It can be frustrating when you have a pile of dirty dishes to wash and your GE dishwasher wont start for whatever reason. Well, many factors could cause this issue especially when you are new to the appliance like you just bought it! This article has been compiled to help you fix the problem and also show you the common reasons why your GE dishwasher wont start.
If your GE dishwasher won’t work, but the display lights are on and when you press any button, it makes sounds, then it rules out the power source being the issue. Read on to know the exact reason why your appliance is not starting. These possible solutions here might get your dishwasher to work again without even getting the help of a professional for complex repair.
Try and follow through with the guidelines stated in this post from where the reset button is on the dishwasher, how to soft and hard reset the GE dishwasher, why the GE dishwasher is blinking and won’t start, and many more. Just ensure you scroll down to the end of this article to have the complete information on how to fix the GE dishwasher wont start.
Why GE dishwasher wont start and it’s just blinking?
Several reasons can make your GE dishwasher blink and not start. Some of the common causes are:
When the door of your dishwasher is not properly closed
Anytime, an alarm is going off in your GE dishwasher with lights flashing and it’s not starting up, it’s most probably because the door is not closed all the way through. However, other reasons could be because of errors that can be resolved with just a quick reset.
The dishwasher is wrongly connected to a functional electrical outlet
Ensure that the GE dishwasher is accurately plugged into a functioning electrical outlet. Verify that the power switch is turned on. Switches are usually located under the sink or on the wall close to the dishwasher. It’s also important to check your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box for any tripped breakers or blown fuses once your GE dishwasher wont start.
The Control Lock Feature is Enabled
Some dishwasher models with electronic controls have a child lock-out feature that prevents the dishwasher from getting accidentally turned on. Ensure that the lock feature is turned off according to the instructions stated in your owner’s manual. How the controls are locked varies with different model types.
Your dishwasher may be in Demo Mode
Your GE dishwasher wont start if it’s in Demo Mode. Always check before you power it on for usage.
The Delay Start option might be activated
Some latest models of dishwashers also come with a delay hours button that will allow you to begin the dishwasher now; however, it won’t start washing immediately until the set number of hours has elapsed.
You would have seen on the display the number of hours it will delay washing, for instance, 2H once the delayed start feature is enabled.
Faulty Touchpad
A faulty touchpad may be the reason why your GE dishwasher won’t work. Check all connections and ensure they are properly secured.
To be sure that the touchpad is not responsible, tap on different buttons on the screen and check to see if it responds or not. Once the buttons on your GE dishwasher don’t function as they should, then it may be because of a faulty touchpad. If the touchpad is broken, then you need to replace it immediately.
Faulty Water-Inlet Valve
GE dishwashers won’t work if the water-inlet unit is faulty. Ensure that you switch ON your water valve for a stable stream of water, and check out the hose between your sink and GE dishwasher. If it’s full of kinks or has any tears in its rubber lining, replace it.
If your GE dishwasher isn’t starting, it’s probably due to a defective water inlet valve. This valve opens and closes to allow water into the machine during different points of the wash cycle. We recommend that you contact an expert for assistance with this issue since we know how confusing those valves can be!
Defective Drive Motor
The drive motor is responsible for the water circulation that keeps everything inside nice and clean. The timer or the electronic control in conjunction with a start relay supplies power to operate the drive motor. If the dishwasher motor does not turn on after start relay activation, there is a potential issue with the drive motor.
You may also hear a loud hum coming from the GE dishwasher. If so, this might indicate a seized motor that would need to be replaced.
Why is my dishwasher beeping and not starting?
If you notice that your GE dishwasher just keeps beeping and it won’t start, then it could be one of the following reasons listed below:
Incorrect Use of the Appliance
In case you just bought your dishwasher and you are not yet familiar with the functionalities then you might encounter the GE dishwasher wont start issue especially when it just beeps, it is probably a sign of incorrect usage of the appliance. Read the owner’s manual attached thoroughly to get acquainted with the functionalities of your new GE dishwasher.
A Part needs a replacement
Most electronic appliances like the GE dishwashers are designed with electronic sensors, which may be responsible for the beeping sounds or display blinking lights to caution the appliance user that something is wrong and there’s a need for urgent attention.
The reason why the start or resume button on your GE dishwasher keeps flashing is that a cycle or start-up was disrupted. This can occur if the door was opened during the cycle or power was interrupted. To fix this, ensure to push the door tightly closed within 3 seconds of pressing the Start or Resume button.
Some latest models of the dishwasher have a reset button hidden behind the kickplate access panel. In case your GE dishwasher has a kickplate, unknot the screws to detach the access panel, and you may find two buttons located at the bottom left corner. Once you press the first button, then you have successfully reset your GE dishwasher.
How to reset a GE dishwasher that won’t start?
Are you searching for an easy way to fix your GE Dishwasher wont start issue? Then, the solution is here, you can reset the unit by following the steps below to reset your GE Dishwasher:
- Tap on the “Start/Reset” button to reset the dishwasher and wait for about 2 minutes.
- In case the problem persists, then you can reset (reboot) the dishwasher by switching off power to the unit at the house circuit breaker or fuse box for about 30 to 45 seconds.
- Turn on the power and the dishwasher should reset and function normally.
You have successfully reset your GE dishwasher that wont start.
How do I hard reset my GE dishwasher?
Hard resetting is different from just resetting just as it’s been explained above. To hard reset is a bit more complex than a soft reset. Follow the steps below to hard reset the GE dishwasher:
- Press the Start or Reset button during a cycle process.
- If you have a top-loading dishwasher, then it’s necessary to open the top, tap the button, and close it again.
- Wait for about 2 minutes for the dishwasher to pump out the water.
- Once the 2 minutes have elapsed, open the door and add a new set of dishes.
Now, you have successfully hard-reset your GE dishwasher.
Are you wondering how you can start your GE dishwasher without the start button? Well, it’s possible, you need to do is follow the simple steps below:
- Ensure the dishwasher door is securely fastened.
- Verify on your electrical box that there are no blown fuses, and reset if blown.
- Unlock the control panel by long-pressing on the “Heated Dry” button for about 3 seconds.
- Switch the water valve at the lower part of the sink on.
- Turn on the dishwasher wall switch, usually located close to the garbage disposal switch.
You have successfully powered on your GE dishwasher wont start.