are facing a water filling issue, the first thing to check is the fill valve.

This is a round metal ball which is located at the bottom of the water tank. It has a spring-loaded plunger on one side.

When the tank is nearly full, the valve will be closed off by this plunger.

However, when there is still some water left in the tank, the valve will be open and allow water to flow into the machine.

If the valve is not working properly or is stuck in the open position, water will not get filled into the machine, and the wash cycle will not start.

To troubleshoot this problem:

• Remove the access panel on the bottom of the machine.
• Loose the four bolts holding the fill valve in place.
• Pull the valve out of the machine. Replace the fill valve, making sure it seats properly.
• Put the access panel back on the washer and tighten all four bolts.

2. Water Leaks From Fill Valve While Machine Is Running:

Another common washer problem is water leaks from the fill valve while the machine is running.

A number of things can cause this:

• The O-rings in the fill valve may be worn out and leaking.
• The rubber gaskets around the fill valve may be damaged and let water leak.
• Or, the threads on the tank fitting where the fill valve goes into the tank may have rusted and are no longer sealing properly.

3. GE Washer Not Starting: 

There are two primary reasons your GE washing machine stops during mid-cycle:

1. An obstruction in the drain hose or 
2. the lid of the washer not being closed properly.

Both of these conditions will prevent the water from draining out of the washer properly and can lead to rusting.

To check for obstruction, remove the access panel located at the bottom of the washer and look for a plastic drainage hose.

If there is none, then close the door to the washer and make sure the lid is securely closed.

If these simple steps do not solve your problem, then you may be dealing with a more serious issue.

So, here is our complete guide on how to troubleshoot a GE washer not starting.

4. Washer Won’t Drain:

The water won’t drain from the washbasin even after spinning the agitator for a long period of time.

Clogged drains usually cause this in your home or by a buildup of mineral deposits in the pipes.

If this happens:

• Use a plunger or a small screwdriver to remove any obstructions.
• Make sure the drain is clean and clear.
• Then, run a full cycle with “normal” loads (smaller amounts of soap and water) and see if the problem still occurs.
• If it doesn’t, the issue is most likely with your detergent or rinse chemicals.
• If it does occur again, repeat the process with the “heavy duty” cycle.
• This will remove much of the mineral buildup from your pipes.

If the problem persists, please read our detailed guide on fixing a GE washer not draining.

5. GE Washer Does Not Agitate Or Spin:

GE washer not spinning is another common problem among these appliances.

Sometimes, the agitator’s arm does not come into contact with the clothing, or it becomes disconnected from the motor.

You should double-check all of the connections for tightness. If the connections are too loose or any corrosion, you may have this problem.

Try cleaning the area where the agitator’s arm connects to the washer if that doesn’t work.

Use a brush or a toothbrush to clean off any residue or dirt.

Also, if you have an older model washing machine, try turning the knob on top of the agitator’s arm to raise and lower it manually. This should make sure it is in contact with your clothes.

If this still doesn’t work, you will need to take your washing machine to a repair shop, or you can check the most common causes of the GE washer not spinning.

6. GE washer Making Grinding Noise:

This is most likely one of the most prevalent issues that people have with their washing machines. Rust is the primary cause of this issue.

Over time, dust and rust particles collect in the bottom of the drum, which causes a grinding sound as the agitator moves it around.

If you have rusty parts, you should first try using some steel wool to get rid of the rust.

If that doesn’t work, you can take the unit to an authorized repair shop. 

7. Washing Machine Does Not Have Enough Detergent:

Detergent is the key ingredient in any effective washing machine. Without enough detergent, your wash will not be clean.

In fact, many of the problems you might have with your washing machine are directly related to a lack of detergent.

If this is the case, the first thing to do is to check the amount of detergent in your detergent dispenser.

Make sure there is at least 1 cup of detergent in each compartment. If not, add more.

Don’t overuse the detergent, or you will end up with suds in your clothes and a very smelly wash.

8. Water Leaking Out Of The Bottom of The Machine:

If you turn off the water supply to your washing machine and then lift the lid, you should be able to see water dripping out from underneath the bottom of the machine.

This is usually caused by a leak in the bottom of the drum. The drum has a rubber O-ring that keeps water inside. Over time, this ring becomes worn out and allows water to seep out.

To fix this problem, you will need to take the drum assembly (located at the bottom of the washer) to an authorized repair shop.

They will replace the O-Ring and reinstall the drum assembly back into the washer.

9. Detergent Pouring Out Of The Top Instead Of Through The Bottom:

If your washing machine has a top-loading option, check the instructions to see if it tells you to put the detergent on the top or the bottom of the drum. If it says to put the detergent on the top, do that.

However, if it says to put the detergent in the bottom, do NOT fill the top part of the drum.

Only fill the bottom part of the drum. This is a very important step.

If you do not follow these directions, you could end up with suds in your clothes and a very smelly wash. 

10. Drain Pump Doesn’t Pump Enough Water:

The drain pump is a small electric motor attached to the bottom of the water tank.

It is responsible for sucking water out of the bottom of the water tank and delivering it to the drain hose.

The water will then flow out of the washer through the drain hose and into the tub or wherever you put the drain hose.

If the drain pump is not working properly or is damaged, then water will not be sucked out of the bottom of the water tank, and the washer will remain full.

But, the water level inside the washer will still go up because the water is collecting in the tub.

This can cause serious problems like rusting of electrical parts inside the washer or even a fire if something starts to burn.

To repair this problem:

• Unscrew the four bolts that hold the bottom plate on the washer.
• Loosen the two clamps holding the drain pump in place.
• Pull the drain pump out of the washer.
• Replace the drain pump, make sure it is correctly connected, and reinstall the clamps.
• Put the bottom plate back on the washer and tighten all four bolts.

Moreover, make sure the drain hose is not clogged with lint or debris.

If so, reconnect the drain hose to the drainpipe outside the washing machine and give it a good cleaning.

11. Door Opens And Closes By Itself:

This is one of the most common problems with GE washers. It happens when the door sensor on your washing machine gets stuck or jammed.

Just remove the access panel from the top of the washing machine and clean out the door sensor area.

Also, make sure the rubber seal on the bottom of the door is not damaged or worn away. If it is, replace it. 

12. Trouble in the Cycle:

This is a very common problem with front-loaders. It occurs when the agitator (the part that agitates the clothes) becomes stuck in the wash cycle.

Another thing you should check is the door lock. Make sure it is locked, then turn the handle to make sure the door is locked.

Check the owner’s manual if the door is locked and you are still having trouble starting the cycle. There may be an additional step you need to take to get the washer going.

Also, if the problem continues, contact a qualified repair person immediately.

These are the 12 most common problems in GE washers that many homeowners are still facing.

I hope with the help of this guide, you have fixed the issue with your appliance.

4 Tips To Fix a GE Washer Making Noise During Spin Cycle

1. Cleaning the rubber seal:

The rubber seal is at the bottom of your GE washer, and it helps keep water from leaking.

If you notice streaks on the seal, it may be dirty and should be cleaned with a mild detergent and a cloth.

2. Checking for loose parts:

You may need to tighten or re-tighten some screws that hold your GE washer together if you notice that it is making noise during the spin cycle.

Other things to check for are worn belts and a broken pump impeller.

3. Check the drain hose:

The drain hose connects to your GE washer’s water inlet hose and helps prevent leaks by drawing water out of the machine during the spin cycle.

But, if it becomes clogged or disconnected, then excessive vibrations will occur during the spin cycle

4. Disconnecting the electrical circuit:

If none of the above fixes work, you may have to open up your washing machine and inspect the wiring to see if there is an electrical short or a loose connection.

You may also like to read:

• Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning
• How to Troubleshoot Samsung Washing Machine?

Conclusion:

Hopefully, with these 12 most common problems in GE washers, you can now troubleshoot your own appliance without having to contact a repair person.

If you still cannot fix your washer yourself, do not hesitate to call a qualified repair person.

I personally recommend to all my readers never to try to fix any home appliance themselves.

There is always a risk that you may cause more damage than what the problem was in the first place.

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.