How to Fix a GE Dishwasher That Won’t Start: Essential Troubleshooting Tips and StepbyStep Solutions

How to Fix a GE Dishwasher That Won’t Start?

To fix a GE dishwasher that won’t start, start by checking the power sources.

Make sure the dishwasher is properly plugged in, the power switch is on, and there are no tripped breakers or blown fuses in the circuit breaker/fuse box.

Next, check the water supply by ensuring the water supply valve is open and inspecting the water supply hose for any kinks or tears.

If necessary, replace the hose.

If these steps don’t solve the issue, a defective water inlet valve may be the problem, requiring professional service for assessment and replacement.

Additionally, check the dishwasher cycle settings to ensure a cycle is selected and any features like child lock or Delay Start are disabled.

Moisture or damage to the control panel may prevent cycle selection, which would need to be assessed and replaced by a professional.

It’s also important to ensure that the dishwasher door is properly secured, free of obstructions, and closed completely with the latch engaged.

If the problem persists, a malfunctioning door latch or switch may be the cause, requiring professional service and replacement if necessary.

Other potential steps involve testing and replacing the door switch, thermal fuse, touchpad and control panel, and timer.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, the main control board may need to be replaced.

Key Points:

  • Check power sources:
  • Ensure dishwasher is plugged in
  • Check power switch is on
  • Make sure there are no tripped breakers or blown fuses

  • Inspect water supply:

  • Open water supply valve
  • Check for kinks or tears in hose

  • Replace water supply hose if necessary

  • Consider professional service if issue persists:

  • Check for defective water inlet valve
  • Look for moisture or damage to control panel

  • Ensure proper dishwasher settings:

  • Select a cycle
  • Disable child lock or Delay Start

  • Check door security:

  • Ensure no obstructions
  • Make sure latch is engaged
  • Consider professional service for malfunctioning latch or switch


Did You Know?

1. Did you know that the first dishwasher was invented in the early 1850s by a woman named Joel Houghton? However, it wasn’t until decades later that dishwasher technology was refined and became more widely used in households.

2. The term “dishwasher” was actually trademarked by the Hobart Manufacturing Company in 1924. It was originally used to refer to their industrial-sized dishwashing machines rather than the ones commonly found in homes.

3. In the early days of automatic dishwashers, some models required manually adding gallons of hot water to achieve the desired cleaning temperature. This process was necessary since early dishwashers did not have built-in heating elements.

4. While most dishwashers have an automatic food disposal system, some older models required users to manually scrape off the leftover food before loading the dishes. This tedious task was eventually eliminated with the advancements in dishwasher technology.

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5. GE (General Electric) is a popular brand in the dishwasher industry, but did you know that they also played a major role in the development of the first portable dishwasher? Their engineers designed a countertop model in the late 1960s, which allowed users to move it around the kitchen as needed, offering more convenience for small spaces.

Checking Power Sources

When your GE dishwasher refuses to start, the first step in troubleshooting is to check the power sources.

  • Make sure that the dishwasher is plugged in correctly and securely to an electrical outlet.
  • Next, ensure that the power switch is turned on and that there are no tripped breakers or blown fuses in the circuit breaker or fuse box.
  • Sometimes, a simple power interruption can cause the dishwasher to stop working.
  • If you do find a tripped breaker or blown fuse, reset it and attempt to start the dishwasher again.

If the dishwasher still won’t start after confirming the power sources, it’s recommended to check the next troubleshooting step.

Checking Water Supply

Another common reason for a GE dishwasher not starting is a water supply issue.

To troubleshoot this problem, follow these steps:

  1. Check the water supply valve. Make sure it is fully open to allow water to flow into the dishwasher.

  2. Inspect the water supply hose for kinks or tears that could be obstructing the water flow. If any damages are found, replace the hose promptly.

If the water supply seems to be in good condition and the dishwasher still won’t start, it’s time to move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Defective Water Inlet Valve

A defective water inlet valve can often be the culprit behind a dishwasher failing to start. This valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher during the wash cycle. If it is not functioning properly, it may prevent the dishwasher from starting.

In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional service technician to assess the issue and potentially replace the water inlet valve.

If the water inlet valve is not the cause of the problem, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

  • Ensure that the dishwasher is properly connected to a power source.
  • Check if there are any tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses that may have interrupted the power supply.
  • Verify that the dishwasher door is closed securely, as some models have a safety mechanism that prevents operation when the door is not properly closed.
  • Inspect the control panel for any error codes or indicators that may provide clues to the issue.
  • It is also worth checking the dishwasher’s user manual for any specific troubleshooting instructions or reset procedures.

If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to diagnose and fix the problem.

Checking Dishwasher Cycle Settings

It is crucial to select a wash cycle before starting the dishwasher. Forgetting to do so could make it seem like the dishwasher is not starting. Additionally, make sure to disable any enabled features like child lock or Delay Start by holding down the Start button for about 3 seconds. This will reset the dishwasher and allow it to begin a new cycle.

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If the dishwasher continues to not start even after checking the cycle settings, further investigation is necessary.

  • Select a wash cycle before starting the dishwasher
  • Disable any enabled features such as child lock or Delay Start
  • Hold down the Start button for approximately 3 seconds to reset the dishwasher
  • If the dishwasher still won’t start, further investigation is needed.

Moisture Or Damage To Control Panel

Excessive moisture or physical damage to the control panel of a GE dishwasher can cause disruptions to its normal functioning. These issues can result in the inability to select a cycle or start the dishwasher altogether. In such cases, it is recommended to seek professional assistance from a service technician. These professionals will be able to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine if a replacement of the display panel is required.

If the control panel is not the source of the problem, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

  • Excessive moisture or physical damage to the control panel can impede the proper functioning of a GE dishwasher.
  • Inability to select a cycle or start the dishwasher may indicate a problem with the panel.
  • Seek the help of a professional service technician for assessment and potential replacement of the display panel.

“Moisture or physical damage to the control panel may prevent you from selecting a cycle or starting the dishwasher. It is advisable to seek professional assistance for assessment and potential replacement.”

Ensuring Proper Door Securing

Sometimes, a dishwasher won’t start because the door is not properly secured. Here are a few steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this issue:

  1. Remove any obstructions that may be preventing the door from closing fully.
  2. Ensure that dishes are loaded correctly, avoiding any items that obstruct the door’s closure.
  3. Confirm that the dishwasher door is closed tightly, ensuring that the latch is engaged. Even a slight misalignment or loose latch can prevent the dishwasher from starting.

If you have followed all the previous steps and the dishwasher still won’t start, it’s essential to explore further solutions.

Overall, troubleshooting a GE dishwasher that won’t start requires a systematic approach. Here are the areas to check:

  • Power sources: Make sure the dishwasher is properly plugged into a functioning power outlet.
  • Water supply: Ensure that the water supply valve is turned on and providing sufficient water pressure to the dishwasher.
  • Cycle settings: Check if the chosen cycle settings are appropriate and not conflicting with other functions.
  • Control panel: Inspect the control panel for any error messages or malfunctioning buttons.
  • Door securing: Double-check that the dishwasher door is properly closed and secured.
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If the problem persists, it is recommended to consult a professional service technician who can perform advanced diagnostics and recommend the appropriate repairs or replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE dishwasher not starting?

There could be several reasons why your GE dishwasher is not starting. First, it is important to ensure that the dishwasher is properly plugged into a functioning electrical outlet. Sometimes, the power cable can become loose or disconnected, leading to a lack of power. Additionally, it is crucial to verify that the power switch is turned on. Often, these switches are located under the sink or on the wall near the dishwasher. If the dishwasher is not receiving power, it will not start. Finally, it is essential to check your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box for any tripped breakers or blown fuses. Sometimes, a power surge or electrical issue can cause these to trip, disrupting the dishwasher’s functioning. By addressing these potential concerns, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue of your GE dishwasher not starting.

How do you reset a GE dishwasher that won’t start?

To reset a GE dishwasher that won’t start, the first step is to locate the start/reset button. Press and hold this button for about 10 to 20 seconds until the blinking lights stop blinking and remain on. Once the lights are steady, turn off the dishwasher completely and wait for 5 to 10 minutes. After the waiting period, you can turn the dishwasher back on and run a test cycle to ensure that the reset was successful.

How can I Reset my GE dishwasher?

To reset your GE dishwasher, you can start by pressing the Start/Reset button. If you have a front-control washer, simply locate the button and press it to cancel the current cycle. For top-control washers, you would need to carefully open up the top of the dishwasher door, press the Start/Reset button, and then close the door. It’s worth noting that you can add dishes at any point before the main wash cycle starts, providing convenience and flexibility.

What is a common problem with GE dishwasher?

One common problem with GE dishwashers is a faulty drain system, leading to improper drainage. This can result in water pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher and is often caused by clogs or blockages in the drain line or filter. Another recurring issue is a malfunctioning detergent cup, which fails to release the detergent during the wash cycle. This can be caused by a broken or worn-out latch mechanism, preventing the cup from opening at the right time. Both of these problems can be relatively easy to fix with proper troubleshooting and maintenance. However, it is important to address them promptly to ensure optimal performance of the dishwasher.

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