Applies to: dishwasher.
How to fix C5
- 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).
- Open the water supply valve under the sink fully and check the inlet screen is not clogged.
- Clean the filter and sump, and check the drain hose is not kinked.
- If C5 returns after a reset and a clean run, it needs a technician: the cause is in the pump or the level sensing, and GE has no consumer procedure.
When to stop and call a repairer
Disconnect power before working in 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? | Get a diagnosis first. |
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
- Make sure the water supply is turned on, then run the same cycle again.manufacturer manual
- Tap the float cover in the front left of the tub floor to free it.manufacturer manual
- If H2O or draining problems appear with it, the filter and drain checks from GE's not-draining page are worth doing.manufacturer manual
Common mistakes
- Replacing parts before checking that the supply valve is open.
Easily confused with
- C4 shares the float tap but means the tub filled twice after a power failure.
Further reading
Questions
What does C5 mean on the GE Appliances dishwasher?
Pump-out time too short (GE definition): the expected volume of water did not leave the tub. GE lists C5 as a pump-out that ended too quickly. The machine pumped and did not see the amount of water it expected to leave, which can come from too little water in the tub, air in the pump, or a level or pressure sensing fault. GE does not publish a specific repair for it beyond the standard reset.
Can I fix C5 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). Open the water supply valve under the sink fully and check the inlet screen is not clogged.
How much does it cost to fix C5?
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?
Get a diagnosis first.
C5 during startup or during use?
GE Appliances dishwashers report C5 any. That timing is a useful clue when narrowing the cause.
Can I keep using the machine with C5 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 C5 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.