Ge Washing Machine: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your GE washing machine not starting? This common issue may involve the washer showing no power or failing to respond when the start button is pressed. Potential causes include a door that isn't properly closed, control locks being engaged, or electrical power issues. Understanding these common problems can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Ge Models

  • Some GE models have Control Lock or child lock features that prevent start; specific button combinations may be required to disable.

Possible Causes

Door/Lid not properly closed or latch failure

How to Identify: Washer has power but pressing start does nothing until the door is fully secured. The cycle will not start if the door/lid is not locked.

Part: Lid switch or door latch assembly

Control Lock or child lock engaged

How to Identify: Start button and other controls are unresponsive; a lock icon may be displayed indicating Control Lock is active.

Part: Control panel lock feature

Faulty control panel or user interface

How to Identify: Buttons or dial do not respond, or display is blank despite proper power; may require professional testing.

Part: Control board/panel

Power or electrical supply issue

How to Identify: No lights, no indicators, or intermittent power; other appliances on same outlet also fail.

Part: Power cord, outlet, fuse, breaker

Internal fuse or wiring fault

How to Identify: Washer has power intermittently or fuse is visibly blown; requires checking internal components.

Part: Line fuse or internal wiring

DIY Solutions

Ensure Door/Lid is Fully Closed

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Open and firmly close the washer door/lid until it clicks.
  2. Try starting the wash cycle again.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force closed if something is caught in the lid.

Disable Control Lock

Easy 1–2 minutes
  1. Locate the Control Lock or child lock button on the control panel.
  2. Press and hold the lock button for 3 seconds to deactivate the lock feature.
  3. Try pressing Start again.

Check Power Supply and Reset Breaker

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Verify the washer is plugged in securely.
  2. Check the circuit breaker and reset if tripped.
  3. Try plugging into a different known working outlet if safe to do so.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid working on electrical circuits if uncomfortable; do not touch wet areas while doing this.

Professional Repairs

Replace Lid Switch or Door Latch Assembly

Estimated Cost: $30–$80 for parts

Control Board or Interface Module Replacement

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

Internal Wiring or Fuse Repair

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

When to Call a Professional

Lid switch or door latch confirmed broken
Control panel/buttons unresponsive after basic checks
Internal fuse or wiring fault suspected
Power supply seems correct but machine still won’t start

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly inspect and clean door/lid latch: Start issues due to latch malfunction
    Frequency: monthly
  • Keep control panel clean and dry: Unresponsive buttons due to grime buildup
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE Washing Machine not starting?
Common causes include a door that isn't properly closed, control lock engaged, or electrical issues.
How do I fix GE Washing Machine not starting myself?
Check if the door is closed, disable control lock, and ensure the power supply is secure.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Professional repair costs range from $30 for parts to $300 for control board replacements.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions fail or if there's a suspected internal wiring issue.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Control board issues (2 mentions)
  • Door lock mechanism failure (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced control board

    Success rate: 14.0%

  2. Replaced lock mechanism

    Success rate: 14.0%

  3. Replaced motor control board

    Success rate: 14.0%
Analysis based on 5 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. GE front load washing machine turns on, but won't start and ...
  2. GFW850 GE Washing Machine turns on, but will not start any c...
  3. GE he turbo washing machine won't start cycle
  4. Any ideas why my washing machine isn't working?
  5. GE washing machine won't start after stopping mid cycle

Community Discussions

won't start cycle

The issue was with the lock mechanism.

DIY View on Reddit →

turns on, but won't start and then turns off

Replaced control board fixed the issue after trying other parts.

DIY View on Reddit →

would not start a cycle

Replacement of main control board and inverter board recommended.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

turns on, but will not start any cycle

Ordered motor control board and main control board; will replace motor control first.

DIY View on Reddit →

nothing happens after I try to run a cycle. The door doesn't lock, no water pump activity, no tumble.

Replaced the inverter board, which resolved the issue.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!