GE Dishwasher Start Light Blinking (Orange Light—Fixed)

It is not uncommon for the start light of a GE dishwasher to blink either orange or white, but this can sometimes become a major headache for many users.

Did you know that with the blinking light, the dishwasher is actually trying to communicate with you?

It may sound funny, but it’s true!

When the GE dishwasher’s start light blinks orange or white, it usually indicates that the dishwasher is in the middle of a wash cycle or performing a self-reset.

But some other reasons exist too!

Well, this article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of what it means when the start light blinks on a GE dishwasher and the steps you need to take to get your dishwasher working again.

Here we go! Let’s dive into it.

Why GE Dishwasher Start Light Blinking

Usually, the start button flashes Orange but often you may notice the button is blinking white.

Both these indicate the same issue.

When the start light on a GE dishwasher blinks, it indicates that the dishwasher believes the door is not closed properly. This can be due to a faulty door latch or sensor.

Additionally, if you open the dishwasher door while it is in the middle of a cycle, the start light will also blink.

How to fix GE Dishwasher Start Light Blinking?

Step 1: Reset the Dishwasher

Before inspecting the door latch or any other parts, perform a cool reset.

As previously mentioned, you might have opened the dishwasher while it was in the mid-cycle or performing internal functions such as self-resetting.

Resetting is a pretty simple process. Here’s how:

• Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source.
• Wait for at least 5-10 minutes.
• After the time has passed, reconnect the dishwasher to the power source.

Now check if the problem has been resolved. If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Test the door latch

This step is particularly useful if the dishwasher continues to beep while blinking and won’t start, regardless of how many times you press the start button.

The door latch sends a signal to the control board when the door is closed to initiate the wash cycle. However, when it becomes defective and cannot send a signal, the control board believes that the door is still open, which is why it flashes and won’t start.

So what’s the solution?

First, test the latch with a multimeter for continuity. If it appears to be defective, replace it with a new one.

Door Latch is working but still the start button light flashing

If testing the door latch proves that it is working properly, the problem might be with the door gasket.

Here’s what the problem might be:

• Tightened Screws: During installation, technicians often tighten the screws too tightly, which causes the entire top assembly to be pulled upward.
• Misaligned Sensors: Due to the tightening of screws, the door sensor and another sensor that connects to the door become misaligned, preventing the dishwasher from starting.

To fix this issue, simply push down on the middle of the entire assembly (See the above picture) to realign the sensors. Alternatively, you can put some shims on the top to push and wedge the assembly down to realign the sensors.

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F.A.Q.s

Q: Is there a specific error code associated with the blinking Start Light in GE Dishwashers?

While a blinking Start Light itself is not directly linked to a specific error code in GE Dishwashers, it’s essential to observe any accompanying error codes or patterns of blinking lights.

These additional indicators can help diagnose the precise cause of the problem and aid in troubleshooting.

Q: How can I prevent the Start Light from blinking in my GE Dishwasher in the future?

Regular maintenance can help prevent the Start Light from blinking in your GE Dishwasher. Ensure the dishwasher’s door gasket is clean and intact to provide a proper seal.

Clean the dishwasher’s filters regularly and remove any debris from the spray arms. Avoid overloading the dishwasher and use appropriate detergents.

Q: What should I do if my GE dishwasher start button light continues to blink after troubleshooting?

In this case, it may be time to contact a professional repair service to diagnose and repair the issue.

Q: How do I know if this problem is due to a serious issue?

If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article and the issue persists, it’s time to seek assistance from a technician.

Q: Can a blinking start button light on a GE dishwasher be caused by a faulty sensor or switch?

Yes, a blinking start button light on a GE dishwasher can be caused by a faulty sensor or switch. If the troubleshooting steps I mentioned in this guide do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to have the sensor or switch replaced.