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Appliance Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Guide: What to Do When Your GE Dishwasher Has No Power

Written by

Jason Carter

Troubleshooting Guide: What to Do When Your GE Dishwasher Has No Power

Look, I get it. You’ve loaded your GE dishwasher, pushed the buttons, and…nothing. Trust me, I’ve been there—on service calls, at customers’ homes, staring at the same perplexed faces. It’s frustrating, and I’ve seen that frustration countless times in my years as an appliance technician.

But here’s the deal:

With a decade in the field, I’ve zeroed in on some foolproof solutions to tackle the “GE Dishwasher No Power” issue. Don’t sweat it – you’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re in the right place to find answers.

So, ready to bring your GE dishwasher back to life? Let’s get started.

GE Dishwasher No Power

Why Is There No Power on Your GE Dishwasher?

In my years fixing appliances, I’ve pinpointed a few common culprits. Yes, the circuit breaker and power outlet are usual suspects, but let’s not overlook the door latch, door interlock switch, or heating element. More often than not, though, the main control board or user interface board is the real troublemaker.

Listen up:

Your dirty dishes aren’t going to clean themselves. And believe me, handwashing gets old, fast.

Good news:

I’ve tapped into the expertise of Damien Rivers, a licensed appliance technician from Louisville. He’ll offer additional insights to help us solve your power issue.

Discover 7 Common Causes and Handy Solutions

Commonly Affected PartsEstimated Cost
Door latch$15 – $30
Door interlock switch$8 – $25
Heating element$35 – $60
User interface board$80 – $120
Main control board$100 – $135

1. Tripped Circuit Breaker

GE Dishwasher Tripped Circuit Breaker

Problem:

Ever wondered why your GE dishwasher suddenly goes dark? A tripped circuit breaker could be the culprit.

Damien, a fellow technician, explains it this way: “After a power outage, your circuit breaker may trip, effectively cutting off the dishwasher’s access to electricity and leaving it unresponsive.”

Identification:

A real-life example? A Reddit user reported that his GE Profile Dishwasher PDT715SYNFS shut down following a local power outage.

Solution:

So what did they do? They turned the circuit breaker off and left it off for about an hour. After turning it back on, the dishwasher resumed normal operation.

In short:

If you find yourself in a similar situation, flip the circuit breaker off for a good few minutes. Then, cautiously turn it back on. This simple reset often solves the problem, getting your dishwasher up and running again.

2. Power Outlet Issues

GE Dishwasher Power Outlet Issues

Problem:

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the dishwasher but with the outlet, particularly if it’s a GFCI outlet. You may be wondering, “Jason, what makes GFCI outlets special?”

My colleague Damien has a succinct explanation: “GFCI outlets enhance safety, especially in wet spaces. They’re the unsung heroes that protect our appliances from unexpected water exposure.”

Identification:

So, how can you determine if it’s an outlet issue? It’s simple. For standard outlets, plug in another device. If it doesn’t power up, you’ve found your culprit.

I remember discussing this topic with members of our Facebook group. Many were quick to blame their trusty dishwashers, only to discover that their outlets were actually at fault.

Solution:

GFCI outlets can be a bit trickier to diagnose.

Here’s what to do:

Unplug your dishwasher first. Press the reset button on the GFCI outlet. Test the outlet with another device. If there’s still no power, it’s time to replace the outlet.

Reminder:

When dealing with electrical issues, always consult a professional. Your safety is well worth the investment.

3. Defective Door Latch

GE Dishwasher Door Latch
PartDoor latch
LocationIt is mounted at the top of the dishwasher’s door, close to its center
Ease of troubleshootingEasy
Cost$15 – $30
RepairableNo – once the door latch fails, it must be replaced

Problem:

One principle holds true in my line of work – if the door of your GE dishwasher isn’t securely closed, the machine won’t start.

Note:

The risk of a kitchen flood due to a malfunctioning door latch is real. I’ve witnessed such incidents, and they’re far from pleasant.

Identification:

I recall my colleague Damien recounting a story about a frustrated Reddit user who owned a GE GSD2000J01BB dishwasher.

Damien explained:

The dishwasher suddenly stopped midway through a cycle. Upon investigation, it was clear that the door latch was the issue. “Jason,” he said, “you’d be surprised how often people overlook the simple stuff.” After a quick adjustment to the latch, the dishwasher was back in action.

Solution:

If you find that your door latch is faulty, consider replacing it. Rest assured, it’s a straightforward process. Before you begin, make sure to unplug the appliance and turn off its power.

Then, proceed with the following steps:

  • Step 1: Open the dishwasher door and detach it from the cabinet by removing the screws.
  • Step 2: Carefully slide a small section of the dishwasher out, ensuring you don’t disconnect the water and drain lines.
  • Step 3: Take out the dish rack that obstructs the top part of the dishwasher.
  • Step 4: Locate the door latch at the top of the dishwasher.
  • Step 5: Remove the screws that secure the door latch in place.
  • Step 6: Disconnect the connector attached to the old door latch.
  • Step 7: Connect the wires to the new door latch.
  • Step 8: Secure the new door latch to the dishwasher using the mounting screws.

Finally:

Test the new door latch to ensure the door closes properly.

4. Defective Door Interlock Switch

PartDoor interlock switch
LocationIt can be found between the dishwasher’s inner and outer door, shielded by the door interlock switch
Ease of troubleshootingEasy
Cost$8 – $25
RepairableNo – once it fails, it must be replaced

Problem:

The door interlock switch in your dishwasher is a clever component designed to automatically cut off the power when you open the door.

However, this feature can be both a blessing and a curse:

A malfunctioning door interlock switch can disrupt the power supply even when the door is securely closed, preventing the dishwasher from operating.

Identification:

Last month, a member of our Facebook community reached out, reporting that her GE GDT695SSJ2SS dishwasher was completely unresponsive.

Damien, our in-house technician, tested the door interlock switch with a multimeter and found it to be faulty.

Therefore, I recommend:

Testing the door interlock switch for electrical continuity. After unplugging the dishwasher and turning off its water supply, follow these steps to isolate and test the switch:

  • Step 1: Open the dishwasher door.
  • Step 2: Remove the screws that secure the inner door to the outer door.
  • Step 3: Latch the inner door to the dishwasher.
  • Step 4: Locate the interlock switch on the outer door.
  • Step 5: Remove the tabs that secure the interlock switch cover.
  • Step 6: Carefully pry out the old switch and disconnect the wires from its terminals.
  • Step 7: Set your multimeter to the lowest ohms of resistance setting.
  • Step 8: Actuate the switch and test its terminals for continuity.

If the switch is functioning properly, the multimeter should measure zero ohms of resistance after actuating the switch. If this isn’t the case, the switch is electrically faulty and needs to be replaced.

Solution:

Fortunately, replacing a defective door interlock switch is straightforward. Simply:

  • Step 9: Connect the terminals to the new switch.
  • Step 10: Install the new switch in the outer door.

Afterward:

Reassemble your dishwasher and plug it back in.

5. Faulty Heating Element

Faulty Heating Element GE Dishwasher
PartHeating element
LocationIt can be found beneath the lower spray arm, inside the dishwasher
Ease of troubleshootingMedium
Cost$35 – $60
RepairableNo – once it becomes faulty, it must be replaced

Problem:

Most people understand that a faulty heating element will prevent dishwasher pods from dissolving during a wash cycle. What many don’t realize is that the same faulty heating element can actually cause your dishwasher to stop working entirely.

Surprising, isn’t it? But I’ve witnessed it myself.

Identification:

Recently, I came across a Reddit comment where a user with a GE DDT595SBL3TS model said their dishwasher’s heating element was the original issue. After replacing it, their dishwasher resumed normal function. Another user with a GE PDT825SSJ0SS model expressed a similar experience.

So what’s going on?

Damien once told me, “Jason, some GE models can detect when the heating element is leaking electricity and will shut down as a safety precaution.”

Here’s your next move:

Inspect your heating element for any signs of wear, like blisters or burn marks. If you find any, it’s time to replace it.

Solution:

Always unplug the dishwasher and turn off its water supply before attempting any repairs.

Here are the steps to replace the heating element:

  • Step 1: Place a towel under the dishwasher’s water line and detach the hose.
  • Step 2: Disconnect the dishwasher’s drain hose.
  • Step 3: Carefully pull the dishwasher out and lay it on its side.
  • Step 4: Unplug the wire connectors attached to the heating element.
  • Step 5: Unscrew the plastic nuts holding the heating element in place.
  • Step 6: Lift the dishwasher and partially slide it back into the cabinet.
  • Step 7: Open the dishwasher door and remove the lower dish rack.
  • Step 8: Detach the lower spray arm.
  • Step 9: Take out the mounting bracket securing the heating element.
  • Step 10: Remove the old heating element.
  • Step 11: Attach the new heating element and secure it with the mounting brackets.
  • Step 12: Reconnect the wire terminals to the new heating element and fasten it with the plastic nuts.

After completing these steps:

Reconnect the water line and drain hose, then secure the dishwasher back into its original position using the screws.

Once everything is properly connected, your dishwasher should be up and running again.

6. Defective User Interface Control Board

GE Dishwasher Replace the User Interface Control Board
PartUser interface control board
LocationIt is located inside the control panel, found on your dishwasher’s inner door
Ease of troubleshootingDifficult
Cost$87 – $120
RepairableNo – once the user interface board fails, it must be replaced

Problem:

Ever pondered the significance of those buttons on your dishwasher’s door? They’re crucial to your interaction with the machine, all thanks to the user interface control board. If those buttons aren’t responding, you’re facing more than just a minor annoyance – your GE dishwasher might not even turn on.

Identification:

Are the buttons unresponsive? Do you see dim or no lights on the controls? If so, the user interface control board could be the issue.

In one example, a Reddit user complained about their GE GDT695SMJ0ES model, stating, “All controls are dark, no lights. Nothing happens when you press buttons.”

Solution:

Here’s what to do:

Replacing the user interface control board isn’t a simple task. As my colleague Damien says, “Jason, this is where we earn our money.” But with careful attention and the right steps, you can handle it.

Unplug the dishwasher and turn off the water supply.

Follow the step-by-step procedure below:

  • Step 1: Unscrew the dishwasher from the countertop.
  • Step 2: Place a towel under the water line and drain hose.
  • Step 3: Disconnect the water line and drain hose.
  • Step 4: Gently pull out the dishwasher and tilt it back so it rests inside the cabinet.
  • Step 5: Remove the kick panel at the base of the dishwasher.
  • Step 6: Disconnect the wire harness from the main control board and unhook it from the tub.
  • Step 7: Unscrew the bottom of the dishwasher door.
  • Step 8: Lift the dishwasher and slide it back into the cabinet to prevent it from tipping forward.
  • Step 9: Open the dishwasher door until you can see the holes near the bottom.
  • Step 10: Insert a 5/32 allen wrench into the hole on each side of the door.
  • Step 11: Detach the dishwasher door and place it on a worktable.
  • Step 12: Remove the silverware basket and the vent.
  • Step 13: Unscrew the inner and outer doors.
  • Step 14: Detach the control panel from the inner door.
  • Step 15: Unplug and unscrew the user interface board from its mounting.
  • Step 16: Remove the old user interface control board and install the new one.
  • Step 17: Reattach the control panel to the inner door.
  • Step 18: Connect the inner and outer doors and secure them with screws.
  • Step 19: Reinstall the silverware basket and the vent.
  • Step 20: Replace the door and remove the allen wrenches.
  • Step 21: Screw the door back in place.
  • Step 22: Reconnect the wire harness to the main control board and reinstall the kick panel.

After completing these steps, plug in the dishwasher. Your appliance should now be fully operational!

7. Faulty Main Control Board

Ge dishwasher control board problem
PartMain control board
LocationIt can be located inside the support panel, found at the base of the dishwasher
Ease of troubleshootingMedium
Cost$100 – $135
RepairableNo – once it fails, it must be replaced

Problem:

If your dishwasher still shows no signs of life even after you’ve replaced the user interface board, don’t worry.

This likely means that you also need to replace the main control board.

To elaborate, Damien says: “I often recommend to my clients that they replace both the user interface board and the main control board when their GE dishwashers start malfunctioning. In my experience, these two boards often fail simultaneously.”

Identification and Solution:

Damien found a post from a Reddit user who reported that his GE GDT655SSJSS dishwasher wouldn’t power on.

The user was able to restore his dishwasher to working order only after replacing both the main control board and the user interface control board.

Good news:

Replacing the main control board is generally simpler than replacing the user interface control board.

After unplugging the dishwasher and turning off its water supply, you can proceed with the following steps:

  • Step 1: Remove the lower access panel.
  • Step 2: Unscrew the control board support panel.
  • Step 3: Disconnect the door wire connector.
  • Step 4: Remove the junction box cover.
  • Step 5: Lower the control board support panel.
  • Step 6: Note the wiring connections to the main control board before disconnecting them.
  • Step 7: Remove the grounding screws securing the main control board.
  • Step 8: Squeeze the mounting pins to remove the old board from the support panel.
  • Step 9: Install the new control board onto the support panel.
  • Step 10: Reconnect the wires to the new control board and reposition the support panel.
  • Step 11: Secure the support panel with its mounting screws.
  • Step 12: Replace the junction box cover and lower access panel.

After completion:

Plug the dishwasher back in and watch as it springs back to life.

17 GE Dishwasher Models Commonly Affected

The following GE dishwasher models have been known to experience power failure and become unresponsive more frequently than others:

Model NumberModel NameModel-specific Reason
PDP755SYRFSGE 24 Inch Fully Integrated Smart DIshwasher (Profile)Faulty user interface control board and main control board
DDT595SSJSSGE 24 Inch Top Control Dishwasher (Adora Series)Faulty main control board
GDT695SSJSSGE 24 Inches Tall Tub Built-In DishwasherFaulty user interface control board and heating element
GDF570SSFSSGE 24 Inch Stainless Steel DishwasherFaulty main control board
GDT655SSJSSGE 24 Inches Tall Tub Built-In DishwasherFaulty user interface and main control board
GHDA480N10BBGE Quiet Power 3Faulty main control board and door latch
CDT835SSJSSGE Cafe 24 Inch Stainless Steel DishwasherDefective door latch and heating element
GDT655SMJESGE Fully Integrated DishwasherFaulty main control board and heating element
GLD6700NBBGE Tall Tub Built-In DishwasherFaulty heating element
GDF610PMJESGE Dishwasher With Front ControlsFaulty main control board
GDT545PSJSSGE Dishwasher With Hidden ControlsDefective main control board and user interface control board
GDF620HMJESGE Hyrbid Stainless Steel Interior Dishwasher With Front ControlsFaulty door latch and main control board
GDF620HGJBBGE Hyrbid Stainless Steel Interior Dishwasher With Front ControlsFaulty user interface control board
GDT695SMJESGE Stainless Steel Interior Dishwasher With Hidden ControlsFaulty main control board
GDT695SGJBBGE Stainless Steel Interior Dishwasher With Hidden ControlsConstantly trips circuit breaker
GDF520PGJBBGE Dishwasher With Front PanelDefective main control board
GSD6200KBBGE Triton XL DishwasherDefective heating element

Summing It Up…

If your GE dishwasher quits and becomes unresponsive, you’ve either got power issues to resolve or a defective component to replace.

This could range from a tripped circuit breaker to a faulty heating element or main control board.

Regardless:

With this guide, you should have no problem diagnosing and troubleshooting your dishwasher’s power failure.

All the same:

If you need clarification concerning the troubleshooting steps described in this post, you can reach us using our “Ask the Expert” feature.

Finally:

We’d love to know how your troubleshooting journey went. Let us know which remedy did the trick in the comment section below!

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