GE dishwashers are a great option for those looking to save money on their next appliance purchase. GE is one of the most well-known brands in the world, and they offer many different dishwasher models that range from basic to high-tech. However, GE dishwashers do have some issues that might require a little DIY help. In this article, we will discuss 5 simple fixes for GE dishwasher won’t start problems!
Why GE Dishwasher Won’t Start? Troubleshoot and Diagnosis
You’ve loaded the GE dishwasher, and you’re all set to get on with your day without worrying about dirty dishes. Then, you realize that the GE dishwasher start button is not working. You try a few more times before realizing it’s not going anywhere. That headache just landed hard!
But don’t worry–there are several fixes for an unresponsive dishwashing machine, so there is no need to panic!
GE Dishwasher is Not getting any Power
If the GE dishwasher seems to be having a power issue, like if you notice GE Dishwasher Not Starting, No Lights On The Panel, or it doesn’t seem to be getting any power, then one possible cause may be that the wiring in your home is faulty.
Fixing this could result in an operational dishwasher that will cut down on repair costs and time if you enlist professional help with installing new wiring.
Please try to remember what you did before the dishwasher stopped working and don’t do anything new or unusual. If it is an electrical problem, it is always best to consult an electrician first.
Is the dishwasher breaker tripped or not? If you notice that the breaker is tripped, turn the power off by flipping it to OFF and then back on.
To check the power issue, look for the junction box connection, which can be found on the right side of the dishwasher. Check and make sure that power cables are installed correctly. If wires disconnect or get burnt, then you may experience a power issue after some time.
Please turn off the breaker and remove any burnt wire connections. Then reconnect the cables again to the back of the unit in order for it to work properly.
If the wiring appears intact, inspect the thermal fuse. If this is blown or out, replace it with a new one found in your kit.
When a dishwasher’s thermal fuse is broken, the control board may overheat.
This can be solved by replacing the broken thermal fuse.
Child Lock is ON
GE dishwashers have an extra safety feature called Child Lock as well. This prevents children from starting or stopping the dishwasher accidentally when playing near their appliance–just press “Child Lock” once, and only adults will be able to turn OFF/ON the dishwasher.
When the child lock is enabled, the dishwasher will not work. To disable the feature, press for 3 seconds to turn it off.
Dishwasher door is Not Closed Securely
A GE dishwasher door will not close properly, if it isn’t lined up correctly. If this is the case, adjust the hinge screws until you hear a click when closing to fix that problem.
This can be done by loosening or tightening two screws on each side of the hinges with an Allen wrench. Ensure they’re evenly tight and turned in equal amounts for proper alignment–just keep checking as needed while turning them.
The GE dishwasher will only start if the door is closed and latched correctly.
Ensure that no dishes are blocking the door and that the racks inside are not out of place.
Door Latch Or Door Latch Switch
The door latch assembly is a must-have for any dishwasher, and it’s not just about preventing water from leaking. This essential component also has two functions: the first being to hold the door closed during cycles, which prevents leaks; secondly, this part includes switches that supply power to your dishwasher controls!
If the door can’t close properly to activate the switches or if they’re defective, then you’ll have trouble with your dishwasher. Inspect everything from latch assembly to switches for problems and fix them.
If the door switch is defective, their dishwasher will not work even after you close it. To see if this may be the problem for your appliance, use a multimeter and test to make sure that there’s continuity coming from the door button. If there isn’t any, then replace it.
Touchpad Not Working
If the touchpad is not working, this could be due to a faulty connection. Inspect all connections and make sure they are properly secured.
To determine whether the touchpad is responsible, press different buttons on the screen and see if it responds. If the buttons on your GE dishwasher don’t function as intended, it may be because of a defective touchpad. If the touchpad is broken, replace it.
Check Dishwasher Cycle Settings
If the GE dishwasher won’t start, the problem might be with your cycle settings. You can check this by pressing and holding down the “reset” button on your appliance for a few seconds to reset all of its functions. If that doesn’t work, try these steps:
- Choose Normal Cycle instead of Quick Wash or Turbo Dishwasher cycles if you’re running low on time.
- Change water temperature from warm to hot (or vice versa) depending on what type of dishes you have.
- Adjust drying level accordingly so it’s not too high or too low when you wash delicate items like plates or glasses. Try setting the timer as well at about ten minutes before starting an automatic dry cycle, allowing most food particles to be cleared out.
- Check to make sure you have enough rinse aid and dishwasher detergent. You can fill the cups with liquid, powder or gel soap if need be – just follow the instructions on your GE dishwasher’s manual for specifics.
Check Water Supply
GE dishwashers will stop working if water to the unit is an issue. Make sure that you turn ON your water valve for a steady stream of water, and check out the hose between your sink and GE dishwasher. If it’s full of kinks or has any tears in its rubber lining, replace it.
If your GE dishwasher isn’t starting, it’s probably due to a defective water inlet valve. This valve opens and closes to allow water into the machine during different points of the wash cycle. We recommend that you contact an expert for assistance with this issue since we know how confusing those valves can be!
Timer
The GE dishwasher timer sends the power at different intervals to the dishwasher’s main areas. If the timer is faulty, it might not send power to these areas and cause problems with starting the appliance up.
On GE dishwashers, the first step in the cycle is a drain function to remove standing water from the tub. If you don’t hear a pump motor running when it’s supposed to, then look at either the timer or electronic control as a possible cause.
Often, the problem with a GE dishwasher that won’t start is not the timer. As such, before replacing the timer, make sure you perform a basic diagnostic on other parts that could cause the same symptom.
Faulty Drive Motor
The drive motor is responsible for the water circulation that keeps everything inside nice and clean. The timer or the electronic control in conjunction with a start relay supplies power to operate the drive motor. If the dishwasher motor does not turn on after start relay activation, there is a potential issue with the drive motor.
You may also hear a loud hum coming from the GE dishwasher. If so, this might indicate a seized motor that would need to be replaced.
Hi there! I’m Sam Hendricks, and I’m a repair technician and expert. I created this website to help people like you save money and time by fixing your own appliances.
Over the years, I’ve seen people spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. That’s why I decided to share my expertise and create easy-to-follow guides for fixing appliances on your own.