GE Dishwasher Not Starting? How To Fix

Last Updated on May 31, 2022 by

GE Dishwasher Not Starting? Your dishwasher is loaded, and the detergent dispenser is filled, but nothing occurs when you click the Start button. Is this something you’ve heard before? Though a GE dishwasher that won’t start might be alarming, there’s no reason to be concerned. 

Checking for frequent reasons like power outages, open latch door, and wrong cycle settings may quickly repair the problem. The methods outlined here may help solve your GE problem. However, the most accurate troubleshooting information may be found in your dishwasher’s handbook. If you lose it, you can usually locate it on the manufacturer’s website or request a copy. Continue reading to discover more about how to troubleshoot the dishwasher problem.

What To Do If Your Dishwasher Doesn’t Start

Examine The Power

Suppose your GE dishwasher seems to be experiencing a power problem, such as GE Dishwasher Not Starting, No Lights On The Panel, or it doesn’t appear to be receiving any power. In that case, one potential explanation might be bad wiring in your house.

If you hire a professional to install new wiring, you may get a working dishwasher that will save you money and time in the long run. Please attempt to recall what you did before the dishwasher broke down and refrain from doing anything new or odd. If you have an electrical issue, you should always visit an electrician first.

Is the breaker for the dishwasher tripped or not? If the breaker is tripped, turn off the electricity by flicking the switch off and then back on. Look for the junction box connection on the right side of the dishwasher to check for a power problem. Check to see whether the power wires are properly placed. If cables get disconnected or scorched, you may suffer a power outage over time.

Please disconnect the circuit breaker and disconnect any burned wire connections. Then, for the unit to operate correctly, reattach the cords to the device’s rear. Finally, inspect the thermal fuse to see if the wiring looks to be in good shape. Replace it with a new one from your kit if blown or out. The control board of a dishwasher may overheat if the thermal fuse is damaged. The damaged thermal fuse may be replaced to fix the problem.

Check The Door Latch

Another typical reason for your dishwasher not turning on is that the door is not completely closed. The latch may occasionally fail, preventing the door from locking into place and preventing the dishwasher from the beginning. The latch will need to be changed if this is the case. Depending on the dishwasher manufacturer, you should be able to get a replacement door latch for roughly $30 to $40.

It’s also possible that the latch’s seal is damaged, preventing it from shutting properly. As a result, the dishwasher will not work since it is unsafe to do so. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the seal. It’s also possible that caked-on dirt or soap scum has blocked the latch, preventing it from closing properly. If this is the problem, thoroughly clean the latch area with an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

The Child Lock Is Activated

Child Lock is an additional safety feature available on GE dishwashers. This protects children from mistakenly starting or stopping the dishwasher while playing near it–simply press “Child Lock” once, and only adults will be able to switch it off or on. The dishwasher will not function if the kid lock is activated. To turn off the function, hold down the button for 3 seconds.

The Dishwasher Door Is Not Securely Closed

If the GE dishwasher door isn’t lined up correctly, it won’t shut properly. If this is the case, tighten the hinge screws until you hear a click when the door closes.

This may be accomplished by using an Allen wrench to loosen or tighten two screws on either side of the hinges. For optimal alignment, make sure they’re uniformly tight and rotated in equal amounts–keep checking as required while turning them. The GE dishwasher will only turn on if the door is properly closed and fastened. Check to see if any dishes obstruct the entrance or whether the racks inside are in the right spot.

Touchpad Not Working

It’s possible that the touchpad isn’t functioning because of a bad connection. First, examine any connections and ensure that they are securely fastened.

To test whether the touchpad is the culprit, push various buttons on the screen and see if it replies. If the controls on your GE dishwasher aren’t working correctly, it might be due to a faulty touchpad. Replace the touchpad if it is broken.

Examine The Start Button

On every dishwasher, the start button is the most frequently utilized. If you’ve tested your door latch and power supply, the problem might be with the start switch itself. Depending on the dishwasher type and model, you may be able to test the switch yourself using a multimeter. If not, an appliance repair professional will require a diagnostic test. The switch will need to be changed if it is defective. Depending on the dishwasher brand, start switches may cost anywhere from $25 to $70.

Check the Dishwasher Cycles

If your GE dishwasher doesn’t start, there might be an issue with the cycle settings. To test this, press and hold the “reset” button on your appliance for a few seconds, which will reset all of its functionality. If it doesn’t work, follow these instructions:

  • If you’re short on time, go with the Normal Cycle rather than Quick Wash or Turbo Dishwasher cycles.
  • Depending on the dishes you have, change the water temperature from warm to hot (or vice versa).
  • When washing delicate things like plates or glasses, adjust the drying setting, so it’s neither too high or too low. Set a timer for around 10 minutes before commencing an automated dry cycle to ensure that most food particles are removed.
  • Make sure you have adequate dishwashing detergent and rinse aid. If necessary, fill the cups with liquid, powder, or gel soap; refer to your GE dishwasher’s handbook for exact instructions.

Examine the Water Supply

If there is a problem with the water supply to the dishwasher, it will cease operating. Check the line between your sink and GE dishwasher, and ensure your water valve is turned on for a continuous water supply. Replace it if it’s full of kinks or has rips in the rubber lining.

If your GE dishwasher won’t start, the problem is likely due to a faulty water inlet valve. This valve opens and shuts throughout the wash cycle to let water into the machine. We urge that you seek professional help with this problem since we understand how perplexing those valves can be!

Timer

The GE dishwasher timer distributes electricity to the dishwasher’s major regions at various intervals. Therefore, if the timer is broken, it may not provide electricity to these regions, making it difficult to start the device.

The drain function on GE dishwashers is the first phase in the cycle, which removes any standing water from the tub. Look at the timer or electronic control as a potential culprit if you don’t hear the pump motor operating when it should.

The timer isn’t always the issue with a GE dishwasher that won’t start. As a result, before replacing the timer, make sure you run a quick diagnostic on any other components that could be causing the same issue.

Faulty Drive Motor

The drive motor controls the water circulation, which maintains everything inside nice and clean. The drive motor is powered by a timer or an electronic control combined with a start relay. For example, the drive motor might have a problem if the dishwasher motor does not turn on when the start relay is activated.

A loud hum may also be heard coming from the GE dishwasher. If this is the case, it might suggest a seized motor that has to be replaced.

Examine The Heating Element

The dishwasher may be unable to start due to a broken heating element. When a dishwasher’s heater element fails, the dishwasher will be stuck in one stage for an extended period (whatever stage the dishwasher was in when the heating element malfunctioned). If this occurs, the dishwasher will shut off and not turn on again until the heater element is replaced (faulty heating elements cannot be repaired).

A multimeter may be used to check the heating element’s continuity. The heating element may be accessible by removing the dishwasher’s front panel. The heating element is usually a long thin, circular, or horseshoe-shaped rod with metal parts. However, its appearance may vary depending on the brand and type of your dishwasher.

Place the needle of your multimeter on the metal piece at the end of the heating element to test it. This is the problem if the heating element has no continuity. Depending on the manufacturer, a replacement dishwasher heating element will cost $20 to $65.

Conclusion on GE Dishwasher Not Starting?

Hopefully, this article has provided you with a thorough grasp of the variables that might cause your GE dishwasher to fail to start. Of course, it’s always advisable to hire a certified dishwasher repair specialist if you can’t solve the possible problems yourself.