Skip to content 
Modern dishwashers are well-designed and long-lasting, especially if they come from a reputable brand like GE. Still, a high-quality dishwasher (even this brand) is bound to experience common problems which are easy to solve if you know how to troubleshoot them.
Some common problems GE dishwashers face include not cleaning correctly, not draining, control buttons not working, and lights that flash or blink. These problems are typical and will likely happen at some point in the machine’s lifespan. As long as the dishwasher is less than 10 years old, it’s still worth repairing.
This article will teach you how to troubleshoot four of the most common GE dishwasher problems. You’ll discover which parts require troubleshooting, why the problem happens, and how you can fix them.
GE Dishwasher troubleshooting- how to
Troubleshooting your GE dishwasher isn’t a concern if you know what problems to expect.
Here are 4 of the most common causes behind GE dishwasher problems and how you can fix them quickly to minimize downtime:
1. GE Dishwasher Not Cleaning
Which parts to check: When your appliance leaves you with dirty dishes at the end of its wash cycles, you’ll want to check the parts related to its water flow.
Those are the water inlet valve, the spray arms, and the water line supplying the dishwasher.
Why this happens: Under normal conditions, your GE dishwasher will clean the kitchenware by thoroughly spraying them with high-pressure water jets. But, of course, that’s only possible if water can make it into the dishwasher and reach the spinning spray arms inside.
That won’t happen if the water line supplying the dishwasher is bent, kinked or if its valve is not fully opened.
Besides that, the water inlet valve could also be faulty, failing to open fully. When that happens, the dishwasher won’t have enough water to wash the grease and food bits off your dishes.
Lastly, the spray arms inside the dishwasher can also get clogged with food bits and other junk. As a result, their jets can’t spray water to clean the dishes inside.
Connect with an Appliance Repair Tech
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our technicians.
No in-home service calls. No appointments.
How to fix it: To fix this problem, you must ensure that water can flow into your dishwasher and be sprayed by the spray arms.
So, check that the water line is free from kinks and bends, and open its valve fully.
Then, inspect the water inlet valve for problems. If cleaning the valve doesn’t help, you must replace it with a new one.
Lastly, use toothpicks to clear clogged jets on the dishwasher’s spray arms.
Read: Why GE Dishwasher Won’t Start Just Beeps?
2. GE Dishwasher Not Draining
Which parts to check: Water draining out of your GE dishwasher is just as crucial as the water flowing in. So when your appliance doesn’t drain, check the filter, drain pump, and drain hose for issues.
Why this happens: All the water in your GE dishwasher must pass through the filter, drain pump, and drain hose on its way out. Unfortunately, issues at any of those three parts can stop the dishwasher from draining, namely:
- Filter: The filter catches solid food bits from dishes inside the dishwasher. Water can’t flow through the filter when it’s saturated, preventing it from draining.
- Drain pump: The drain pump has a motor and impeller, both of which drive water out of the dishwasher and into the drain hose. When there’s a jam or damage to the motor or impeller, it’ll prevent water from flowing out of the dishwasher.
- Drain hose: The drain hose carries water out into your household plumbing. If it’s kinked, bent, or clogged with debris, water will back up into the dishwasher.
How to fix it: The dishwasher filter and drain hose are parts you can unclog by cleaning them thoroughly. You can remove those parts and flush the clogs out with water.
However, the drain pump will need to be replaced if it’s damaged and won’t function anymore.
For more information on this topic, see GE Dishwasher Not Draining Repair Guide.
Read: 5 Reasons Why GE Dishwasher Not Draining
3. GE Dishwasher Buttons Not Working
Which parts to check: Suppose the dishwasher and its display turn on, but some or all buttons aren’t working. In that case, you’ll need to troubleshoot the touch pad and control panel.
Depending on the model, these could be two separate parts or be combined into one dishwasher component.
Why this happens: The touchpad and control panel are heavily-used parts, as you’ll push buttons every time you use the appliance. Unfortunately, that means these parts experience plenty of wear that can cause one or more buttons to fail, especially if you’ve had the dishwasher for many years.
Although less likely, there’s also a chance that moisture gets into the control panel and causes it to fail. As a result, the buttons you press will become unresponsive.
How to fix it: If your GE dishwasher touch pad or control panel has failed, the only solution is to replace it with a new one.
Depending on your dishwasher model, you might be able to replace the two parts separately. However, some models combine both into one replacement part, so you’ll have to buy them together.
For more information on resetting/replacing the control panel, read GE Profile Control Panel Problems.
Read: Should You Use Dishwasher Detergent Substitute’s?
4. GE Dishwasher Lights Flashing And Blinking
Which parts to check: When the lights on your GE dishwasher flash or blink, you must troubleshoot the heating element. The element’s sole purpose is to generate heat, so the washing process is more effective. It also heats up the air to make drying more effective at the end of a wash cycle.
Why this happens: Heating elements in GE dishwashers turn on every time you run a wash cycle. So, it can eventually experience too much wear and burnout.
When that happens, the heating element can’t generate enough heat and will trigger the dishwasher’s lights to flash or blink.
For more information on this topic, read GE Dishwasher Lights Flashing and Blinking.
How to fix it: Firstly, you’ll need to confirm that the heating element is burnt out. You can do that with a
Once you’re sure, you’ll need to remove the heating element and install a new one. They’re pretty straightforward to replace, so you don’t need a technician to do it for you.
Read: Why Is Dishwasher’s Detergent Door Not Opening?
If you are getting error code 888, read this article on how to reset/repair. Click here.
Additional Troubleshooting Questions
No matter the issue you’re troubleshooting, you’ll find some answers below helpful:
How Do I Reset My GE Dishwasher?
Resetting your GE dishwasher can be done by shutting off its circuit breaker for a minute. After that time finishes, restore power to the machine and start it up like you usually do.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A GE Dishwasher?
GE dishwashers generally last about 10 years with proper care and maintenance. However, your dishwasher will experience common problems more frequently the closer as it approaches the end of its lifespan.
Read: How To Get Rid Of The White Residue Or Film On The Dishwasher?
Can I Repair A GE Dishwasher Myself?
Yes, it’s possible to repair your GE dishwasher yourself in many cases. However, only a qualified technician should handle some kinds of repairs. For example, time-consuming replacements and electrical repairs are better left to the experts.
Is It Worth Trying To Fix A GE Dishwasher?
Any dishwasher is still worth repairing if it’s only a few years old. The problems you saw in this guide are normal and will likely happen at some point. However, older GE dishwashers with too many issues should be replaced with newer models.
How Can I Access Diagnostics On A GE Dishwasher?
You can enter Diagnostic Mode on your GE dishwasher by pressing and holding Start and Cycle simultaneously. The Diagnostic feature will help you understand your appliance’s problems so you can repair it more effectively.
What does 186 mean?
Hello Bette Lou,
What is the make and model of your dishwasher? 186 is not a common GE error code, if that’s what you are asking about. Hopefully, we can get you pointed in the right direction.