How to Troubleshoot Your GE Washer - SimplySwider.com
Appliance Troubleshooting

Simply Swider’s Exhaustive GE Washer Troubleshooting Guide: 7 Problems and Solutions

Written by

Jason Carter

Simply Swider’s Exhaustive GE Washer Troubleshooting Guide: 7 Problems and Solutions

We’ve all experienced it:

A malfunctioning GE washer causes headaches and frustration. But don’t worry—you’re not alone in this struggle.

Akai Fowler, an appliance repairer from Houston, TX, shares his insights: “I’ve encountered numerous common GE washer problems, and with the right guidance, many of these issues can be resolved easily.”

In collaboration with Akai, I’ve compiled a list of the most frequent GE washer issues and their solutions.

So:

Keep reading and let us help you get your appliance back in working order.

7 Common GE Washer Problems and Solutions

GE Washer Troubleshooting

1. GE Washer Won’t Start

It’s a familiar scenario:

Your GE washer won’t start, and panic sets in. But rest assured, this is a common issue faced by many GE washer owners.

Akai Fowler, an appliance repairer from Houston, TX, explains: “I often see this problem after power surges. For example, during winter storms, I receive numerous calls about GE washers not starting up.”

One consumer shared their experience: “My washer showed no signs of life, no matter how many times I tried turning it on.”

That’s when they reached out to their trusted appliance technician, who guided them through the necessary troubleshooting steps.

So, let’s dive into the solutions that can help you get your washer up and running.

Insufficient Power Supply

Immediately:

Akai said, “Check the power supply because the washer might not be receiving enough power to function.”

And to confirm this, he gave a few quick tips:

  • Ensure your washer is connected directly to the power outlet without an adaptor or extension.
  • Test the outlet with a multimeter for electrical continuity.
  • Plug your GE washer into another outlet to ensure the problem does not stem from the device itself.
  • Check if the circuit breaker has tripped off and reset it. Also, consider replacing a blown fuse. 
  • Carefully inspect the electrical cord for any signs of damage, and repair it immediately if compromised.

Internal Hardware Defects

After trying these hacks:

Akai asserted, “If the washer is out dark, there is likely a problem with the control board.

“Sniff out the distinguishable smell of melting plastic and check the main control board for tiny scorch prints or corrosion, he said.

You see:

I detected this burning smell and confirmed that my washer’s control board was indeed faulty.

However, because this defect is frequently misdiagnosed, Akai encourages you to put your GE washer into the Field Service diagnostics mode. One of these error codes should pop up on your washer display panel: E57, E58, or E71.

Furthermore:

Akai provided a number of other likely hardware causes of this defect. These include:

  • Faulty drive motor
  • Defective lid switch or door lock latch
  • Malfunctioning timer
Lid lock washer replacement
Defective lid switch

If any of these parts lack electrical continuity and exhibit clear signs of damage, then you know exactly what you need to do. 

Replace it!

One more thing:

Akai believes your GE washer might have trouble starting the wash cycle after powering on because it needs a rest. So, unplug it and let it sit for a while.

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTSESTIMATED COST
Drive motor$150 – $450
Control board$130 – $300
Lid switch $20 – $70
Door lock latch$25 – $150
Timer$110 – $250

2. GE Washer Won’t Spin

Listen:

If your GE washer won’t spin, you’ve got a real problem on your hands. But it’s okay because I’ve got a selection of simple fixes to find your way around it.

Here’s the thing:

During a discussion with Akai, he suggested some procedural errors while doing your laundry that could cause this defect.

For example:

  • Overloading your washer
  • Using an unbalanced washer
  • Selecting the wrong cycle setting
  • Insufficient power reception

Now:

If your washer does not begin the spin cycle automatically, you can manually select the “drain and spin” cycle on the control panel.

Akai added: “Your GE washer might need internal repairs if it doesn’t start the spin cycle.”

Here are some faults he suspects:

  • Faulty lid switch or door lock latch
  • Worn-out motor carbon brushes
  • Damaged drive motor
  • Loose or broken drive belt
  • Clogged or faulty drain pump

Remember:

Put your GE washer in test mode to retrieve error codes for a more accurate diagnosis.

E46 – E48 error codes denote a drive motor failure, while E60 – E64 error codes refer to a problem with the door lock mechanism.

Finally:

The GE spare parts site is a great place to shop for genuine washer parts replacements. Be sure to call a qualified technician if technical repairs are not your thing. 

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTSESTIMATED COST
Carbon brushes$10 – $15
Lid switch $20 – $70
Door lock latch$25 – $150
Drive motor$150 – $450
Drive belt$25 – $70
Drain pump$30 – $150

3. GE Washer Is Making Loud Noises

Alas!

Your GE washer is making harsh noises. And while some users suggest you get your washer a record deal if there is a rhythm to the noise. 

Others actually have a range of handy troubleshooting suggestions.

You see:

Some affected users suggest you ensure your washer is not overloaded. According to Akai, “An unbalanced load is one of the leading reasons for loud rattling noises coming from your GE washer.” 

Good thing it’s an easy fix!

What’s more?

Akai also highlighted some other more technical causes of a noisy GE washer. Look out for these:

  • Defective suspension rods
  • Worn outer drum
  • Damaged tub bearings
  • Worn-out agitator dogs
  • Damaged drive motor
  • Stretched drive belt
  • Broken motor coupling
  • Clogged or damaged water inlet valve
  • Undetatched drum locks/ transit bolts

Akai added: “Ensure there are no objects stuck in the drain pump. If there is no clog, test and replace your drain pump because it could be defective.”

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTSESTIMATED COST
Drive motor$150 – $450
Drive belt$25 – $70
Tub bearing$20 – $80
Agitator dogs$5 – $20
Suspension rods$30 – $70
Motor coupling$5 – $30
Water inlet valve$30 – $100
Outer drum$250 – $1000

4. GE Washer Is Leaking

Listen:

If your GE washer leaks from the bottom, I know exactly what you need to do.

First, grab a mop and clean up the mess on the floor. You can temporarily stuff a cloth at the bottom of the washer to soak up the leaking water.

Then:

Go through these likely culprits Akai outlined.

  • Clogged or damaged drain pump
  • Clogged or damaged drain or fill hoses
  • Worn-out tub assembly
  • Damaged door gasket
  • Faulty water inlet valve
  • Malfunctioning pressure switch

Replace, unclog, or repair these parts where necessary, and you’ll be able to fix your washer in no time.

By the way:

You can access spare parts from your local appliance store or a credible online store like Amazon. All you need is your washer model number, and you’re good to go.

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTSESTIMATED COST
Drain pump$30 – $150
Drain hose$20 – $70
Door gasket$60 – $150
Tub seal$5 – $30
Outer tub$250 – $1000
Pressure switch$25 – $150
Water inlet valve$30 – $100

Troubleshooting Technical GE Washer Defects

5. GE Washer Won’t Fill with Water

Fact:

Once you start the wash cycle on your GE washer, the water inlet valve releases water till it adequately fills the tub.

And for many reasons, your washer might not fill with water.

However:

There are just as many tips to repair this issue. And when I asked Akai for his expertise, he left no stone unturned. 

Let’s dive in!

According to him: “Since the water inlet valve is the major component responsible for filling the washer with water, you’d want to get it checked first.”

As such:

If the inlet valve is clogged with debris or malfunctioning electrically, replace it.

With what I’ve learned from Akai, I do not advise unclogging your water inlet valve for fear of part failure after the unclogging procedure.

Now:

If the water inlet valve is clogged, the fill hoses are likely just as clogged or kinked

So, straighten the hose by repositioning your washer and clearing out lodged debris to improve the water supply.

With Akai’s endorsement, here are some other causes users have had to watch out for. 

  • Malfunctioning water level switch
  • Low water pressure (Ideally, it should fall within 20 to 120 PSI to sufficiently fill your washer)
  • Defective lid switch or door lock latch
  • Malfunctioning control panel

Test these parts for electrical functionality and replace them if faulty.

For the water pressure, you can test it with a water pressure gauge and increase the PSI using the appropriate pressure valve.

Remember to:

Contact GE customer service for any more troubleshooting assistance. You can also call a skilled electrician for electrical fixes to avoid harming yourself or your GE washer. 

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTSESTIMATED COST
Water inlet valve$30 – $100
Fill hoses$15 – $70
Water level switch$25 – $150
Lid switch $20 – $70
Door lock latch$25 – $150
Control panel$130 – $300

6. GE Washer Won’t Drain

Now:

If you’re wondering why your GE washer is not draining, you’ve come to the right place.

First things first:

Akai advised, “In line with GE recommendations, check for a kink or clog in your drain hose.

“If it is bent at an awkward angle, water exiting the tub would be unable to flow through,” he said.

As such:

Akai suggests you unclog it with an object or pass a high-pressure water stream through it to flush out the stuck debris. 

Furthermore, straighten the drain hose and ensure an appropriate connection between the hose and the pipe

But that’s not all:

Your GE washer could have issues draining for many other reasons. Here are some common ones Akai pointed out. 

  • Improperly installed or clogged drain hose
  • Defective drain pump
  • Lodged items in the drain pump 
  • Clogged drain pump filter
  • Faulty lid switch or door lock latch
  • Faulty control board
  • Excess suds
  • Overloaded washer

When all is said and done:

Your drainage system should return to optimal functionality. Note that, if these repairs are beyond you, scheduling a service appointment with a professional is the best bet.

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTSESTIMATED COST
Drain pump$30 – $150
Drain hose$20 – $70
Lid switch $20 – $70
Door lock latch$25 – $150

7. GE Washer Won’t Agitate

Is your top-load GE washer struggling to agitate? Well, let’s cut to the chase.

Akai emphasized the importance of these usage habits: 

  • Avoid overloading your washer because it could cause an imbalance that could affect agitation.
  • Distribute your wash load evenly around the agitator for a smooth process.
  • Place your GE washer on level ground. 

On a more complex level:

Akai theorizes that some hardware defects could affect your GE washer. And you know what this means; you might need to get your hands dirty.

If that sounds like hell to you:

Schedule an appointment with a GE-certified technician to make these fixes.

In any case, here are some technical causes of this defect:

  • Broken motor coupling
  • Overheated motor
  • Damaged drive belt
  • Faulty transmission assembly
  • Stuck items at the bottom of the transmission
  • Malfunctioning lid switch 
  • Defective timer
  • Clogged drainage system

So:

Replace the damaged parts and dislodge stuck debris to repair your GE washer’s drainage system.

Now get this:

GE Appliances have a warranty that covers all damage to your washer for up to a year of purchase. 

So, don’t be shy if you have used your washer for under a year. Ring up GE customer support and get your free replacements!

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTSESTIMATED COST
Lid switch$20 – $70
Drive belt$25 – $70
Motor coupling$5 – $30
Drive motor$150 – $450
Transmission assembly$120 – $200
Drain hose$20 – $70
Drain pump $30 – $150
Timer$110 – $250

Avoid Hazards with Simply Swider’s Practical Safety Tips

Now:

Before tackling your GE washer troubleshoots you cannot overlook certain safety precautions.

So, I have consulted a safety expert, Paxton Bryce, to provide up-to-date tips to keep you and others safe when making repairs.

In Paxton’s words: “It is necessary to recognize and prioritize safety when working on electrical and mechanical devices. Taking safety precautions protects and prepares us for uncalculated danger.”

Here are the safety tips he suggested:

  • Never forget to power off and disconnect your washer from the power source before troubleshooting your washer.
  • Wear protective apparel, including rubber gloves and safety glasses, to secure you against injuries.
  • Utilize the appropriate tools and equipment for each repair.
  • Cautiously follow the instructions outlined in the user manual.
  • Make sure to consult a professional for assistance when necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when things go wrong.
  • Keep children and pets away from the workspace.
  • Declutter the workspace to prevent accidents like tripping or falling. Ensure you keep it clean and organized.

What’s more?

Following these safety tips reduces the risk of further injury to your GE washer. And Paxton believes it would be counter-productive to ignore them.

Conclusion

I get it:

Your GE washer has developed issues you’ve never had to bother about before, and you’re considering throwing it out. 

But relax; troubleshooting your GE washer is a much more economical option

As I’ve previously mentioned:

Regardless of the problem affecting your washer, you can often solve it with a minor fix. These include a GE washer that…

  • Won’t start
  • Won’t spin
  • Is making loud noises
  • Is leaking
  • Won’t fill with water
  • Won’t drain
  • Or won’t agitate

While most troubleshooting procedures for these problems are pretty basic, some have a more complicated approach. 

As such, Akai suggests that you consult your GE washer user manual, contact GE Customer Support or hire a professional service technician. 

Whatever the case:

Sustaining the habit of regular servicing, maintenance, and cleaning of your GE washing machine will produce amazing results. 

Try these fixes!

And I’ll be looking forward to your feedback in the comment section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Fix GE Washer Problems Myself?

You can easily troubleshoot most GE washer problems, including fixing user errors, maintenance troubleshooting, and essential replacements. However, problems with a more technical background would require the help of an experienced technician.

How Can I Prevent GE Washer Problems?

If you follow all the usage guidelines for your GE washer correctly, you’re taking the first step to a problem-free washer. Regular maintenance and cleaning also make for a perfectly functioning GE washer.

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