Comprehensive Guide: How to Reset a GE Dishwasher (2025)

Dishwashers are a modern convenience that makes cleaning up after meals a breeze. However, even the most reliableappliancescan run into issues from time to time. If your trustyGE dishwasherisn’t working as it should,resettingit may be the simple solution you need.

Aresetallows your dishwasher to reboot its systems and clear any errors or glitches that could be causing problems. This guide covers all theresetmethods forGE dishwashers, as well as tips for diagnosing and resolving common dishwasher problems.

Whether you just need to clear a minor error code, or your dishwasher requires more in-depth repair, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the whole process.

BasicResetMethods

ResettingyourGE dishwashercan resolve many common issues and get yourapplianceback in working order. Here are some basic methods you can try:

Using the Start/Reset Button

For mostGE dishwashers, you canresetthe dishwasher by simply pressing the Start/Reset buttonon thecontrol panel.

1. Locate the Start/Reset button on your dishwasher’s control panel.
2. Press and hold the Start/Reset button for 3-5 seconds.
3. The lights may blink to indicate the dishwasher is resetting. Wait 1-2 minutes.
4. Once the lights stop blinking, the reset is complete! You can now restart the dishwasher cycle.

Note: If thecontrol panelisn’t responding, theControl Lockmay be on. Press and hold theControl Lockbutton for 3-5 seconds to disable this feature beforeresetting.

Unplugging the Dishwasher

As simple as it may sound, unplugging your dishwasher resets the machine. But handling electricalappliancescan be tricky. Here’s how to safely do it:

1. First, locate that power cord coming out of your dishwasher and follow it to the wall outlet. Gently pull the plug out of the power source (socket) – don’t yank it.
2. Now, just leave your dishwasher unplugged for a little break – somewhere between 30 seconds and 5 minutes. This gives it a chance to get rid of any lingering electricity inside.
3. Once you’ve counted to 30 (or 300!), plug the cord back into the wall outlet.

Your dishwasher should now beresetand ready to start a newcycle!

AdvancedResetMethods

If basicresetmethods don’t solve yourGE dishwasherissues, you might need to try some advancedresettechniques. Here are a few options:

ResettingDuring aCycle

Sometimes, you may need toresetyour dishwasher while it’s running acycle.

1. Press the Start/Reset or Cancel button to cancel the current cycle.
2. Wait for 1-2 minutes as the dishwasher drains out the water. You may see the lights blinking during this process.
3. Once the blinking stops, carefully open the door (be cautious of hot steam).
4. Close the door and press the Start button again to begin a new cycle.

Note: On some models, you may need to hold the Start/Reset buttonfor a few seconds, while others mightresetit immediately upon pressing the button.

UsingService Mode/Diagnostic Mode

ManyGE dishwashermodels have a hidden “Service Mode” that allows you to do advancedresetting. Here’s how to access the hiddenservice mode:

The process involves pressing a combination of buttons such as “Heated Dry” and “Normal Wash” or “Heated Dry” and “Start” in a specific sequence.

Once inservice mode, the dishwasher will run a series of tests to diagnose issues.

Note: Refer to youruser manualfor specific button combinations and steps.

ResettingviaKick PlateSwitch

SomeGE dishwashershave aresetswitchbehind thekick plateat the bottom of the unit.

So, what’s the kick plateanyway? Thekick plateis the panel at the dishwasher’s bottom front. You may need to remove a fewscrewsto access it.

You canresetyour dishwasher via thekick plateswitch. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the kick plate in place, then take off the panel.
2. Behind the kick plate, look for a red or black button/switch, usually in the bottom left corner
3. Press and hold that button/switch for a few seconds (5-10 seconds). This action resets the dishwasher’s control board.
4. Screw the kick plate back into place.
5. Start a new cycle. This helps you confirm if the reset worked or not.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Encountering issues with yourGE dishwashercan be frustrating, but many problems have simple solutions. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common issues.

Dishwasher Beeping and Not Starting

When your dishwasher beeps and doesn’t start, it usually indicates an error or a need for attention.

Common causes: A door that’s not correctly latched, wrongcycle, clogged drain, and low rinse aid.

Resetsteps for beeping issues:

1. Press the Start/Reset button. Hold it for 5 seconds to clear any current cycle or error.
2. Ensure its properly engaged.
3. Close the door, select a cycle, and press Start again. Run a drain/rinse cycle to clear clogs.

DishwasherBlinking Lights

Blinking lightson your dishwasher can indicate different issues depending on the pattern.

Meaning of Different Light Patterns

Constant blinking of the Start/Reset button: Indicates that the dishwasher is in the process ofresetting.

Other lights blinking: Could indicate issues such as adoor latchproblem,water supplyissue, or a need toresetthe control board.

Resetand troubleshooting steps

1. Ensure the door latch is secure.
2. Refer to the user manual for specific meanings of the blinking patterns.
3. Press and hold the Start/Reset button for 5 seconds to attempt a reset.
4. Ensure the water valve is fully open and the supply line isn’t kinked.

Dishwasher Stops Mid-Cycle

There are a few common reasons why your dishwasher might pause mid-clean:

• Maybe there was apower outageor surge that tripped it up.
• Or the drain could be clogged not letting water out properly.
• Sometimes, the door gets unlatched accidentally, or the dishwasher overheats and stops to prevent damage.

If your dishwasher stops mid-cycle, here’s what to try:

1. First, make sure the door is completely closed and latched shut.
2. Then press and hold the Start/Reset button for 5 seconds to clear any error codes.
3. Now select your cycle again and restart the dishwasher.
4. While you’re at it, double-check that it’s plugged into a working outlet and that the circuit breaker didn’t trip.

No Power to Dishwasher

If your dishwasher has no power, the power supply could be the issue. If that’s the case for you, do this quick checkup:

• Make sure it’s plugged into anoutletthat’s getting power
• Check if acircuit breakerflipped or if a fuse blew
• Inspect the powercordfor any damage
• Ensure thecontrol lockisn’t accidentally on

If a breaker did trip, here’s how toresetit:

• Find the breaker for your dishwasher and turn it to the OFF position
• Leave it off for 5 minutes
• Then flip it back to the ON position

Conclusion

ResettingyourGE dishwasheris often the first step in getting it back into proper working condition. Whether you just need to clear a minor error code or resolve a bigger underlying issue, theresetmethods covered in this guide provide simple solutions to try.

From using the start/reset buttonto unplugging the dishwasher to more advanced techniques like accessingservice mode, you now have variousresetoptions.

Whileresettingmay resolve many dishwasher issues, sometimes recurring problems indicate a hardware or control system component needs professionalrepairor replacement. Don’t hesitate to call in anappliancetechnicianif you’ve attemptedresettingmultiple times without success.

FAQs

Why Does MyGE DishwasherNeed to beResetFrequently?

If you have toresetyour dishwasher often, some underlying issues may be causing it.

One potential problem area is the control board – the “brain” that runs all the dishwasher’s functions. Over time, the board itself or its wiring connections can get worn down. And that can lead to errors that require you toresetto temporarily clear them.

Another part to check is the door hardware – the latch and sensors that tell the dishwasher when the door is properly closed. If those aren’t working correctly, your dishwasher may think the door is open and stop thecycle. Making sure the door closes tightly can sometimes help, but you may need a professionalrepair.

The dishwasher also has sensors that monitor things like water temperature and soil levels on your dishes. If those sensors are faulty, they could give the control board incorrect information, causing it to stop thecyclewhen it shouldn’t.Resettingmight provide a temporary fix, but replacing the sensors is usually needed long-term.

Where is theReset ButtononGE Dishwasher?

The location of thereset buttonon aGE dishwashercan vary by model. Generally, it is integrated into thecontrol paneland can be activated by holding down specific buttons.

For many models, pressing and holding the “Start” button for about 3-5 seconds initiates theresetprocess. Some have aresetswitchbehind the kickplate at the bottom front. Check your model’suser manualfor the exactreset buttonlocation.

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