GE Dishwasher Error Codes: C1 to C8, H2O

Quick answer: On GE dishwashers, C1 to C3 are drain codes, C4 and C5 relate to the float and pump-out, C6 is cold water and H2O means low water. PF just means the power went out, while C7, LEAK DETECTED and PrS need a technician.

GE dishwashers with a digital display show codes on the control panel; base models may signal faults with lights instead. GE notes that not every code appears on every model, so the meanings here are what GE lists for many of its dishwashers. A display showing a number with an H, such as 2H, is not a fault; it means Delay Start is set. To clear most codes, GE suggests disconnecting power at the breaker for a minute or two and restoring it.

GE Dishwasher Error Codes list

Draining has taken longer than 2 minutes.

Common causes: Clogged air gap, kinked drain hose, full disposer.

What you can try: Clean the air gap on the sink, check the drain hose and run the disposer.

Call a technician if: The code continues after those checks.

The total pump-out took more than 7 minutes.

Common causes: Slow or partly blocked drain.

What you can try: Press Reset to stop the beeping, then check the filter and drain hose.

Call a technician if: It keeps happening.

The dishwasher is not draining.

Common causes: Blocked drain path or pump problem.

What you can try: Turn off the breaker for about 30 seconds, restore it and reset.

Call a technician if: It persists.

Double fill after a power loss: float switch problem, or a clogged drain or sump.

Common causes: Stuck float, debris in the sump.

What you can try: Start and cancel a cycle, tap the float cover in the tub, and clear debris from the sump area.

Call a technician if: The code returns.

Pump-out was too short.

Common causes: Water supply off, float stuck.

What you can try: Make sure the water is on, run the cycle again and tap the float cover.

Call a technician if: It keeps showing.

Incoming water is too cool.

Common causes: Long pipe run from the water heater, water heater set low, other hot water use during the cycle.

What you can try: Run the kitchen faucet until hot before starting, avoid showers or laundry during the cycle and choose longer cycle options.

Call a technician if: Water is hot at the sink and the code continues.

The water temperature sensor circuit has failed.

Common causes: Sensor or wiring fault.

What you can try: Reset at the breaker.

Call a technician if: The code returns.

The detergent cup cannot open fully.

Common causes: A tall dish or utensil blocking the cup door.

What you can try: Move whatever is blocking the cup, close the door and wait 30 seconds.

Call a technician if: Nothing is blocking it and the code remains.

H2O

Low water.

Common causes: Kinked inlet hose, closed valve.

What you can try: Check the inlet hose for kinks and the valve under the sink.

Call a technician if: It shows only during a 1-Hour Wash, or persists after the checks.

FTD / F56

Failure to drain.

Common causes: Drain hose, air gap or disposer blockage.

What you can try: Check the drain hose, air gap and disposer.

Call a technician if: Water still stands in the tub.

LEAK DETECTED

A possible leak was found and the cycle was cancelled (models with leak detection).

Common causes: A leaking hose, seal or component.

What you can try: Turn off the water and power and check the floor around the unit.

Call a technician if: Always. GE recommends service for this code.

A power failure occurred.

Common causes: Outage or tripped breaker.

What you can try: Select a cycle and press Start to resume.

Call a technician if: It keeps happening without an outage.

PrS

The pressure sensor sent an invalid signal, so the cycle will not start or cancels.

Common causes: Sensor or wiring harness issue.

What you can try: Power reset.

Call a technician if: Service is recommended.

How to clear the code

GE's general advice is to turn off the circuit breaker or fuse for the dishwasher for a minute or two, then restore power. Many codes clear this way. C2 can also be silenced by pressing Reset. If the code appears again on the next cycle, the control is reporting a real fault that needs repair.

Codes that are really settings

A few GE messages look like errors but are not. A number followed by H is the Delay Start countdown. Cup Open means the detergent cup was not latched; add detergent and close it, or press Start again to override. PF only tells you the power dropped during a cycle.

GE dishwasher repair in Metro Atlanta

Mr. Fixer repairs GE, GE Profile and Café dishwashers throughout the Atlanta area. If your code points to a sensor, pump or leak, call (678) 866-3669 or book a visit online. You can read about common cleaning issues in our dirty dishes guide or see other GE appliances on our GE repair page.

Code still showing?

Our technicians repair GE dishwashers across Metro Atlanta, usually the same day. Diagnostic from $80, credited toward your repair.

Call (678) 866-3669

FAQs

What does C1 mean on a GE dishwasher?

C1 means the drain portion of the cycle ran longer than 2 minutes. Clean the air gap, check the drain hose and run the disposer, then try again.

How do I fix the H2O code on a GE dishwasher?

Make sure the water valve under the sink is open and the inlet hose is not kinked. If the code appears only on the 1-Hour Wash, GE recommends service.

Why is my GE dishwasher showing C6?

C6 means the water coming in is too cool. Run the hot tap at the sink before starting and avoid using hot water elsewhere during the cycle.

Codes and meanings vary by model and model year. Check your owner's manual for your exact model.

GE Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them