GE Dishwasher no Power/Not Starting (Complete Fixes)

Electric appliances are prone to damage over time and dishwashers are no exception. Dishwashers can experience wear and tear from regular use, leading to issues such as not starting or no power.

In this article, I will delve into several possible factors that could lead to a GE Dishwasher not starting or having no power.

Understanding the issue first!

Both ‘No Power‘ and ‘Not Turning On‘ have distinct meanings and require different solutions. Therefore, it is crucial to determine which issue your dishwasher is experiencing before attempting to resolve the problem.

1. Dishwasher has no power

Carefully inspect the dishwasher and check if there is any sign of life like the power button illuminating, any display lights turning on, or error codes being displayed.

If you do not see any of these signs, it is likely that the dishwasher is not receiving power.

Several factors exist for this ‘no power’ issue on the GE dishwasher but the main reasons could be a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, a damaged control board, or a malfunctioning power cord.

Here’s a data table summarizing the key points:

2. Dishwasher not starting

This means that the dishwasher is receiving power and showing signs of life, such as lights turning on or beeping, but is failing to initiate a cleaning cycle or start the dishwasher.

However, a defective door latch, a malfunctioning control panel, or a clogged or faulty water drainage system or inlet valve could prevent your GE dishwasher from turning on.

Here’s a data table summarizing the key points.

How to troubleshoot GE Dishwasher’s No Power issue?

In short: To troubleshoot your GE Dishwasher that has no power, check the power source, and circuit breaker, and ensure that these are working correctly. If these steps do not resolve the issue, replace the main board.

Step 1: Do the basic check

Let’s start with checking the basic things first. I know, you already did so. But there may be something you don’t know about.

Here’s what you need to check first:

♦ Power source and cord: Sometimes, the power outlet or power strip that your dishwasher is plugged into can become damaged over time. If this happens, the dishwasher will not receive any power. Carefully inspect the power source and ensure that it is functioning properly. Additionally, ensure that the power cord is securely connected and not damaged in any way

♦ Circuit breaker: Check to see if the dishwasher’s circuit breaker has tripped. If it has, try resetting it by switching it off and on again. If it trips again immediately, there may be a wiring issue that requires the assistance of an electrician

♦ Fuse: If the dishwasher has a fuse, check if it is blown. If it is, replace it with a new one.

Step 2: Replace the control board

If all the basic things I mentioned for you to check are okay, then the main culprit may be the control board. It could have burned out due to a sudden power surge or have been damaged in some other way.

In this situation, you will need to replace the damaged control board with a new one. Here’s how:

• First, disconnect the dishwasher from the power source completely.
• Unscrew the kick panel and pull it off.
• After pulling the kick panel off, you will see some more screws and brackets holding the main board and power connectors in place. Unscrew and remove them one by one.
• You will now see the main control board. Disconnect all the powerboard connectors and remove the board from the dishwasher carefully.
• Take the circuit board out of the metal bracket and separate it by removing the quarter-inch grounding screw.
• Put the new circuit board in position on the metal bracket and lock it in place by pushing it until it clicks into the plastic tabs.
• Once done, reconnect all the wires and put the powerboard assembly back in the dishwasher, securing it with screws and brackets.

That’s it! The process will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete depending on your DIY skill. Once completed, plug the dishwasher back in and test it to make sure it is working correctly.

How to Troubleshoot a GE Dishwasher that isn’t starting?

In short: To fix a GE dishwasher that isn’t starting, check the power supply and door latch, make sure the child safety lock is disengaged, and reset the dishwasher by turning off the power for a few minutes.

Step 1: Inspect the door latch

In nearly 90% of cases, a faulty door latch is the main reason why a GE dishwasher may fail to start.

The door latch plays a crucial role in keeping the door securely shut to prevent leaks and alert the main board to start the wash cycle.

If the door doesn’t close properly, the switches won’t activate and the signal won’t reach the main board, preventing the dishwasher from starting.

• Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its circuit breaker.
• Locate the door latch assembly, which is typically located near the top of the dishwasher door.
• Inspect the latch for any signs of damage or old soap, or if any food gunk is stuck in the door latch.
• Test the door switch by pressing it with your finger while the door is closed. You should feel a slight resistance, indicating that the switch is working properly.

If the latch is not damaged but the dishwasher still won’t turn on, the problem may be with the door switch. In this case, replace it with a new one.

Step 2: Power reset the dishwasher

Sometimes the dishwasher can get stuck between cycles, which typically occurs when a wash cycle is interrupted.

This can cause the dishwasher to not turn on or respond to any commands.

The solution is simple: just reset the dishwasher. You can do this either by disconnecting the dishwasher from the power source and then reconnecting it or by pressing the “Start/Reset” button and waiting for a minimum of 2 minutes.

Step 3: Call a repairer

There is nothing but inspecting the door latch and resetting the dishwasher that you can do yourself to troubleshoot this issue.

But if these do not solve your problem, there may be issues with the timer, selector switch, motor start relay, thermal fuse, or drive motor.

Let me ask you a question: will you be able to check and replace those components yourself? I don’t think so! But yes, if you are a DIY expert with enough experience, you can do this yourself.

Warning: disassembling and replacing damaged parts is a bit complicated. Attempting to repair the dishwasher without proper knowledge and skills may cause further damage. That’s why it’s best to call an experienced repairer.

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F.A.Q.s

Q: Why won’t my dishwasher turn on, even though I have checked the power supply?

There are several reasons why your dishwasher might not start on, including a faulty door latch, a broken timer, or a malfunctioning motor start relay. You may need to call a repair professional to diagnose and fix the issue.

Q: Can a blown thermal fuse cause my GE dishwasher to lose power?

Yes, a blown thermal fuse can cause your dishwasher to lose power. This is because the thermal fuse acts as a safety mechanism to prevent the dishwasher from overheating.

If it blows, the dishwasher will stop working until the fuse is replaced.

Q: Can I fix my dishwasher myself if it’s not starting or has no power?

It depends on the cause of the problem. Some issues, such as a faulty door latch or a blown thermal fuse, can be fixed easily.

However, more complicated problems, such as a broken timer or a malfunctioning motor start relay, may require the services of a professional repair technician.