GE Front Load Washer Not Starting

There are a few reasons why your GE front load washer may not be starting. To troubleshoot the problem, start by hard resetting the washer. Turn off your washing machine and unplug it, then wait at least two minutes before plugging it back in. If your model has a manual control knob, turn it to any setting other than final spin. Plug the unit back in and press the power button. It should turn on, and all error codes should be clear. This process is called a hard reset or a power cycle.

Resetting a GE Front Load washer will help with minor software-related issues and glitches, but it won’t fix a hardware problem. If your washer still won’t start or returns a code, check the following potential problems.

A GE washer might not start due to a range of issues:

Power Issues: Ensure the power cord is plugged in, is undamaged, and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
Control Lock: A control lock disables the control panel when activated. Press and hold the LOCK button for 3 seconds to deactivate.
Door Latch: For front loaders, the latch must engage for a cycle to start. Check for damage or malfunctions.
Cycle Selection: Verify the correct cycle is selected. Deactivate Delay Start by holding the START button if needed.
Error Codes: These alert to potential problems. Refer to your user manual for resolution.
Part Failures: Faulty thermal fuse, control board, or timer can hinder operation. If suspected, seek professional repair service.

Once you troubleshoot and fix any of the above issues, reset your washer again to clear out any remaining codes in the system.

Below I’ll go through each issue on the list in more detail.

1. Power

Experiencing issues with your GE washer not powering on or responding? Unresponsive control panel buttons could indicate power supply issues. Here’s a quick guide to troubleshooting:

Power Cord Inspection: Ensure it’s firmly connected to a functional outlet. Disconnections may happen due to clutter; consider laundry room organization tips for added storage solutions.
Avoid Extension Cords: They may not deliver the required voltage, leading to power surges and interruptions.
Circuit Breaker Examination: Inspect your home’s circuit breaker box for tripped breakers, resetting them if necessary.

After restoring power, a washer reset may be needed to resume the wash cycle. To do this, unplug the washer or switch off the circuit breaker, wait for 2 minutes, then reconnect the power and select your wash cycle.

2. Control Lock

The Control Lock feature safeguards against unintentional starts by locking all control panel buttons, with a lit lock icon on display indicating activation. Deactivate by pressing and holding the LOCK button for 3 seconds until the icon vanishes.

If your GE washer doesn’t start filling instantly, don’t worry. The washer incorporates a child safety feature that pauses the cycle and unlocks the door once the START button is pressed. This safety window lasts for 15 seconds before the door locks again and the wash cycle commences with water filling.

3. Washer Door Latch Not Engaged

The main distinction between front and top load washers lies in the front loader’s safety lock door. It must be completely shut, with the latch engaged, to start a wash cycle. Ensure no clothing hampers closure and always firmly push to secure the latch.

However, if your GE washer powers on but doesn’t start despite a properly closed door, a faulty door latch could be to blame. A malfunction, mechanical or electronic, could disrupt its signalling to initiate the wash cycle. If the latch exhibits visible damage or fails a continuity test with a multimeter, it necessitates replacement.

4. Washer Cycle Settings

Experiencing a GE washer that powers on but won’t start washing? Verify the control panel display for correct cycle selection and absence of error codes. The Delay Start function could postpone the cycle start to a later preselected time. To deactivate this, press and hold the START button for 3 seconds if the
Delay Start button is lit.

Incorrect Cycle Selection: If an unsuitable cycle is chosen for the type of load, the washer might refuse to start, assuming a potential risk to the laundry or the appliance itself.
Delay Start Feature: If this function is inadvertently activated, it postpones the wash cycle to a preset later time, creating the impression that the washer won’t start.
Error Codes: Sometimes, an error code related to a specific cycle may appear on the control panel. This could be the washer’s way of communicating an issue that is preventing it from
initiating the selected cycle.
Control Lock: Although not a cycle setting per se, this feature locks all control panel buttons, including those used to select and start cycles. If the Control Lock is activated, even by accident, it will prevent the washer from starting.

Error codes on the control panel can signal potential issues preventing your washer from starting. These alphanumeric codes alert you to functional disruptions. Consult your user manual to interpret these codes and rectify issues to resume washer operation.

5. Defective Parts

If your GE front load washer isn’t starting, potential part failures could be at play. These may necessitate professional repair service:

Thermal Fuse: Blows to prevent overheating, cutting power to shield other parts. Your GE washer won’t start unless the fuse is replaced. Investigate the overheating cause to avert repetition.
Control Board: A computerized module directing washer operations. Malfunctions can hinder the processing of electronic commands.
Timer: Collaborates with the control board to trigger washer functions timely. If faulty, the washer might fail to start, drain, or switch cycles correctly.
Power Cord: Connects the washer to the power source. If it’s loose, unplugged, or damaged, the washer won’t turn on.
Circuit Breaker: Protects your home’s electrical circuit. If it trips, it could cut off power to the washer.
Control Lock: A safety feature that locks all control panel buttons. If activated accidentally, it prevents the washer from starting.
Door Latch: Ensures the front loader’s door is completely shut for the wash cycle to initiate. A mechanical or electronic malfunction can prevent the washer from starting.
Control Panel: Displays the selected wash cycle and any error codes. If a wrong cycle is selected or an error code is displayed, the washer won’t start.
Delay Start Function: Delays the wash cycle start to a later, preselected time. If activated unintentionally, it can prevent immediate start of the washer.

Don’t let a non-starting GE front load washer cause laundry backlog.

How To Reset A GE Front Load Washer That Won’t Start

Resetting a GE front load washer is straightforward:

Power Off: Unplug the washer or switch off the circuit breaker.
Wait: Allow a pause of 2 minutes.
Power On: Reconnect power or switch the circuit breaker back on.
Select Cycle: Choose your desired wash cycle.

This process resets the washer, resolving minor glitches and enabling it to function correctly.

Summary: GE Front Load Washer Not Starting

A GE washer might not start due to a range of issues:

Power Issues: Ensure the power cord is plugged in, is undamaged, and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
Control Lock: A control lock disables the control panel when activated. Press and hold the LOCK button for 3 seconds to deactivate.
Door Latch: For front loaders, the latch must engage for a cycle to start. Check for damage or malfunctions.
Cycle Selection: Verify the correct cycle is selected. Deactivate Delay Start by holding the START button if needed.
Error Codes: These alert to potential problems. Refer to your user manual for resolution.
Part Failures: Faulty thermal fuse, control board, or timer can hinder operation. If suspected, seek professional repair service.

Once you troubleshoot and fix any of the above issues, reset your washer again to clear out any remaining codes in the system.

If you have any questions or comments about your GE Front Load Washer not starting, email any time.