Applies to: dishwasher.
How to fix C2
- Start/Reset, wait two minutes, then switch the dishwasher off at the breaker for about 30 seconds and restore it (GE's own reset guidance).
- Clean the filter and sump and clear the drain hose; check the air gap if fitted.
- Listen for the drain pump at the start of a drain. If it is silent or only hums, check its plug and wiring.
- Replace the drain pump if it is dead or jammed.
When to stop and call a repairer
Disconnect power before reaching into the sump.
What it costs
| Parts | Part prices are not published by the manufacturer. Ask a parts supplier or service centre for a current price. |
|---|---|
| Service | Service prices vary by region and are not published by the manufacturer. Ask an authorised service agent for a quote before booking a visit. |
| Worth repairing? | Yes. |
How to check the error log
GE does not publish a consumer diagnostic-mode sequence for its dishwashers. Service-mode entry differs by model and lives in the technical service manual for your model number (printed on the tub or door edge). Button sequences circulating online are model-specific and often wrong, and service mode can run pumps, valves and heaters, so we do not list them. GE's own reset is: Start/Reset, wait two minutes, then switch off at the breaker for about 30 seconds.
Clear the log after a repair so you can tell whether the fault has really gone.
Beyond the fix
Tips and tricks
- GE says pressing RESET silences the beep for C2.manufacturer manual
- Remove and rinse the filters at the bottom of the tub. GE lists a clogged filter as the first thing to check for not draining.manufacturer manual
- Check that the drain hose under the sink is not kinked. GE advises using the corrugated hose supplied with a new unit rather than an old one.manufacturer manual
Common mistakes
- Treating the beep as the fault. Silencing it does not clear a slow drain.
- Reusing an old, worn drain hose when replacing the dishwasher.
Easily confused with
- C1 is the same problem caught earlier, at 2 minutes instead of 7.
Further reading
Questions
What does C2 mean on the GE Appliances dishwasher?
Total pump-out time exceeded 7 minutes (GE definition): the dishwasher is draining too slowly. GE defines C2 as the total pump-out time going over seven minutes, which means water is leaving far too slowly or not at all. A partly blocked filter or drain hose, a drain pump that is weak or jammed, or a blocked line.
Can I fix C2 myself?
DIY difficulty: moderate. Start/Reset, wait two minutes, then switch the dishwasher off at the breaker for about 30 seconds and restore it (GE's own reset guidance). Clean the filter and sump and clear the drain hose; check the air gap if fitted.
How much does it cost to fix C2?
Part prices are not published by the manufacturer. Ask a parts supplier or service centre for a current price. Service prices vary by region and are not published by the manufacturer. Ask an authorised service agent for a quote before booking a visit.
Is it worth repairing?
Yes.
When does C2 typically show up?
GE Appliances dishwashers report C2 any. That timing is a useful clue when narrowing the cause.
Can I keep using the machine with C2 showing?
Usually you can finish the drink you are making, but do not ignore it — the underlying fault rarely heals itself. Work through the cheap checks first.
Will C2 clear on its own?
Sometimes. Try the reset and cleaning steps first — they cost nothing and clear the milder cases. A code that returns within a day or two needs the parts fix.
How long does the repair take?
Thirty minutes to an hour if you are comfortable opening the case; budget an afternoon the first time.