Ge Dishwasher: not running

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your GE dishwasher isn't running, you may notice that pressing the start button yields no lights or sounds. In some cases, the controls may illuminate, but the wash cycle fails to begin. This issue can stem from common causes such as a lack of power or engagement of the control lock feature.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Ge Models

  • Delay Start, Control Lock and leak protection features may prevent start even when power and door are fine

Possible Causes

No power to dishwasher

How to Identify: Dishwasher has no lights, sounds, or display response; breaker tripped; GFCI outlet tripped; loose plug

Part: Power supply / circuit breaker / outlet

Control Lock / Delay Start / Demo Mode engaged

How to Identify: Dishwasher shows lights but doesn’t start; specific indicators for Control Lock or Delay Start active

Part: Control panel settings

DIY Solutions

Check power supply and reset breaker

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Check if dishwasher lights/controls are completely off
  2. Locate main circuit breaker box and check for tripped breaker; reset if tripped
  3. If plugged into a GFCI outlet, press reset on outlet
⚠️ Safety First: Always ensure hands are dry when working near electrical panel

Disable control lock / delay start

Easy 2–5 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Look for Control Lock or Delay Start indicators on control panel
  2. Follow model manual instructions to disable Control Lock or clear Delay Start

Ensure door is fully closed and latch engaged

Easy 1–3 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Open dishwasher and ensure nothing obstructs door closure
  2. Close door firmly until you hear latch click
  3. Try starting cycle again

Hard reset dishwasher electronics

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Turn off dishwasher circuit breaker or unplug dishwasher
  2. Wait 5 minutes to allow internal reset
  3. Restore power and attempt to start dishwasher
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before touching controls

Professional Repairs

Replace control board or control panel

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Replace door latch or door switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher shows signs of electrical faults after DIY resets (blinking lights, error codes)
Control board or touchpad appears faulty and unresponsive
Internal components like door switch or wiring suspected damaged

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly run dishwasher to prevent mechanical stiffening: Start and performance issues
    Frequency: weekly
  • Check and clean door latch area: Latch not engaging due to debris
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE Dishwasher not running?
Common causes include no power supply or control lock being engaged.
How do I fix GE Dishwasher not running myself?
Check power supply, disable control lock, ensure door is closed, and perform a hard reset.
How much does it cost to fix not running?
Professional repairs can range from $50 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not running?
Consider calling a technician if the DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if complex repairs are needed.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged pressure sensor (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clear clogged pressure sensor to restore functionality

    Success rate: 33.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

Community Discussions

stops after only 15 seconds

The pressure sensor at the bottom of the sump was clogged, preventing the dishwasher from sensing pressure and shutting it down.

won't run a cycle

Decided to purchase Danby DDW631SDB after considering various options.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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