GE dishwasher error codes
What each code means, which ones GE actually documents, and which meanings are only owner-reported. Every code links to its own fix-first page.
Codes GE documents
GE publishes a code table on its support site (see sources below). It says not all codes appear on all models. These are the definitions it gives:
| Code | What GE says | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
C1 | Pump-out went on for more than 2 minutes during a drain. | How to fix C1 |
C2 | Total pump-out time went over 7 minutes. | How to fix C2 |
C3 | The dishwasher will not drain. | How to fix C3 |
C4 | It filled twice after a power failure, the float switch is stuck, or the drain or sump is clogged. | How to fix C4 |
C5 | Pump-out was too short. | How to fix C5 |
C6 | Water temperature stayed below about 120 °F (49 °C). | How to fix C6 |
C7 | The water temperature sensor circuit gave a bad signal. | How to fix C7 |
C8 | The detergent cup could not open. | How to fix C8 |
PF | There was a power failure during the cycle. | How to fix PF |
FTD | Failure to drain (also shown as F56 on some models). | How to fix FTD |
H2O | Low water: not enough water entered the tub. | How to fix H2O |
Codes GE does not document
- CFE: not in GE’s public table. A service-manual citation for CDT-series (2020 plastic-tub) models says Continuous Fill Error. Treat it as a fill problem first.
- 888: not in GE’s public table. Owners and repair forums link it to the control board. Confirm the diagnosis before buying a board.
- E1: GE shows LEAK DETECTED on many models; “E1” is an owner-reported label for the same leak fault.
Resetting a GE dishwasher
GE’s steps: press Start/Reset, wait two minutes, then switch the dishwasher off at the breaker for about 30 seconds and restore power. That involves your home’s mains supply, so keep hands out of the machine while power is on. Many drain and fill codes clear with this reset and the cleaning steps on each code’s page.
Diagnostic mode
GE does not publish a consumer diagnostic-mode sequence. Service-mode entry differs by model and is in the technical service manual for your model number. Sequences posted online are model-specific, and service mode can run pumps, valves and heaters, so we leave them out.
Beyond the fix
Tips and tricks
- GE's reset for blinking lights, beeping or power surges is Start/Reset, wait 2 minutes, then breaker off for 30 seconds.manufacturer manual
- Many drain codes start with the air gap, disposer and filter. GE lists those first.manufacturer manual
- GE says a supply valve not fully on is a likely cause of H2O.manufacturer manual
- A walkthrough of the GE table repeats the same owner-safe steps for each code.owner video
Common mistakes
- Treating every code as a failed part when GE's own first steps are checks.
- Using drain cleaner in the tub.
Easily confused with
- 1H means Delay Start, not a fault, in GE's table.
Further reading
Questions
What does CFE mean on a GE dishwasher?
GE does not list CFE in its public code table. A parts site citing the GE service manual for the 2020 plastic-tub series (CDT-prefix models) defines it as Continuous Fill Error, meaning the tub kept filling. Other sites call it a communication fault; we could not confirm that against a GE document, so check the fill first.
How do I reset a GE dishwasher?
GE’s own guidance: press Start/Reset, wait two minutes, then switch the dishwasher off at the breaker for about 30 seconds and restore power. A separate 999 reset (hold Cycle Select and Start for about five seconds) is documented only for a few models.
How do I enter diagnostic mode on a GE dishwasher?
GE does not publish a consumer sequence. Entry differs by model and is in the technical service manual for your model number. Button sequences found on forums are model-specific, often wrong, and service mode can run pumps, valves and heaters, so we do not list them.
Do all GE dishwashers show all of these codes?
No. GE says not every code appears on every model. Check the model number on the tub or door edge if a code does not match your machine.
Sources
GE Appliances support: error, fault or function codes; blinking lights or beeping; 999 error. CFE: MyPros+, citing a GE service manual (medium confidence). CodeFix is independent and not affiliated with GE.