GE Dishwasher Control Board LED Codes! (Must Know This)
Most modern machines, including your GE dishwasher, have different LED lights. These lights tell you the operation that the device is undergoing.
But these lights also tell you the problem your dishwasher may have while in diagnostics mode.
Since the signs underneath these lights do not correlate with the problem they signal, you will have to look through the diagnostics guide.
Doing this will help to decode what each light means and what it means when it flashes more than once.
The LED lights on your dishwasher can indicate a problem in communication, water temperature, or turbidity. Other times, the lights might flash several times at a go. You should know that the number of times the light flashes has a different meaning. It could signal a problem with the inlet valve, drain, or circulation pump.
This article will examine how to diagnose the different LED codes, why the LED lights are flashing, and what they mean. We will also consider how to tell if your control board is bad.
How Do I Read the GE Dishwasher Control Board LED Codes?
It is easy to read the GE dishwasher control board LED code, especially if you still have your owner’s manual.
This manual also includes a diagnostics guide with consumer and service error modes. This guide will help you decode why your LED lights are flashing. The LED that lights up after the diagnostics helps to narrow down the error.
The table below shows how to decode the consumer LED error codes.
| LED | Code Meaning | Likely Source of Error |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Glitch or lack of communication | Lack of communication between the user interface control board and the machine control board. |
| Heated Dry | Water temperature problems | Three out of five last cycles had wash temperatures below 120℉. |
| Wash Boost | Thermistor issues | Thermistor has a short or open circuit. |
| Clean | Turbidity Sensor issues | The turbidity sensor has a short or open circuit. |
| Lock | Diagnostic signal | This shows that the dishwasher is in diagnostic mode. |
These error codes may not go out by a simple reset or manual clearing. You have to solve the problem that the machine has detected to clear the error codes.
This means that you have to call for professional services. And until you do so, the error codes will persist. Turning your dishwasher into diagnostic mode varies from model to model.
Some models like GDF510PGD and others in the series require you to enter diagnostic mode through Error Code Display Mode.
To enter this mode, push and hold the Cycle Select and Start buttons for five seconds. You need to press both buttons at the same time.
After running the diagnosis, the control board enters the display mode, showing the error codes detected during the diagnosis.
The diagnostics mode will time out if you do not take action while in this mode for five minutes.
Other error codes may come up on the display screen. The service manual or guide also has a table that shows what each code means and how you can solve the problem.
You can always troubleshoot your dishwasher with the GE online guide if you do not have your manual.
Turning off the power to your GE dishwasher for about 30 seconds will help clear the error codes. If this does not solve the issue, call for professional services as soon as possible.
What Does the Blinking Light on a GE Dishwasher Mean?
The blinking lights on your GE dishwasher have a different meaning. The other LED lights highlighted above directly pinpoint faults.
However, the blinking lights run the tests while you decode the problem. The quickest way is to monitor how much time it takes to complete the test.
The diagnostic guide and the table below tell you the average time the test is supposed to take. Anything significantly more than or less than this time frame means there is a problem.
The number of times the lights blink at a time will tell you the type of test your dishwasher is running.
The table below shows summarizes this information.
| Number of Times LED Blinks | Test Being Run | Test Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drain Pump | The dishwasher tries to empty the tub automatically. |
| 2 | Water Valve | The dishwasher automatically fills the tub with water. |
| 3 | Circulation Pump | The dishwasher changes the spray arm. |
| 4 | Heater | The dishwasher turns on the heater and lets it run. |
| 5 | Detergent module | The dishwasher turns on the solenoid to dispense soap. |
The method of entering and exiting the diagnostic service mode on GE dishwashers varies from one model to the next.
Some of them, like the GE Triton and the PDW8900 series, require you to push simultaneously and hold the Cookware and Heated Dry buttons for three seconds. This is the entry method.
To exit the service mode in these models, you must push the Start/Reset buttons. The method of entry is different for other models like PDW9700 and PDW9900 series.
For three seconds, push and hold the Down arrow button and the Heated Dry button. The method of exiting is the same as the previous models.
Although, like with the diagnostics mode, this service mode will time out after about five minutes if you do not carry out any operations.
Why Is My GE Dishwasher Control Board Led Flashing?
There are several reasons why your GE dishwasher is blinking lights. Typically, a blinking light alerts you that the dishwasher needs attention.
The blinking lights on GE dishwashers may differ from model to model, so it is best to consult your owner’s guide.
You can always download another GE dishwasher owner’s manual if you do not want to have access to yours.
However, two problems are common to most models.
#1. Start or Reset Light
If this light blinks, the dishwasher has undergone a reset and is going off. The duration of this blinking varies from 75 to 90 seconds, depending on the model.
Your Start light can also flash if you interrupt the wash cycle or if the door is open while a cycle is running.
The first does not need you to fix it. The second requires you to close the door properly to stop the flashing lights.
#2. Power Surges
The power surge is another reason why your control board LED may be flashing lights. Resetting the dishwasher is the best way to fix this.
There are two ways to reset your GE dishwasher. The first requires you to press the Start/Reset button and wait for about 2 minutes.
On the other hand, the second method requires you to cut off the power supply to the dishwasher for at least 30 seconds.
When you restore power, the dishwasher will have reset and will function properly.
How Do I Tell If My GE Dishwasher Control Board Is Bad?
A faulty GE dishwasher control board gives many signs depending on the severity of the problem.
Sometimes, it could be that some buttons stop working or the dishwasher does not come on at all.
Resetting the dishwasher can solve some problems, or you might have to replace the entire board.
Sometimes, the reason why the lights on your dishwasher are not coming on is not because of a faulty control board.
The following are some reasons why the lights on your dishwasher are not coming on.
#1. Lack of Power Supply
Sometimes, the problem could be a faulty wall socket or your dishwasher is not well connected to the power supply.
Therefore, when you notice that none of the buttons on your dishwasher is working, you should first check that it is well plugged in and that the wall socket is still working.
You can check the wall socket with another appliance or voltage tester.
#2. Child Lock
Most GE dishwasher models have a child lock feature. The appliance will be unresponsive, and no lights will come on.
The lights may come on in some models, but none of the buttons will work. It is easy to deactivate this lock feature.
Push and hold the Dry or Dry Boost and the Steam buttons simultaneously for at least 3 seconds. Doing this will deactivate the child lock and can also activate it.
#3. Faulty Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse in your GE dishwasher will blow if it overheats. When this happens, your dishwasher will not come on at all.
This fuse is usually around the control board, and you can test it to ensure it is still functional. You can carry out this test using a multimeter.
The reading should be exactly or near zero if it is functional. Remind the appliance from the power supply before opening it to prevent electrical shocks or other hazards.
Conclusion
The LED lights on your GE dishwasher control board are essential during your regular wash cycle. They are even more so when the machine is in diagnostics or service mode.
When you properly decode them, you can know if your machine has a problem and how severe it is. You can fix these problems with the help of a technician.
