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GE Dishwasher lights flashing and will not start
Common reasons your GE Dishwasher lights flashing and will not start
The most common reasons your GE dishwasher lights are flashing and it will not start are a malfunctioning PCB (printed circuit board), damaged user interface control and a bad wire connector.
40% of the time it's the PCB
15% of the time it's the User Interface Board
8% of the time it's the Wire Connector
37% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a GE dishwasher
PCB Replacement
The PCB or electronic control board in your GE dishwasher detects signals from the user interface and door switch. A broken relay on the control board or corrupted circuit board logic could prevent the PCB from properly detecting the position of the door switch or from interpreting signals from the user interface control board. The PCB is difficult to diagnose and repair in many GE dishwashers. When your GE dishwasher lights are flashing and it will not start, schedule dishwasher repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician fix the problem.
User Interface Board Replacement
If your GE dishwasher has lights flashing and will not start a cycle, a damaged user interface control might be the culprit. This control connects to the electronic control board via a wire harness and sends signals to manage the dishwashing cycle. A faulty power key on the user interface control can hinder the dishwasher from powering up. Additionally, if a key on the user interface control gets stuck, it can halt the cycle, rendering the dishwasher inoperable until the damaged control is addressed. To resolve this issue, consider having a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect and replace the user interface control if necessary.
Wire Connector Replacement
A damaged wiring connector can interrupt the electrical current flow between the user interface or door switch and the electronic control board. When this happens, the electronic control board may sense that the dishwasher door is open when it is actually shut or that a button on the user interface is stuck. The control will flash the start button light if it senses the door is open and other lights on the control panel when a bad wiring connection is interrupting the user interface signals going to the PCB. When your GE dishwasher has lights flashing and will not start, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.
What to expect when you experience a GE dishwasher with lights flashing that will not start
Expert tips for resolving a problem with a GE dishwasher with flashing lights that will not start
Fixing a GE dishwasher with flashing lights that will not start often involves replacing the PCB, user interface control or a wiring connector. However, there may be other issues causing the lights to blink, so a full diagnosis is essential to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to fixing the problem right.
Our recommendations for fixing a GE dishwasher with flashing lights that will not start
When your GE dishwasher is flashing lights and will not start, 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 GE dishwasher that is flashing lights and will not start
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator 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 near me to fix a problem, schedule an appointment with Sears Home Services.
What Causes Lights to Blink and Prevents the Cycle from Starting on a GE Dishwasher?
Pressing the Start/Reset button during the cycle will cause the Start light to blink and the drain pump will run for a minute to a minute and a half. You can then start a new cycle.
If a power outage, the control will reset and when the GE dishwasher powers back up, the drain pump will run for a minute to a minute and a half and the Start light will blink. You can then start a new cycle and the dishwasher will run normally.
On some GE dishwasher models, the control will start a Normal wash cycle after the drain pump stops.
Here’s a video that illustrates these aspects of your GE dishwasher:
How Do I Reset a GE Dishwasher?
If the controls are unresponsive on your GE dishwasher and lights are blinking, a power surge or glitch through the electrical power lines supplying your home may have corrupted electronic control board operations.
To reset the GE dishwasher control board, unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher to completely disconnect power from the appliance for 2 minutes. Restore power and the control board will reboot and reset.
You may then be able to use the dishwasher normally.
If not, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to repair the GE dishwasher.
Flashing lights on a GE dishwasher often point to a stuck button or software glitch. Without a proper reset, you’re stuck in limbo and handwashing your plates. To regain full automation, call dishwasher maintenance near me. Once the error is cleared, your dishwasher can start regular cycles again.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Dishwasher Resources
Learn how to drain a GE dishwasher with our step-by-step guide. Keep your dishwasher running smoothly with our expert tips.
Find out why your dishwasher won’t turn on and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to fix the problem.
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.