GE Dishwasher Error Codes
H2O, C1, dr, Blinking Lights — What They Mean & How We Fix Them
GE Profile, GE Cafe, GE Adora, and Monogram dishwashers share most fault codes. Many GE dishwashers don't display alphanumeric codes — instead they blink the start light a specific number of times. The meaning of each count depends on the model, so match it to your model number.
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Quick answer
GE Dishwasher Error Code Repair — Twin Cities — Quick Answer
What we fix in the Twin Cities
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How GE dishwashers report faults
Many GE dishwashers don't show alphanumeric codes; they blink the Start light a number of times, pause, and repeat. Count each set and write the pattern down before you reset. Because the meaning of each count depends on the model, we match it to GE's table for your model number and then test the part. The diagnostic-mode button sequence also varies by model, so check your owner's manual or call us.
Most common GE dishwasher error codes
H2O / FILL — The tub did not fill in the allowed time: supply off, inlet screen or valve clogged, or solenoid failed ($245–$345). See our GE H2O error page for the three checks. | C1 / C2 — Control communication between the console and the main board, often the ribbon in the door hinge ($285–$425). | Sd — Suds: wrong detergent (hand soap) or overdose; run a rinse-only cycle, no parts fault. | LK — Leak detected (float in base pan tripped): pump seal, tub gasket, or hose leak; stop and call. | dr — Drain time exceeded: clogged filter or drain pump ($245–$365). | CL — Control lock: see your manual for the release steps.
Almost every dr / drain code starts with a clogged filter — try it first
With power off, remove the lower rack, then twist and pull the filter assembly out of the sump. Rinse under hot water until it's clear and re-seat the filter. A clogged filter is the most common cause of dr. If dr returns after a filter clean, the drain pump impeller is jammed (often a glass shard from a broken dish) or the pump motor has failed — that's where we come in.
GE dishwasher repair in the Twin Cities
We service GE inlet valves, drain pumps, heating elements, diverter motors, turbidity sensors, door-hinge cables (the C1 fix), wash-motor assemblies, and the common Profile / Cafe / Adora main control boards. Flat $149 trip fee, credited toward the repair when you approve it. 1-year written parts-and-labor warranty.
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FAQ
Dishwasher repair in the Twin Cities: FAQs
What does H2O mean on a GE dishwasher?
H2O (sometimes shown as FILL) means the dishwasher couldn't fill in the allowed time. Confirm the supply shutoff under the sink is open, the inlet screen isn't clogged, and the float in the tub bottom moves freely. If supply is good, the inlet valve solenoid has failed — $245–$345. Our GE H2O error page walks through the checks.
What does C1 or C2 mean on a GE dishwasher?
C1 / C2 is a communication fault between the door console and the main board — often the flat ribbon cable that runs through the door hinge has fatigued. Repair $285–$425. We test the cable before swapping boards.
How do I read GE dishwasher blink codes?
On GE dishwashers without an alphanumeric display, fault codes show as a blink count on the Start light. Count the blinks in each set, pause, count the next set, and write the pattern down. The meaning of each count depends on the model, so match it to the table for your model number or call us with the pattern.
What does dr mean on a GE dishwasher?
dr is drain time exceeded. First check: with power off, lift the filter assembly from the bottom of the sump and rinse it clean — a clogged filter is the most common cause. If dr returns, the drain pump is jammed (often a glass shard) or the pump motor has failed. Repair $245–$365.
How much does GE dishwasher repair cost?
Most GE dishwasher repairs land $215–$465 all-in. Inlet valve $245–$345. Drain pump $245–$365. Heater $285–$425. Door-hinge cable (C1) $285–$425. Turbidity sensor $215–$285. Main control board (rare) $325–$465. The $149 trip fee is credited toward the repair when you approve it.
Why does my GE dishwasher just beep with all lights flashing?
That is usually a stored-fault signal. Count the Start-light blink pattern and write it down before you reset. If the same pattern returns next cycle, an underlying part has failed and needs a diagnosis.
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What will this cost?
Pricing & repair-cost pages
Trying to decide repair vs. replace? These pages break down real Twin Cities pricing by brand, model class, and failure mode.
Book dishwasher repair in the Twin Cities
Have your model and serial number handy. Call early and we can often get you a same-day window across the Twin Cities.
GE dishwasher fault messages: what they point to and what we check
GE words its fault messages differently from one series to the next, and many models only blink a light instead of showing text. This table groups them by what the dishwasher is reporting, so it still applies when your display reads a little differently.
| What the dishwasher reports | What it generally means | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Fill or water-supply message | The tub did not take on water in the time allowed | Supply valve under the sink, kinked supply line, inlet screen, float, inlet valve coil |
| Drain message | Water did not leave the tub in the time allowed | Sump filter, disposal knockout plug, drain hose and air gap, drain pump impeller and motor |
| Leak or overflow message | Water reached the base pan, or the tub level ran too high | Door gasket, hose clamps, pump seals, inlet valve that will not close, the base-pan float |
| Start light blinking in a pattern | A stored fault, reported by the number of blinks | Count the blinks, pause, count again; we match the count to the model's table and then test the part |
| Controls will not respond, lock indicator on | Control lock is on, or a button is stuck | Hold-to-unlock sequence in the manual, then the keypad and the console connection |
| Cycle stops mid-run with no message | A safety or thermal cutoff, or a door signal dropping out | Door latch and switch, heater circuit, wiring at the door hinge |
Most GE dishwasher repairs on our page land between $215 and $465 all-in. The $149 trip fee is credited toward the repair when you approve it.
Can I clear a GE dishwasher fault myself?
Yes, in many cases. Power-cycling a GE dishwasher clears a fault that was triggered by a one-time glitch, and it costs nothing to try. Turn off the breaker for the dishwasher circuit for a full minute, switch it back on, and run a short cycle. If the same message returns, the fault is real and needs a diagnosis.
Before you reset, do the checks that cause most calls. Pull the lower rack and rinse the sump filter. Look for a bit of broken glass or a label scrap in the bottom of the tub. Confirm the supply valve under the sink is fully open and the drain hose is not kinked behind the unit. Check that the door closes squarely and nothing, such as a long utensil, is holding the latch open.
Do not keep restarting a dishwasher that shows a leak or overflow message. Each restart can push more water into the base pan. Shut off the water at the supply valve and the power at the breaker, then call.
When is a GE dishwasher message a failed part rather than a clog?
A message is more likely a part when it comes back right after you cleared the obvious cause. A drain message that returns after the filter is clean and the hose is clear points at the drain pump. A fill message that persists with the supply open and the screen clean points at the inlet valve. A message that appears the moment you press Start, before any water moves, usually points at the control, the keypad or the wiring that runs through the door hinge.
That hinge wiring is worth knowing about. The door opens and closes thousands of times, and the cable carrying signals to the console flexes with it. Intermittent faults that come and go with the door position are often a worn connection there rather than a failed board, and we test the path before recommending a board.
Hard water plays a part in the Twin Cities. Mineral scale builds on the inlet screen, the float and the heating element over the years, and any of those can eventually register as a fault. Running a descaling cycle once or twice a year helps, and it is a safe thing to do yourself.
What happens on a GE dishwasher fault visit?
Central Minnesota Appliance Repair starts with the symptom and the model tag, found on the tub edge inside the door. We read any stored fault, run the dishwasher through its test sequence and measure the suspect part directly instead of replacing parts to see what changes. You get a written quote before anything is ordered, and approved repairs carry a one-year written parts-and-labor warranty. See our GE dishwasher repair page and the GE dishwasher repair cost guide for more.
More questions about GE dishwasher faults
Why is my GE dishwasher stuck on a fault after a power outage?
An outage mid-cycle can leave the control with a stored fault. Turn off the breaker for a minute, restore it and run a short cycle. If the message returns right away, a part is at fault and the unit needs a visit.
Can the wrong detergent cause a GE dishwasher error?
Yes. Hand-dish soap or too much detergent makes suds, and suds can trigger a fault or leave foam in the base pan. Run a rinse-only cycle, then switch to a dishwasher detergent in the right amount.
Is a GE dishwasher fault covered by my home warranty?
That depends on your plan. We give you a written quote and a clear description of the failure, which most warranty companies ask for. Ask your plan about its approval steps before the visit.
Where do I find the model number to read the right code table?
Open the door and look along the tub edge on the side or top. Photograph the tag so you have it when you call. See also all GE error codes.