Last updated on September 7th, 2022 at 12:26 pm
Washing dishes manually can be tasking; dishwashers are so handy. But like any product, it can develop faults from time to come.
Although there are several manufacturers of dishwashers, GE is quite reliable and excellent.
Although GE dishwashers are not cheap, they are often reliable and clean well. So, if your dishwasher does not have power or lights, it could result from a mechanical or electrical fault.
The cause could be the power; maybe the circuit breaker has tripped if it won’t start. Check to confirm if it is the circuit breaker. Try turning it off and on again. If the issue is not with the power supply, you could have not correctly plugged in the dishwasher. Check to ensure that you correctly plug it into the outlet.
Why is There No Power To GE Dishwasher?
If your GE dishwasher does not have power, it could be due to various reasons.
#1. Door Is Not Closed Properly
First, the dishwasher door must be tightly closed before functioning. A switch will prevent the dishwasher from starting if it is not latched correctly.
So one reason for the malfunction may be that the dishwasher door is not tightly closed. If it is not closed tightly, the dishwasher will not work.
So, if your dishwasher isn’t getting power, open the door and latch it firmly. Make sure you have appropriately sealed it this time.
#2. A Fault With The Power Supply
When the dishwasher does not turn on, that could mean a problem with the power supply.
There is the likelihood that the circuit breaker has tripped; if you check and that’s the case, flip the switch off and back on again.
However, if the issue is not with the circuit breaker, double-check to ensure the dishwasher is properly plugged in.
#3. The Drive Motor May Be Faulty
If the drive motor is faulty, the dishes will not get clean, or the dishwasher may not get power.
This is because the drive motor gives power to the dishwasher’s water, usually located behind the lower access panel.
If you want to test it, you have to disconnect the wires and use the multimeter to test it.
Then, set it to Rx1 and touch the motor’s terminal with the probes; if the reading is not zero, the engine is faulty and needs replacement.
#4. The Child Safety Lock May Be Engaged
Most dishwashers are equipped with a child safety lock to prevent children from changing the settings on the appliance and from using it.
On most dishwashers, the child safety lock is a button that can be activated by pressing and holding it for three seconds.
The door won’t open whenever the lock is engaged, the door won’t open, and the dishwasher won’t run.
If that’s the case with yours, check the manufacturer’s manual for directions on deactivating the setting, or go ahead and do it if you have the know-how.
#5. Interrupted Wash Cycle
There could be a chance that you’ve interrupted a wash cycle, and the machine is stuck between cycles.
When that happens, the machine will not start; most of the time, when this happens, the lights will flash for a bit, and the appliance will go off completely.
If that happens, turn the power off and on again. That should reset the machine and bring it back to the land of the living.
But if that doesn’t work, check the manual for instructions on resetting the machine completely.
The manual will likely instruct you to press the start button and hold for a bit or completely unplug the machine for about two minutes.
If you do that and it works, you’ll be starting a completely new washing cycle.
#6. Broken Door Latch Switch
The dishwasher will not work if the catch does not engage the door latch switch when inserted into the door latch assembly, the dishwasher will not work.
You will need to remove the door panel to access and test the door latch assembly.
Even if it works perfectly, it is safer to test the door for continuity using a multimeter. Set the multimeter at Rx1, and use the multimeter to touch the probes.
The reading should be almost at zero. If it is higher, you need to replace the door latch assembly.
#7. Defective Water Inlet Valve
The dishwasher may sometimes not work because the appliance is not getting water. The device cannot get water because of a defective water inlet valve.
If the inlet valve fails to open, the dishwasher cannot get water.
If you suspect the inlet valve is the issue, you will have to locate it and inspect it. Then, comb it for signs of wear, tear, and cracking.
If you find any of the three, your water inlet valve will need replacement.
Is There A Reset Button On A GE Dishwasher?
Most GE dishwashers have a reset button; malfunctioning your dishwasher could be a very frustrating experience, and you may be tempted to call the repairman.
But most times, there’s no need to fret. A simple reset will have your dishwasher back in top shape.
Several models of GE dishwashers have reset buttons. You will need to reset your dishwasher when the power goes out, or there is a power surge.
The resetting process is almost the same for most GE dishwashers. However, it may vary depending on the model you own.
- You can reset your dishwasher by pressing and holding the start or reset button on your dishwasher.
- Additionally, you can restart your dishwasher by disconnecting the power or cutting the appliance off from the power supply.
- You can also press the kick play or restart button to reset the dishwasher.
You can find the reset button behind the kickplate access panel for some GE dishwasher models.
If your dishwasher has a kickplate, unscrew the screws to remove that access panel; once you’ve removed the access panel, you’ll find two buttons in the left corner.
Push the first button, and that will reset your dishwasher.
Where Is Fuse In GE Dishwasher?
Usually, you can find the thermal fuse of the GE dishwasher at the top of the circuit board assembly.
Almost all GE dishwashers have a thermal fuse; if the fuse is damaged, the dishwasher will not start.
If the dishwasher overheats, the thermal fuse shuts off power to the dishwasher. Also, if the fuse blows, the dishwasher won’t start.
But if you’re not sure that the fault is with the dishwasher, use a multimeter to test the fuse for continuity.
Conclusion
Although the GE dishwasher is reliable and gives value to the money spent, it can break down sometimes, like all appliances.
Usually, if your dishwasher won’t start, it could be due to simple issues like faulty power or the latch door not correctly closed.
The selector switch or a defective water inlet switch may also cause. You can quickly remedy all of these, but if you’re not a DIYer, it’s better to call a professional technician to look at it.