What Do GE Dishwasher Error Codes Mean?

Match the message before trying a reset

The display is lit, but your dishes are still waiting and the controls have a message for you. We'd read the whole code before touching Reset, because a delay setting, a drain problem and a possible leak need different responses.

Not every GE dishwasher uses every code, so match both the message and your machine's features. That matters especially with 999, which can mean a possible leak or a control that needs resetting, depending on the model.

1H is a delay, while PF follows a power interruption

A number followed by H, such as 1H, means the dishwasher is in Delay Start mode. Read that last character carefully when matching the display: 1H is the delay setting, while C1 concerns how long the dishwasher has spent draining.

If you want help changing the delay setting on your model, use GE's page to find help for your dishwasher (opens in a new tab). You can also scan the QR code on the model/serial tag, if it has one, to go directly to support for that machine.

PF means power to the dishwasher was interrupted. Select the cycle and options you want, then press Start. The dishwasher should return to normal operation after that selection.

1. Read the full display. If it ends in H, use your model's delay-setting instructions.
2. If it says PF, select the cycle and options you want and press Start.
3. Check that the selected cycle begins normally. If it doesn't, use the model-specific support route above.

C1, C2, C3, FTD or F56 points to draining

A clog in the drain system can keep water from leaving the dishwasher. The exact code tells you which check to make, so keep C1, C2 and C3 separate even when they come with the same puddle in the tub.

C1 means pumping water out during the drain has taken more than 2 minutes. Clean the air gap, have the drain hose repositioned or replaced as needed, then run the disposer to clear it out. Leave hose replacement to an appliance technician, and contact service if the drain problem persists.

C2 means the total pump-out cycle has exceeded 7 minutes. Press RESET to stop the beep. Then check whether water remains in the tub. If it does, use the accessible drain checks below; if the dishwasher still won't drain, contact service.

C3 means the dishwasher won't drain. Turn its power off at the circuit breaker for about 30 seconds, then restore power to reset it. If it still won't drain, contact service.

FTD or F56 also means failure to drain. Check the drain hose, air gap and disposer. Keep hose replacement with an appliance technician.

1. Match the drain code first. For C2, press RESET to stop the beep. For C3, use its 30-second breaker reset.
2. For C1, C2 with water left in the tub, or FTD/F56, check the accessible air gap and disposer. Check the drain hose only where you can see it without moving the dishwasher.
3. Look for water to drain normally. If C1 or C3 persists, or the dishwasher still won't drain after the accessible checks, contact service.

For a closer look at leftover water, our dishwasher drainage checks cover whether the cycle finished, whether the water is normal and what to check at the sink and filters. Keep any service instruction attached to your GE code as your stopping point.

C4 and C5 need different water checks

C4 can appear when the dishwasher has filled twice after a power failure, the float switch is stuck or has failed, or the drain or sump is clogged. A stuck flood float can also keep a dishwasher from filling, which is why the float gets an accessible check before you call for repair.

1. For C4, touch Start, then Cancel/Reset.
2. Tap the float cover to free a stuck float. Look for the plastic cover shaped like an upside-down cup at the front-left corner of the dishwasher floor.
3. Check the sump at the back, bottom of the tub for debris. It looks like an upside-down silverware basket and can become clogged. If C4 persists, contact service.

If C4 persists after those checks, contact service. Keep the work inside the tub to these accessible checks; leave panel removal and internal repairs to a technician.

C5 means the pump-out time is too short. Make sure the water supply is turned on, then try the same cycle again. After that, tap the float cover to free a stuck float, using the front-left location described for C4.

1. For C5, make sure the water supply is turned on.
2. Try the same cycle again and check whether it runs without C5.
3. If C5 remains, tap the accessible float cover. If the code still persists, contact service.

If you're also tackling buildup during routine care, our advice on cleaning your dishwasher covers filters, door seals and spray arms, with cleaning methods matched to the machine.

H2O means low water, and the cycle matters

H2O indicates a low-water situation. Before changing anything, check which wash cycle was running when the message appeared. The next move is different for a message limited to 1-Hour Wash.

If H2O appears only during 1-Hour Wash, schedule service. You can use any other cycle while waiting for that service. Keep the word “only” in mind when describing the problem, because that permission applies specifically to this situation.

1. Note which cycle displayed H2O.
2. If it was only 1-Hour Wash, schedule service. If it was AutoSense, Heavy, Normal or Light, look for a visible kink in the inlet water hose.
3. If neither cycle situation fits, or H2O remains after the accessible hose check, call for service.

If H2O appears during AutoSense, Heavy, Normal or Light, double-check the inlet water hose for a kink. Keep this to a visible, accessible check, without pulling out the dishwasher or disconnecting the hose. If neither of these cycle situations fits, call for service.

C6 is low temperature, while C7 is a sensor fault

C6 means the water temperature is too low. Water entering the dishwasher should be at least 120°F, so start with the hot-water supply rather than the detergent cup or drain.

Before starting the dishwasher, run the adjacent faucet to clear cold water from the line. Adjust the water-heater temperature if needed. Have a qualified professional handle any adjustment that requires panel removal, electrical work or gas adjustment.

Don't run the washing machine or take showers while the dishwasher is operating. Use dishwasher options that extend the run and add heat. These steps address the low-temperature message without turning the job into an internal dishwasher repair.

C7 means the water-temperature sensor circuit has stopped working. Turn dishwasher power off at the circuit breaker for about 30 seconds, then restore it to reset the dishwasher. If the sensor problem persists, contact service.

1. For C6, run the adjacent hot-water faucet before starting and use a dishwasher option that adds heat.
2. Check whether C6 returns. If it does, ask a qualified professional about any water-heater adjustment that would require panel removal, electrical work or gas adjustment.
3. For C7, use the 30-second breaker reset. If C7 returns, contact service.

C8 means a blocked cup, while Cup Open means it isn't closed

For these two messages, look at whether the detergent cup needs room to open or needs to be latched shut. The actions are different, even though both messages concern the same part.

C8 means something is blocking the detergent cup from opening fully. Move the obstruction, such as silverware or a pan, out of its way. Then close and latch the dishwasher door and wait 30 seconds for the cup to open, keeping the door latched during the wait.

Cup Open means the detergent cup hasn't been closed. Add detergent and latch the cup shut. The cycle won't start while this problem is present.

You can override the Cup Open message by pressing Start again without opening the door. If the problem persists, contact service.

1. For C8, move anything blocking the cup, then latch the dishwasher door.
2. Wait 30 seconds with the door latched and check whether the cup opens.
3. For Cup Open, add detergent and latch the cup. Check that the cycle starts; if the problem persists, contact service.

Leak messages and PrS need service

LEAK DETECTED means a possible leak has been detected. On models with leak detection, the cycle will be cancelled. Stop using the dishwasher and contact service when this message appears. If you see water outside the dishwasher, leave it off while you arrange service; our leaking dishwasher checks cover what you can inspect without pulling it out.

Most fault codes concern problems that require a repair technician. When your code calls for service, use GE's route to schedule a repair appointment (opens in a new tab).

When booking, give the exact code and explain what you've already checked. Check the warranty for your model and ask whether the repair is covered. Ask for an itemized estimate before authorizing work so you can see the diagnostic, parts and labor charges.

For 999, first check whether your dishwasher has Floor Protect with Alert. On models with that feature, 999 means a possible leak, the dishwasher won't start, and you need to contact service.

1. Find the model/serial tag. If it has a QR code, scan it to open support for your exact model and check whether Floor Protect with Alert is listed.
2. If your model has Floor Protect with Alert, stop using the dishwasher and contact service for 999.
3. If your model does not have that feature, use its model-specific control-reset instructions. If you cannot confirm the feature, contact service before trying a reset.

On other models, 999 means the control needs to be reset. Use support for your specific model to find the control-reset instructions. We'd confirm the Floor Protect with Alert feature before choosing a reset, because it changes 999 from a control message to a service call.

PrS means the pressure sensor is sending an invalid signal to the control. The cycle either can't start or will cancel. A harness or sensor issue is the most likely explanation, so contact an appliance repair technician.

If the trouble is connecting to SmartHQ

On a GE dishwasher with Built-In WiFi, the wireless icon also gives you a next step when SmartHQ won't connect. Use these checks for connection trouble, while keeping any wash-cycle fault on its own code-specific service or recovery path.

If the wireless icon is solid and SmartHQ can't locate the appliance in the GE Appliances Cloud, close the app and reopen it. If there's no wireless icon, re-enter the home network name and password.

A missing home network in the WiFi list may be hidden. Choose Other and enter the network name and password yourself. If SmartHQ still can't find the network, move the router closer to the dishwasher or use a WiFi extender.

If you're unsure of the home WiFi password, disconnect your phone from that network and reconnect by typing the password manually. If the password is correct but SmartHQ still won't connect, call the Connected Home Support Line at 1-800-220-6899.

If there is no matching code

A missing or unfamiliar code calls for a check that matches what the dishwasher is doing, plus support for your exact model.

Reset codes without a direct service instruction

C3 and C7 use the specific breaker recovery of about 30 seconds described with each code.

Keep that general reset separate from the service instructions for leak indications, PrS and the H2O situations that call for an appointment. Use the cycle and feature details alongside the code when deciding what to do.

For other fault, error or function codes without a direct service instruction, disconnecting dishwasher power for a minute or two sometimes clears the message. If it doesn't clear, service may be needed.