4 Reasons Your GE Dishwasher is Not Starting & No Lights!

GE dishwashers are famous for their quality and durability. In addition, the dishwasher models offer the best range and help you save money simultaneously.

However, the dishwashers also have issues that can affect and prevent them from starting and lighting up. Therefore, you need to troubleshoot such problems immediately.

This article will help you know why your GE dishwasher is not starting and has no lights. Hence, it is best to read it thoroughly to the end.

Your GE dishwasher is not starting and lighting up because it has no power supply. Another reason is a faulty door latch or switches preventing the door from functioning. Also, the dishwasher could have this issue if the child lock feature is activated. Lastly, it could be due to other technical problems and malfunctions.

In this article, I will explain why a GE dishwasher is not starting and lighting up, how to fix the issue, and how to reset the dishwasher hard.

By the end, you will also understand how to know if your dishwasher control panel is bad.

Why is My GE Dishwasher Not Starting Up and Not Lighting Up?

Several reasons your GE dishwasher is not starting up and not lighting up. It is most likely a technical fault that you can fix on your own.

Here are the reasons outlined below.

#1. No Power Supply

The first place you should check if your dishwasher isn’t starting up and lighting up is the power source for the appliance.

The issue could result from a tripped circuit breaker, or the power switch isn’t on. Additionally, it could be an issue with the power cord.

If your dishwasher has a power cord, it could have come loose from the wall. Also, the wall outlet may not be functional even with power in the building.

All these factors can prevent your GE dishwasher from starting up and lighting up. However, if the issue isn’t from the power source, you must consider other issues.

#2. Dishwasher Door Latch or Switch Issues

When you shut your dishwasher’s door but don’t engage the door latch, a switch prevents it from starting unless you secure it properly.

It could also be due to a door latch or switch malfunction. For example, the door latch could be faulty, preventing the door switch from signaling the dishwasher to start up.

In addition, if the door switch is malfunctioning, it will be unable to send a signal to start the dishwasher even when the latch is working correctly.

Both components are essential for your GE dishwasher to begin proper function. Therefore, fixing them as soon as possible is best so you can start using the appliance.

#3. Water Supply Problem

Another reason your GE dishwasher may not be starting up is a water supply problem. It will only start if there is enough water inside it.

The issue may be because the water supply valve needs to be in its position or the water supply hose is torn or twisted.

Additionally, a faulty water inlet valve may cause the issue. This valve is responsible for allowing water to enter the dishwasher at the appropriate time during a cycle.

When the valve is faulty, it is unable to open or close. Therefore, it would affect the water level inside the dishwasher.

#4. Wrong Cycle Settings

Your dishwasher needs a specific cycle setting for it to start up. So, you must select the correct cycle for the appliance.

At the same time, the dishwasher may not start if you activate the child lock setting. Such features would prevent it from starting.

In addition, you may be unable to choose a cycle if the GE dishwasher display isn’t working. This issue may be due to moisture or a faulty control panel.

Why is My GE Dishwasher Not Lighting Up?

Apart from your dishwasher not lighting up because of power supply issues. There are other reasons why a dishwasher won’t light up.

The reasons for your GE dishwasher not lighting up are as follows:

#1. Activated Child Lock Feature

GE dishwashers have a child lock feature to prevent children from playing with the machine. It will protect them from reaching into it and getting broken fingers.

The dishwasher control panel won’t light up if the child lock feature is on. The machine will also be unresponsive while this feature is on.

#2. Defective Thermal Fuse

Your dishwasher won’t light up if its thermal fuse blows. The thermal fuse is responsible for protecting the machine from overheating.

The dishwasher control panel won’t have any light, but the machine may work efficiently. First, you will need to fix the thermal fuse so the control panel can light up.

#3. Faulty Main Control Board

The GE dishwasher won’t light up if it has a faulty main control board. The control panel is responsible for the proper functioning of the machine.

If it is faulty, it can affect the dishwasher’s entire operation. For example, you may experience issues with unresponsive buttons and the machine not starting up.

Although, it is uncommon for the dishwasher control board to develop issues. But fixing it as soon as possible is essential, so it doesn’t cause further problems.

How Do I Fix a GE Dishwasher That Isn’t Starting Up and Not Lighting Up?

You must first detect why your dishwasher is not starting up and lighting up before attempting to fix it.

Once you can identify what is causing the issue, you can follow the troubleshooting methods outlined below.

#1. Fixing Power Supply Issues

If your dishwasher power outlet is not working, you need to use a tester screwdriver to check and repair it.

It is vital to ensure the power outlet is on before assuming it is faulty, however, if the dishwasher is wired directly into the power connection.

You need to inspect the junction box on the right side of the machine or check the building’s main box.

First, you need to make sure to install the cables properly. Then, check the wires for disconnection or burn signs.

If the wires look burnt, turn off the breaker to remove them. Then, reconnect the cables for the dishwasher to work correctly.

Next, check for a tripped circuit breaker to ensure the breaker isn’t off. The circuit breaker supplying power to the dishwasher needs to be always on.

But, if the wiring has no issues, the thermal fuse may be blown. You need to replace it with a new one for the dishwasher to start up.

#2. Deactivate Child Lock

To deactivate your GE dishwasher’s child lock feature.

• Long press the lock pad for about three seconds.

• The machine may request your four-digit passcode.

• Enter the passcode.

• The dishwasher’s lock icon will flash twice, and the feature will turn off.

Alternatively, you can check the dishwasher user’s manual for steps to deactivate the child lock. Once the feature is off, the machine will start up and light up properly.

#3. Fixing the Door Latch or Switch

First, you need to ensure no dishes are disturbing the dishwasher door. Then, please make sure the racks inside are in their proper position.

Next, make sure the door isn’t having issues with closing correctly. To fix the door issue, you need to repair the hinge screws until it makes a clicking sound when the door closes.

You can use an Allen wrench to tighten or loosen the two screws on both sides of the hinges. First, you need to make sure they are equally tight.

Also, the screws need to have an equal number of turns for accurate alignment. So, you need to note the number of times you turn each screw.

Furthermore, it is essential to check your GE dishwasher door latch. The control panel will only get the start signal if the door latch works properly.

To check the dishwasher door latch:

• First, shut the door. 

• Then, check the door latch connection with the unit.

• You must replace the door latch if the door doesn’t close firmly.

• But if the door latch has no issue, you must check the door switch and ensure it works perfectly.

Use a multimeter to test the door switch and ensure continuity. If there is none, you would have to replace the door switch.

#4. Fixing Other Issues

If the dishwasher door and power source have no issue, you need to fix other possible problems preventing it from starting up and lighting up.

Here is a table to help you identify and fix the problems.

Dishwasher Problems	Solutions
Defective thermal fuse	Test it with a multimeter and replace it if there is no continuity.
Twisted water supply hose	Straighten the hose carefully.
Leaky water supply hose	Replace it with a new one.
Faulty water inlet valve	Replace the valve with a new one.
A faulty main control board	Replace the control board.

How Do I Hard Reset My GE Dishwasher?

Performing a hard reset should be your last option in any situation. It is best only hard to reset the dishwasher if the situation warrants it.

Here are the steps to hard reset your GE dishwasher.

• First, disconnect the machine to cut the power. You can unplug it from the power source or turn off the main fuse box; it depends on the connection.

• Leave the dishwasher for about 30 seconds.

• Then, turn it back on.

It is essential to note that while GE recommends leaving the dishwasher for 30 seconds, you may have to wait longer sometimes.

It is best to give the machine about 10 minutes before turning it back on. The dishwasher will reboot after this.

How Do I Know If My Dishwasher Control Panel is Bad?

The first sign of a bad dishwasher control panel is the panel not powering up. The buttons will not light up, and the system will be unresponsive.

The buttons will stop working, and you will be unable to operate the machine. Also, the dishwasher would not start up.

If your dishwasher control panel begins to show these signs, you can try unplugging and plugging in the machine again.

This action would reboot the system, and the panel will refresh its functionality. However, if this doesn’t work, you will need to replace the control board.

But you will have to test it by unplugging the dishwasher and detaching the motherboard. Then, plug the motherboard into a power source.

If it doesn’t respond, then you can replace the control panel. Once a control panel is faulty, the only solution is to replace it with a new one.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, your GE dishwasher isn’t starting up and lighting up because:

• It has no power supply.

• The door latch or switch is faulty.

• It has water supply issues.

• You activated the child lock feature.

These will help you know how to fix the issue. But, if none of these is the issue, then it could be the control board.