Applies to: dishwasher.
How to fix C6
- Run the kitchen tap until it is hot before starting the dishwasher; set the water heater to 120 F.
- If the dishes are cold and wet at the end of a cycle, the element is not heating.
- Meter the heating element for continuity; replace it (or the high-limit thermostat) if open.
When to stop and call a repairer
Disconnect power before touching the element wiring.
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
- Run the kitchen tap next to the dishwasher until it is hot before you start, so cold water in the pipe is flushed out.manufacturer manual
- Avoid showers or the washing machine while the dishwasher fills, since they draw the same hot water.manufacturer manual
- Raising the water heater setting is GE's other suggestion. Check it is safe for your household first.manufacturer manual
Common mistakes
- Assuming a faulty heater when the household hot water is simply too cool.
- Starting a cycle straight after a shower.
Further reading
Questions
What does C6 mean on the GE Appliances dishwasher?
Water temperature too low after the extended heating period. The water never reached about 120 F. If your incoming hot water is cold when the cycle starts the heater may not catch up; otherwise the heating element or its thermostat has failed.
Can I fix C6 myself?
DIY difficulty: moderate. Run the kitchen tap until it is hot before starting the dishwasher; set the water heater to 120 F. If the dishes are cold and wet at the end of a cycle, the element is not heating.
How much does it cost to fix C6?
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 C6 typically show up?
GE Appliances dishwashers report C6 any. That timing is a useful clue when narrowing the cause.
Can I keep using the machine with C6 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 C6 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.