How To Reset GE Dishwasher

If your GE dishwasher is having problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s broken and requires service. A variety of issues can affect its operation, and many can be fixed with a simple reset or reboot of the dishwasher’s control board. Instead of rushing to call a repair technician or GE for help when your dishwasher malfunctions, spend a little time troubleshooting and resetting the machine on your own. Resetting a GE dishwasher is fast and easy to do and won’t damage the appliance.

Here’s the best way to do it:

Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it or turn off the breaker.
Wait 60 seconds for residual electricity to drain out of the appliance.
Plug the dishwasher back in or flip the breaker on.
Turn the dishwasher on.
Run a test cycle to see if the problem is fixed.

There are several reasons why your GE dishwasher may need to be reset, here are a few:

The dishwasher cycle won’t advance.
Lights keep blinking.
The dishwasher malfunctions.
There are power interruptions.
The dishwasher fails to run altogether.
The control panel is unresponsive.

Resetting your GE dishwasher can help resolve a variety of problems and will erase error codes, but it won’t fix mechanical issues or repair broken parts. But it’s worth trying before you resort to more expensive repairs.

How To Reset A GE Dishwasher

Resetting a GE dishwasher is a quick and easy process that can help fix lots of minor software-related issues. All you have to do is power down the appliance by unplugging it or turning off the breaker > wait 1-2 minutes for residual energy to drain from the machine > then power the dishwasher on and run a test cycle. This process is called a power cycle and works on all GE dishwashers.

Depending on the model GE dishwasher you have and whether it has a control panel on the front or on the top of the door, there may be other ways to reset it.

You should be able to reset your GE dishwasher using one of the following methods:

A Power Cycle: Remove power from the appliance by unplugging it or flipping the breaker for 1-2 minutes, then restore power and run a test cycle.
Start/Reset Button: Begin by pressing the Start/Reset button.
Kickplate Reset: Try the kickplate reset button.
Service Mode: Access the service mode for certain models.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform a power cycle, it’s the best all around method and works on all GE model dishwashers:

1. Turn Off & Unplug The Dishwasher

Turn the dishwasher off and unplug it from the outlet, or flip the circuit breaker off.

If the dishwasher won’t turn off because the control panel is unresponsive, unplug it or flip the breaker while the dishwasher is still on.

2. Wait

Let the dishwasher sit unplugged for 1-2 minutes to allow residual electricity to rain from the appliance. During this time, the computer will reset itself. Leaving it unplugged for a longer time won’t cause any harm. Turning the breaker off is the best option if your dishwasher is hard-wired.

3. Restore Power

After 1-2 minutes, plug the dishwasher back into the outlet or flip the breaker on. Check the display panel for flashing lights or error codes. Give it 5-10 minutes, as it may be recomputing or running diagnostics.

If you see an error code, consult the user’s manual for further steps. If there are no signs of activity, turn the dishwasher on.

If an error code is displayed, look it up online or contact KitchenAid to find out what the issue is.
If there are no flashing lights or error codes, run a test cycle.

4. Run a Test Cycle

Press the “heat dry” and “normal” buttons to initiate a test cycle after plugging the dishwasher back in. Once all the lights on the display are illuminated, press “start” to run the cycle and ensure everything is working correctly.

For some dishwasher models, press the first 3 buttons on the left side in a 1-2-3 sequence and repeat it three times, then press “start” to trigger the test cycle. If any issues arise during the cycle, an error code will appear on the display, guiding you through further troubleshooting.

If the reset worked, your dishwasher should run normally.

How To Reset GE Dishwasher During A Cycle

If your dishwasher is malfunctioning during a cycle or you forgot to add soap or a dish, you’ll need to reset the cycle.

1. Press the Start/Reset button to cancel the cycle.

To reset your GE dishwasher mid-cycle, you need to press the Start/Reset button. How you do it depends on the type of dishwasher you have.

For front-control washers, press the Start/Reset button.
For top-control washers, carefully open up the top of the dishwasher door and press Start/Reset, then close the door.
Dishes and soap can be added at any point up until the main wash.

2. Wait 2 minutes while the water pumps out.

Wait about 2 minutes before opening the machine and adding dishes. During this time, you may see a blinking light that indicates the machine is resetting. Make sure the light has stopped blinking before starting another cycle.

3. Unlatch the door carefully and load any additional dishes.

Be careful when you unlatch the door because it could contain hot water or steam. Place dishes and/or soap in the dishwasher and start a new cycle by pressing the Start button again. Make sure the door is all the way closed until it latches tight and seals.

How To Use GE Dishwasher Kickplate Reset Button

Some GE dishwasher models have a reset button hidden behind the kickplate access panel. If your GE model has a kickplate, remove the access panel and look for two buttons in the bottom left corner. The first button is the reset button. Simply press it to reset the dishwasher.

I recommend disconnecting power to the dishwasher before removing the access panel. Electrical wiring is generally located behind the kickplate which could shock you.

Unthread screws on the kickplate to remove the access panel.
Behind the kickplate are two buttons in the bottom left corner.
Press and hold the first button to reset the dishwasher. Hold the button until the dishwasher turns off. You may hear whirring sounds while your GE dishwasher is resetting.
Attach the kickplate.
Run a test cycle.

Reset your dishwasher when it’s on but not during a wash cycle.

Safety First: Disconnect power before removing the access panel to avoid a potential shock.

How To Reset a GE Dishwasher with Service Mode

Most GE dishwashers have a service mode built in that can be activated to reset the dishwasher. Service mode is also where you can run diagnostic tests to find out what’s wrong with the dishwasher.

Your dishwasher’s service manual explains how to operate the dishwasher in service mode. It can usually be found behind an access panel near the water inlet valve or you can download it online by searching for your model dishwasher.

Activating your GE dishwasher’s service mode forces it to run a diagnostic test to identify issues with the appliance. When the test is complete, the dishwasher’s control board will flash a code to let you know what’s wrong.

Once you have the code, refer to the dishwasher’s paperwork to see what problem it corresponds with. Service mode is very helpful when troubleshooting issues with your GE dishwasher.

To put a GE dishwasher into service mode, do the following:

Turn on the dishwasher.
Press and hold the Select Cycle + Start buttons simultaneously for 5-10 seconds.
When the lock light turns on, release all buttons.
Press and hold the Select Cycle button for 5 seconds before releasing it.
Press and hold the Start button for 5 seconds before releasing it. If the start button flashes it indicates the dishwasher has entered service mode.
Wait 5-15 minutes for the dishwasher’s control board to light up and shut off.
Run a test cycle

This method to enter service mode works on most GE dishwasher, but not all. If it doesn’t work on your dishwasher, contact GE or look through your service manual to find out how to enter service mode. You can also contact GE for instructions.

Why is my GE Dishwasher not Working?

GE dishwashers are very reliable, but they can still suffer from a variety of problems. Usually, these are software-related and caused by its memory cache, a power failure or surge, or a faulty door latch.

Let’s take a look at the most common reasons why your dishwasher may not be working:

Overloaded Memory Cache: If your dishwasher stops mid-cycle, it may have an overloaded memory cache. Resetting or putting it in diagnostic mode can help clear its memory and get it working again.
Power Failure: After a power outage, the dishwasher might not resume its previous cycle but go into standby mode instead. A reset will reboot its software back to its original condition before the failure.
Faulty Door Latch: The dishwasher won’t start a cycle if the door latch isn’t engaged properly to prevent water leakage. A reset can help clear the error code, but you also need to inspect the latch to make sure it closes correctly.
Power Surge: Sudden electrical fluctuations.
Excessive Start Button Pressing: Overuse of start button.
Component Failure: Parts malfunction.
Aging Control Board: Wear and tear over time.

Assessing Seriousness:

No Issues/Error Codes: Unlikely to be a major problem.
Smooth Operation: Untroubled functionality.

Addressing these common issues can help get your GE dishwasher back to working order efficiently. However, a reset won’t fix hardware issues. If your error code corresponds to a part failure, you’ll need to both reset the appliance and fix or replace the part.

When to Reset Your GE Dishwasher?

Resetting your dishwasher is not required to keep it working properly. However, there are times when it may not be working correctly, e.g., not responding to button presses, stopping mid-cycle, inadequate drying, etc., and a reset may help. I usually perform a reset before resorting to more expensive repairs or opening the machine to inspect its hardware.

A reset is a great way to troubleshoot and diagnose problems with your appliance. After a reset, all error codes will be erased.

You can then run a test cycle to see if the error codes come back. If the same error codes come back multiple times, you know there’s an issue with the dishwasher, and the error codes are not being sent by mistake, which is fairly common with appliances.

A reset clears error codes.
It helps troubleshoot and diagnose problems with the dishwasher.
Can fix software-related problems.
Clears the memory cache.
Reboots system software.
A reset can be performed before more expensive repairs.

Before opening the dishwasher and inspecting its internal components, try a reset. Although it’s not a universal fix for all potential issues, it can address many memory and software-related problems, which can cause malfunctions.

Power Loss

If your GE dishwasher experienced a loss of power while it was on standby mode or running a wash cycle, you may need a reset. A sudden loss of power can cause the control board to malfunction or become unresponsive.

The most common cause of dishwasher electrical malfunctions are caused by either power loss or a power surge. In both cases, a reset can usually help fix the issue.

Dishwasher Won’t Start

If your dishwasher isn’t starting it can be a sign of several different problems. You could have a hardware issue, an electrical problem or a software glitch. Start by looking up the error code if your dishwasher gives you one. If the code is software or electrical in nature, reset the appliance.

If your dishwasher doesn’t give you an error code but is acting strangely, reset the appliance and then run a test wash to see if it starts.

Dishwasher Not Receiving Water

If your GE dishwasher turns on but isn’t receiving water, the pump motor, the inlet valve , or the control board could be the cause. Resetting the dishwasher can help troubleshoot, diagnose and fix the problem. If after a reset the dishwasher works normally, the issue was the control board.

However, if the problem persists, it’s probably the inlet valve or pump. In this case, open the kickplate and inspect the float switch and other components.

Dishwasher Stuck On A Cycle

If your dishwasher is stuck mid-cycle, there’s probably an issue with the control board. A reset typically fixes these sorts of issues.

When Should You Not Reset a GE Dishwasher

Before you reset your GE dishwasher, check a few common problems that can cause it to work improperly or not respond.

Is Control Lock “On”?

GE dishwasher’s have a “control lock” function that’s used to avoid unintended use of the dishwasher and unintended cycle or option changes during a cycle. The control lock light will stay on for a short time, indicating that it’s activated and all buttons are disabled.

Look for the lit light under the lock button. To disable it, hold the “lock” button for 4 seconds. This function is helpful, especially if you have kids.

If any buttons are pressed while “control lock” is on, the light will flash three times. But, the door can still be opened/closed while the controls are locked.

To turn off the control lock feature:

Press and hold the Lock Button for four seconds, the lock light will turn off.

If your dishwasher’s control panel buttons are unresponsive, check to make sure “control lock” isn’t turned on before resetting the appliance. A reset will turn off control lock, but it’s unnecessary.

Has Delay Wash been Selected?

GE dishwasher’s have a delay wash option that runs the dishwasher at a later time or during off-peak electrical hours. If delay wash has been selected, the dishwasher won’t run until the delay time is reached.

Delayed wash is useful when you have other water-intensive activities at home.

If your dishwasher won’t start, make sure it’s not set to delay wash.

To Turn Off the Delay Wash Feature:

Press CANCEL/DRAIN to cancel the delay.
Press START/RESUME to start the cycle.

Resetting the dishwasher will also reset delay wash. However, it’s unnecessary to get the appliance started. To run a wash cycle, simply turn off delay wash manually or wait for the selected time.

Is the Door Latched?

Make sure the door is completely closed and latched. If the dishwasher door isn’t closed all the way, sealed tight, and latched, the dishwasher won’t start. In this case, performing a reset won’t help. After the reset the door still won’t be closed all the way and won’t start.

Sometimes, an improperly placed bottom rack or utensil obstruction can prevent proper latching. Listen for a clicking sound when pressing the door shut. If the latch seems visibly broken, it may need replacement. Avoid forcing the door shut to prevent damage.

Here are some common reasons why your dishwasher door may not be properly closed:

A lower dish rack that’s installed backward can cause the door to not latch properly.
A broken latch.
An obstruction.

Here are some things you can do to fix the issue:

Make sure the lower dish rack is installed properly.
Check the latch to make sure it engages properly when the door is fully closed.
Look around the door frame for obstructions such as a door seal coming undone.

Once you troubleshoot and fix the issue, run a test cycle to make sure the door not only closes but also seals properly.

Power Surge or Outage? Reset Your GE Dishwasher

During a power surge or outage, resetting your GE dishwasher is often necessary. Instructions vary based on the dishwasher’s model and type. But the best method that works on all GE dishwashers is a power cycle. To do it, simply turn the dishwasher off and unplug it or flip off the breaker > wait 1-2 minutes for residual electricity to drain out of the machine > turn the appliance on and run a test cycle.

Here are step-by-step instructions:

Turn off the dishwasher if able.
Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the breaker.
Wait 1-2 minutes for power to drain from the appliance.
restore power to the machine.
Turn the dishwasher on and run a test cycle.

Some other ways to reset a GE dishwasher include:

Press Start/Reset: For some models, simply press this button and wait a bit. Dishwasher will reset.
Blinking Start/Reset: After power return, this button might blink. Press once to start the drain pump – clears remaining water. In a minute, it’s ready to use.
Resuming Cycles: If power cuts mid-cycle, many GE models resume from where they left off.

Keep in mind that these additional methods don’t work on all models. The best way to do it is a power cycle, but if one of these easier methods works, it’s worth a try.

Press The Start/Reset Button Twice to Reset A GE Dishwasher

If most of the buttons on your GE dishwasher are lit up but the dishwasher isn’t running, you may have accidentally pressed the Start/Reset button more than once. Depending on your model, when the the Start/Reset button is pressed once, a dishwasher cycle will start. However, if it’s pressed twice, the dishwasher will reset.

Pressing the Start/Reset button again will restart the cycle.

How To Fix Beeping or Blinking Lights

If your GE dishwasher is beeping and the lights are blinking, pressing the Start/Reset button to return the dishwasher to normal may help on some models. Beeping a blinking is often caused due to a power surge. The issue could also be caused by the door being open, in this case simply close the door.

If the problem isn’t the door and pressing the Start/Reset button doesn’t help, reset the entire dishwasher with a power cycle. A power cycle is the best way to reset a GE dishwasher and works on every model.

Press Start/Reset: If lights blink and beeping, press Start/Reset button. Simple fix.
Check Door: Improperly closed door may cause issue. Close correctly.
Disconnect Power: Turn off and unplug the dishwasher or turn off the breaker for 1-2 minutes, then restore power, turn the dishwasher on and run a test cycle.

Where is the GE Dishwasher Reset Button?

Some GE dishwasher models have a dedicated reset button located behind the kickplate. To access it, remove the kickplate. The reset button is located on the left side of the appliance.

Other buttons can be used to reset a GE dishwasher. For front-control washers, simply press the Start/Reset button. If it’s a top-control washer, open the top of the door, press Start/Reset, then close the door. You can add dishes until the main wash phase.

How do you do a Hard Reset on a GE Dishwasher?

To perform a hard reset on a GE dishwasher, perform a power cycle. A power cycle drains all electricity from the appliance which resets and reboots it’s control board, erases error codes, and remove bugs and glitches.

Here’s how to do it:

Turn Off: Start by turning the machine off if able.
Disconnect Power: Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet or turn off the circuit breaker.
Wait: Leave the dishwasher unplugged or powered off for about 1-2 minutes. This allows any residual electrical charges to dissipate from the machine.
Reconnect Power: Plug the dishwasher back in or turn on the circuit breaker.
Start Cycle: Start a regular wash cycle to check if the hard reset worked.

A hard reset can help clear minor glitches and restore normal operation. If the problem persists, consult the dishwasher’s manual or contact customer support for further assistance.

How do I Reset my GE Dishwasher Fast?

To Fast Reset Your GE Dishwasher, Quickly press the Start/Reset button to reset the dishwasher. This will quickly reset the dishwasher and allow you to start a new cycle. However, it’s not a full factory reset, won’t clear error codes and generally doesn’t help with glitches and bugs.

To more thoroughly reset a GE dishwasher, do the following: