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GE dishwasher not starting
Common reasons your GE dishwasher is not starting
The most common reasons your GE dishwasher is not starting are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a stripped wire connector.
50% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
25% of the time it's the User Interface Control
8% of the time it's the Wire Connector
17% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a GE dishwasher
Electronic Control Board Replacement
When your dishwasher is not starting a cycle, a defective electronic control board could be causing the problem. The control board will freeze up and fail to start a cycle when its internal memory and logic is corrupted. A failed internal electronic relay or bad electronic part on the circuit board could be causing the control board to freeze up and not start a cycle. Determining whether a control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair your dishwasher when it won’t start a cycle.
User Interface Control Replacement
When your dishwasher is not starting, a damaged user interface control could be causing the problem. The user interface control connects to the electronic control board through a wire harness and sends signals to the control board to help control the dishwashing cycle. A bad start key on the user interface control can prevent the dishwasher from beginning the cycle. Also, a stuck key on the user interface control can cause the electronic control board to stop all dishwasher operations and the dishwasher won’t work until the damaged user interface control is fixed. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and replace the user interface control if it’s damaged.
Wire Connector Replacement
When your dishwasher is not starting, a stripped wire connector between the user interface control and electronic control board could be causing the problem. The wire harness between the electronic control board and user interface control must also stay connected to keep the dishwasher working. The control board will stop the dishwasher and keep it from starting when that wire harness is damaged or disconnected. When your dishwasher isn’t working, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the problem.
What to expect when you experience a GE dishwasher not starting issue
How is the not starting problem fixed?
Correcting most not starting problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, user interface control or wire connector. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that is not starting
When the dishwasher is not starting it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.
What to look out for with a dishwasher not starting diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
When you need professional GE dishwasher repair service to fix a problem, schedule an appointment with Sears Home Services.
GE Dishwasher Won’t Start Just Blinks Troubleshooting
When your GE dishwasher won’t start and just blinks, the problem is often caused by an issue with the door switch. The control won’t start the dishwasher unlet it detects that the door is shut. Some models will blink and beep 3 times and some GE dishwashers will just blink the lights.
Sometimes you can fix the problem by just pressing in firmly on the door to properly engage the door latch so the control detects that the dishwasher door is fully shut. If the door pops open during the cycle the dishwasher will stop so monitor the dishwasher if this troubleshooting tip works to get the dishwasher started. Make sure the dishwasher finishes the cycle.
Installation problems can prevent the door strike from entering and engaging the door catch and door switch to signal the control that the door is fully shut. If the installer installed dishwasher mounting brackets incorrectly, the body of the dishwasher can be positioned too high in the kitchen counter so the door strike won’t insert into the door catch properly. You can sometimes fix this problem or have a technician fix the problem by using wood shims to lower the body of the dishwasher so the door strike will engage the door catch properly and trip the door switch.
Sometimes, you can fix this problem with a GE dishwasher that won’t start and just blinks by resetting the control board. Completely shut off power to the dishwasher by flipping the power switch beside the sink, unplugging the dishwasher or shutting off the house circuit breaker to the dishwasher. Leave the power off for 2 minutes then restore power and see if the dishwasher works properly.
If you’re unable to resolve the problem with your GE dishwasher not starting and just blinking, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to diagnose and fix the dishwasher.
Fixing a GE Dishwasher Beeping and Not Starting
When your GE dishwasher is beeping and not starting, the door may not be closed properly on some models. You may hear 3 beeps and the lights will flash when the door is detected by the control to be open on certain GE dishwashers. Shut the dishwasher door fully by pressing in firmly on the top of the door. You may then be able to start the cycle.
Sometimes, installation problems can prevent the door strike from entering the door catch properly. In this situation the electronic control won’t detect that the door is shut to the control panel will beep 3 times.
If the installer installed dishwasher mounting brackets incorrectly, the body of the dishwasher can be positioned too high in the kitchen counter. This will prevent the door strike from entering into the door catch properly.
You can sometimes fix this problem (or have a technician fix the problem) by using wood shims to lower the body of the dishwasher so the door strike will engage the door catch properly and trip the door switch.
A power surge will sometime cause the control to stop working and beep when you try to start a cycle. You can sometime fix this problem by resetting the control board. Completely shut off power to the dishwasher by flipping the power switch beside the sink, unplugging the dishwasher or shutting off the house circuit breaker to the dishwasher. Leave the power off for 2 minutes then restore power and see if the dishwasher works properly.
A GE dishwasher that never begins a cycle could have a defective latch or a shorted main board. Dirty plates stack up while you wait for a miracle. Rather than letting it idle, turn to dishwasher service. Fixing the starting function ensures your dishwasher promptly tackles daily kitchen tasks.
What our customers say about us
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Thorough
James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.
Kirsten A, Oxford, PA
Service Call
Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!
James G, Hillsboro, MO
Daniel
Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.
Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Dishwasher Resources
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If you've ever encountered a dishwasher with standing water, you understand the frustration of a drainage issue.
If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher gasket is a flexible seal that prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher door during operation. It's crucial for maintaining the appliance's efficiency and preventing water damage.
A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.
A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.
A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.