GE dishwasher repair and error codes
RepairWell repairs GE and GE Profile dishwashers in Ottawa and Gatineau as an independent service, not authorized by GE Appliances. A dishwasher still under GE's warranty should go to GE Appliances Canada first. This page gives GE's own meanings for its dishwasher codes and the owner steps GE lists for each.
GE is plain about what its codes are for: its code article says the codes help GE's repair technicians diagnose the dishwasher, that some point to issues an owner can correct, and that most mean a technician is needed. The C-series codes on many GE models show both kinds. GE's fixes for C1, C5 and C6 point at the air gap, the disposer, the float and the water heater; for C7 and PrS there is nothing for an owner to do but reset and call. GE also says that disconnecting power to the dishwasher for a minute or two sometimes clears a code.
RepairWell is an independent repair service and is not affiliated with or authorized by GE.
GE dishwasher error codes
The codes are from GE Appliances' support articles on products.geappliances.com, chiefly its list of dishwasher error, fault and function codes, plus its articles on H2O, the 999 code and leak protection. GE says not all codes are found on all models, and the 999 code means different things on different models. Check the owner's manual for your model number; GE Appliances Canada's website links to appliance manuals.
Where GE's step is a reset, it usually means switching the dishwasher off at the circuit breaker for about 30 seconds, then turning it back on. If your code is not in the table, GE's general advice is a short power disconnect first, then service if the code does not clear.
| Code | What GE says it means | Checks GE lists for owners | When to book | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1H, 2H and so on | Not a fault: a number followed by H means the dishwasher is in Delay Start mode. | No action is needed unless you did not mean to set a delay. Your owner's manual shows how to cancel Delay Start on your model. | No booking needed. | GE Appliances |
| C1 | The pump-out during a drain has run longer than 2 minutes. |
| GE says to contact service if the problem persists; book if C1 returns with the air gap, hose and disposer clear. | GE Appliances |
| C2 | The total pump-out time has gone past 7 minutes. | Press Reset to stop the beeping. GE gives no other owner step for C2; the air gap, hose and disposer checks listed for C1 are a sensible place to start. | Book if C2 comes back. | GE Appliances |
| C3 | The dishwasher will not drain. | Switch off the dishwasher at the circuit breaker for about 30 seconds, then reset it. | GE says to contact service if the problem persists; book if C3 returns after the reset. | GE Appliances |
| C4 | The dishwasher filled twice after a power failure. GE lists a stuck or failed float switch, or a clogged drain or sump. |
| Book if C4 returns after the float is free and the sump is clear. | GE Appliances |
| C5 | The pump-out time is too short. | Make sure the water supply is turned on, then try the same cycle again. Tap the float cover in the front left corner of the tub floor to free the float. | Book if C5 returns with the water on and the float moving freely. | GE Appliances |
| C6 | The water temperature is too low. |
| Book if C6 continues with hot water at the tap and the water heater set correctly. | GE Appliances |
| C7 | The water temperature sensor circuit has stopped working. | Switch off the dishwasher at the circuit breaker for about 30 seconds, then reset it. | GE says to contact service if the problem persists; book if C7 returns after one reset. | GE Appliances |
| C8 | The detergent cup is blocked from opening fully. | Remove whatever is blocking it, such as cutlery or a pan. Close and latch the door and wait 30 seconds for the cup to open. GE's detergent cup article adds: keep pot handles and tall items away from the cup, wipe out old detergent residue, and line pods or tablets up so they do not bind the cover. | Book if the cup will not open with nothing in the way. | GE Appliances |
| FTD or F56 | Failure to drain: the dishwasher did not drain. | Check the drain hose, the air gap and the disposer, as GE's not-draining article describes. On models with Fine and Ultra Fine filters, remove and clean them, and clear any paper or large food from the sump at the back of the tub. | Book if the dishwasher still does not drain with the filters, hose, air gap and disposer clear. | GE Appliances |
| H2O | The dishwasher is getting too little water, or none. GE says the fill phase is on a timer, and low or no pressure means it cannot fill in time. | GE says the most likely cause is a water supply that is not fully on, particularly the first time the dishwasher is used, after plumbing work, or after the valve under the sink was turned off. Open the hot water valve under the sink nearest the dishwasher all the way, check the inlet hose is not kinked, and make sure the dishwasher is level. To clear the code, select another cycle option, then set your desired option again. GE's code list adds that if H2O appears only during a 1-Hour Wash, other cycles can be used until service. | Book if H2O continues with the valve fully on, adequate house pressure and a level dishwasher. | GE Appliances |
| LEAK DETECTED | On models with Floor Protect with Alert, a moisture sensor in the pan under the dishwasher has detected water. The wash cycle is cancelled and the remaining water is pumped out. | If the dishwasher is also beeping, GE says to disconnect its power until it can be repaired. We also suggest turning off the water supply to the dishwasher. GE lists no owner fix. | Book as soon as LEAK DETECTED appears; GE says service is needed. | GE Appliances |
| 999 | On models with Floor Protect with Alert, a possible leak, and the dishwasher will not start. On the models GE lists for its reset (GDT225, PDT145 and ZDT165 series), the control needs to be reset. | On the listed models, GE's reset is to press and hold Cycle Select and Start together for 5 seconds or until 999 goes away, then press any button. A blank display, another number, or a cycle time such as 130 is acceptable, and the dishwasher should then work normally. On Floor Protect with Alert models, GE says to contact service. | Book if 999 returns after GE's reset, or at once on a Floor Protect with Alert model. | GE Appliances |
| PrS | The pressure sensor is sending an invalid signal to the control. The cycle cannot start, or it will cancel. | GE says this is most likely a wiring harness or sensor issue and recommends service. There is no owner check. | Book when PrS appears. | GE Appliances |
| PF or Cup Open | PF: there has been a power failure to the dishwasher. Cup Open: the detergent cup has not been closed; a reminder to add detergent and latch the cup. | For PF, select the cycle and options and press Start; GE says the dishwasher will then work normally. For Cup Open, close the cup. GE says you can override the reminder by pressing Start again without opening the door. | Book if Cup Open keeps appearing with the cup latched, or PF appears without any power interruption. | GE Appliances |
A code tells you what the control board measured, not which part failed. Tell us the code when you book; it shortens the diagnosis. How to read any error code →
Symptom guides for GE dishwashers
Finding the model and serial number
GE's model and serial number locator lists three possible places on a dishwasher: the left front inside edge of the tub, the right front inside edge, or the right side edge of the door. Open the door and look along the edges of the opening. GE says its model numbers always begin and end with a letter, and newer labels may carry a QR code. The recall notices above are matched on both the model prefix and the serial prefix, so photograph the whole label.
What's specific to GE dishwashers
Fine and Ultra Fine filters. GE says most newer models have Fine and Ultra Fine filters that need cleaning, while older GE dishwashers and some current ones use self-cleaning filtration with no removable filter. GE suggests inspecting and cleaning them every other month, or sooner if wash results drop or dishes feel gritty. Remove the bottom rack, twist the Ultra Fine filter counterclockwise and lift it out. For the Fine filter, a mesh plate, twist the two retaining posts at the back of the tub floor counterclockwise. Wash both with warm soapy water and a sponge or soft brush; GE says scouring pads can damage them. Line up the arrow embossed in the Fine filter when you refit the Ultra Fine filter.
How much water is normal. GE says that on models without an Ultra Fine filter, 1 to 2 cups of clean water covering the bottom of the tub is normal. On models with one, water in the sump is normal, but it should not cover the tub floor. More than that is a draining problem worth checking.
Air gap, disposer and drain loop. GE points out that an air gap is part of the plumbing, not the dishwasher: the chrome cylinder on the back of the sink, which not every local code requires. Without one, the drain hose needs a high loop attached to the underside of the counter at the height in the dishwasher's installation instructions. GE says new dishwashers come with a white corrugated drain hose that should be used, that re-used old hoses may kink, and that drain cleaner should not be used in the dishwasher. It also warns never to put your hands into a garbage disposer. If the disposer was recently installed, its drain plug must have been removed. See dishwasher installation for new hookups.
Floor Protect. Some GE models have Floor Protect: a pan under the dishwasher catches small leaks of up to 19 oz (about 560 ml), which usually evaporate, and a larger leak tips the pan so water runs out the front where you can see it. Floor Protect with Alert adds a moisture sensor and the LEAK DETECTED message. Either way, GE says a leak from underneath needs service.
Detergent cups. GE has used three cup designs over the years: a sliding cover, a round cover with a handle, and a square flip-up cover. GE says it is normal for a flip-up cover to open only to about 45 degrees against the upper rack; that lets the lower spray arm direct water into the cup. Tall items, old residue or a badly placed pod can keep a cup shut and trigger C8.
Recalls and notices
Health Canada has published two recalls of GE-brand dishwashers. Both are older and cover specific model and serial ranges only.
- 27 October 2010: GE Profile and GE Monogram dishwashers sold from January 2004 to December 2006: GE Profile models beginning PDW9200J, PDW9280J, PDW9700J, PDW9800J or PDW9880J, and certain GE Monogram ZBD models, each with the serial prefixes listed in the notice. The notice says water condensation could drip onto the electronic control board and overheat a connector, posing a fire hazard. Recall notice.
- 9 August 2012: certain GE, GE Profile, Moffat and Beaumark plastic-tub dishwashers with front controls, sold from March 2006 to August 2009. Model numbers begin with 405, 407, GHD4, GHD5, GHD6, GLC4, GLD4, GLD5, GLD6, GNLD68, GSD61, GSD62, GSD65, GSD66, PDW7 or VLD42 (Moffat: MLD4 or MSD6), with the serial prefixes listed in the notice. The notice says an electrical failure in the heating element could pose a fire hazard. Recall notice.
Both notices told owners to stop using affected dishwashers and to contact Mabe, which then handled GE service in Canada, for a free repair; that is recall work, not something RepairWell does. Contact details in old notices may have changed. GE Appliances Canada's recall information page also lists a 16 May 2007 notice for GE and GE Profile built-in dishwashers, which we did not find in the Health Canada database; check GE's page for its details. We searched the Government of Canada Recalls and safety alerts database, including its open-data export current to 24 September 2026, on 25 September 2026. A recall is a formal safety action published by Health Canada. A service bulletin is a manufacturer's repair note for technicians, and a complaint is an owner's report; neither is a recall, and none of the above means a given dishwasher is faulty.
When to book
Book straight away for LEAK DETECTED, a 999 code on a Floor Protect with Alert model, or water on the floor; turn the dishwasher's power and water supply off until the visit. For drain codes (C1, C2, C3, FTD) try the air gap, hose, disposer and filter checks first. For H2O and C6, check the water valve and the water heater. Book if the code returns. C7 and PrS need a technician after one reset. Tell us the exact code and the model number. The diagnostic is $89 plus tax, waived when you go ahead with the repair, with a written finding and quote before any work.
GE dishwasher questions
What does C1 mean on a GE dishwasher?
GE says the pump-out during a drain has run longer than 2 minutes. Clean the air gap if you have one, straighten the drain hose and run the disposer. If C1 keeps returning, book a technician.
My GE dishwasher shows H2O. What should I do?
GE says the dishwasher is not getting enough water within its timed fill. Open the hot water valve under the sink all the way, check the hose is not kinked and that the dishwasher is level, then select another cycle option and back again to clear the code. If it continues, book service.
How do I clear the 999 code on a GE dishwasher?
On the models GE lists (GDT225, PDT145 and ZDT165 series), press and hold Cycle Select and Start together for 5 seconds, then press any button. On models with Floor Protect with Alert, 999 means a possible leak and GE says to contact service.
What does LEAK DETECTED mean on a GE dishwasher?
Your dishwasher has Floor Protect with Alert, and its moisture sensor has found water in the pan underneath. GE says the cycle cancels and pumps out, and service is needed. If it is beeping, disconnect the power until it is repaired.
Is it normal to have water in the bottom of a GE dishwasher?
Some, yes. GE says 1 to 2 cups of clean water on the tub floor is normal on models without an Ultra Fine filter, and water in the sump is normal on models with one. Water covering the floor on those models points to a drain problem.
Are you authorized by GE Appliances?
No. RepairWell is independent and not authorized by GE Appliances. Warranty and recall work goes through GE Appliances Canada.
Other brand guides for this appliance
Sources
- GE Appliances: Dishwasher - Error, Fault or Function Codes
- GE Appliances: Dishwasher - H20 in Display
- GE Appliances: Dishwasher - 999 Error Code Appears in Display
- GE Appliances: Dishwasher - Floor Protect / Leak Protection Feature
- GE Appliances: Dishwasher - Cleaning the Air Gap
- GE Appliances: Dishwasher - How to Clean Fine and Ultra Fine Filters
- GE Appliances: Dishwasher - Detergent Cup Did Not Open
- GE Appliances: Find your GE dishwasher model and serial numbers
- GE Appliances Canada: Homepage (links to appliance manuals and recall information)
- GE Appliances Canada: Recall information
- Government of Canada: Recalls and safety alerts (search and open data)
- Health Canada: GE Profile and GE Monogram dishwashers (27 October 2010)
- Health Canada: GE, Moffat and Beaumark brand dishwashers (9 August 2012)
Sources checked 2026-09-24.
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