GE Dishwasher Beeps 3 Times/Won’t start (100% Fixes)

If your GE dishwasher beeps three times and does not start the cleaning cycle, it means the door latch is faulty!

Now, here are some things to consider:

  • Either the door latch is actually faulty.
  • Or something is preventing the door from snapping into place.

However, in this article, I will break it down in detail with a step-by-step process on exactly what you need to do to get it working again.

Let’s move on…

Understanding the issue

reasons why ge dishwasher beeps three times

Typically, when you start your dishwasher, you should hear a beep after closing the door and pressing the start button, indicating that the washing cycle has begun.

But, if you hear 3 beeps instead, it means that your dishwasher is having trouble detecting whether the door is securely closed.

The three-beep pattern is a common indication of a door latch switch problem, which prevents the dishwasher from running.

A failed door latch switch can cause the dishwasher to beep three times and prevent it from starting the washing cycle.

How To Fix 3 Beeps Issue On My GE Dishwasher?

  • Hard reset the dishwasher by turning off the breaker for 5 minutes.
  • Inspect the door latch switch for any signs of damage or failure.
  • If the switch is damaged, replace it with a new one.

 

Here are the detailed guidelines:

Step 1: Hard Reset the Dishwasher

resetting the ge dishwasher by turning off the circuit breaker

Before testing the door latch and switch, perform a hard reset.

Sometimes the dishwasher can experience internal software glitches which force it to behave in unexpected ways even though the door is closed properly.

Here’s how:

  • Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet or switch off the circuit breaker.
  • Then, leave the dishwasher off for at least 5 minutes.
  • After 5 minutes, plug it back in or turn on the circuit breaker.

Now, recheck to see if it solves the issue.

If it does not, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Test the door Latch Switch

testing ge dishwasher's door latch switch

There’s an easy way to check the door latch switch to determine whether it is faulty or defective.

You don’t need to disassemble it from the door and then check it with a multimeter.

Here’s how:

  • Hold the “Cycle Select” and “Start” pads simultaneously for 5 seconds.
  • Close the dishwasher door while still holding down the two pads.

Now, observe carefully!

If the control board detects that the door is closed, all the LEDs will remain solid for 10 seconds. However, if the control board detects that the door is open, the LEDs will blink for 10 seconds.

What happened in your case?

Did all the LEDs remain solid when you closed the door? If yes, the door latch switch is functioning correctly.

However, if the LED lights blink for 10 seconds, then the door latch switch is faulty.

Step 3: Inspect the Control Board

checking ge dishwasher's control board

If replacing the door latch switch does not resolve the issue, it is likely that the control board is faulty.

In this scenario, you will need to replace the entire control board to restore the dishwasher’s functionality.

WARNING: Be sure to purchase the correct control board for your dishwasher model. Using the wrong one can cause damage to your dishwasher or render it inoperable.

Here’s a video guide that can assist you in replacing the main board on your own.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Issues

Prevention is often the best solution.

Here are some maintenance tips to help you avoid similar problems in the future:

  • Regularly clean the dishwasher’s interior, including the filter, spray arms, and door gasket.
  • Check for debris and residue buildup around the door latch area and clean it as needed.
  • Use dishwasher-safe detergents and avoid overloading the dishwasher.

F.A.Q.s

Q: What does the door latch switch do in a dishwasher?

The door latch switch is a safety feature that ensures the dishwasher only operates when the door is securely closed.

It prevents the dishwasher from running if the door is open or not properly sealed.

Q: What should I look for when inspecting the door latch switch for damage?

When inspecting the door latch switch, check for visible signs of damage such as bent or broken parts, loose wires, or debris blocking the latch’s operation.

Also, ensure there is no dirt or residue buildup on the latch or door frame.

Q: What are some signs that my dishwasher’s control board may be failing?

Some common signs that your dishwasher’s control board may be failing include the dishwasher not starting, the lights not turning on, and the dishwasher not completing a cycle.

Additionally, you may notice error codes displayed on the control panel or strange noises coming from the dishwasher.

Q: My GE Dishwasher beeps three times and shows an error code. What does it mean?

The beeping sound accompanied by an error code indicates a specific problem with your GE Dishwasher.

Error codes can vary depending on the model, so refer to your dishwasher’s user manual for a list of error codes and their corresponding meanings.

This will help you identify the exact issue and take appropriate action.