Getting a frozen display and unresponsive controls on your GE dishwasher can be very frustrating, especially when you've got dishes inside and can't get them out.
So in this guide, we are going to show you how to reset the GE dishwasher and how to resolve common software-related issues.
Step by Step Instructions on Resetting during a Cycle
You might have selected the wrong cycle, or you may want to add another dish to the dishwasher. Follow these steps to reset the GE dishwasher when it is running a prior cycle.
- Press the “Start/Reset” button. If you have to open the door to access the controls, slowly open the door just enough for you to reach the buttons.
- Close the door and wait 2 minutes to let the water drain. Wait until the blinking light stops.
- Slowly open the door and watch out for any steam or hot water. Add dishes/change cycle mode as desired, and start a new cycle.
Step by Step Instructions on Hard Rebooting your GE Dishwasher
Sometimes, the previous method may not work. If that is the case, you will have to do a hard reset/reboot. The steps outlined below will show you how.
- Cut the power to the GE dishwasher. Unplug the cord or trip off the breaker, but make sure to be safe from electrocution.
- Wait for about 10 minutes to let everything reset.
- Switch on the dishwasher and it will be completely reset.
The time frame may vary from model to model, and it’s best to refer to a manual if you can. However, if all else fails, we recommend that you seek out a professional.
Why Reset?
1. All Lights Flashing / Blinking
Most of the time, you might see several situations where your GE dishwasher becomes unresponsive. In these situations, you will have to perform a quick reset.
One of these situations, where a reset may be required, is when you can see flashing lights on the control panel.
When all the lights are flashing in a GE dishwasher, it means that the dishwasher has detected an error. If it’s a hardware-related error, this condition will not go away until you resolve it.
2. Some Lights Flashing / Blinking
More often than not, when the GE dishwasher is resetting, the “Start” light would be blinking.
There are also other situations for a blinking start light. It could mean that the door is not fully closed. However, if the error persists even after you’ve shut the door properly, then it’s probably a broken door latch.
Also, if the lights are blinking on a different button, it might be an error related to that particular command/feature.
3. Alarm Sounding
Another indicator used by the GE dishwasher is the alarm, which consists of a slight beeping noise every 30 seconds.
Most of the time, this alarm gets triggered when the door is open, halfway during a cycle. It’s in place to inform the user to close the door so that the dishwasher can resume the wash cycle.
Another issue could be because of a power surge. You can always resolve these with a quick reset.
4. Control Panel Issue
Sometimes the control panel might be frozen or not responding at all. The first thing you can do is check if the touch panel is defective.
If some of the buttons respond, it’s probably a broken touch panel, and you will have to replace it. There could also be an issue with the main control board, so make sure to diagnose it properly.
Nonetheless, if a reset won’t fix the issue and you’re unsure about working with electronic components, then it’s best to hire a professional.
5. Locked Dishwasher
Setting up the “Child Lock” in your GE dishwasher is very simple, and most of the time, many users confuse child lock for a glitch. However, in some rare situations, your dishwasher might be locked because of an actual error. The controls might be frozen, and there will be no blinking lights to indicate the “child lock”.
So whenever the dishwasher is locked or frozen in this manner, it’s probably a software-related issue. Try to perform a quick reset first. If that doesn’t work, you will have to do a hard reset.
Questions & Answers
How do you reset a GE dishwasher?
Whenever you’re facing any of the issues mentioned in the above section, a quick reset will be able to clear these out. Still, if the problem persists, then your last resort is to go for a hard reset.
To perform a hard reset, you have to disconnect the power to the GE dishwasher – whether it’s the power cord connected to the wall socket or the hardwired breaker – and let it sit for about 10 minutes, after which you can switch it back on and everything will be reset.
Can you reset a GE dishwasher?
Yes, a quick reset is very easy to perform as all you need to do is press on the “Start/Reset” button after you’ve started a cycle. Then give it 2-3 minutes for the water to drain until the blinking light on the start button go out. After that, you’re good to go.
Anyhow, a hard reset will be more difficult to execute if you’re not familiar with the electrical power setup of your home. In that case, we recommend that you call on a professional.
Yes, all GE dishwashers have the “Start” and “Reset” commands coupled together on one button/pad. You can easily reset the dishwasher using this button when running a cycle.
If you cannot find the reset button, or if the reset button is not responding, then your only option is to execute a hard reset by disconnecting the dishwasher from the power supply and letting it sit for about 10 minutes before powering it back up.
In most GE dishwashers, there is no dedicated “Reset” button. Almost all GE dishwasher models utilize the same button to perform both of these commands.
Look for the button/pad labeled “Start/Reset” in the control panel. You can also look it up in the user manual. (if the labels are not very readable)
Conclusion
Knowing how to reset your GE dishwasher is essential, as you can clear out simple software-related issues effortlessly. However, if you keep having to reset the dishwasher due to errors, there might be an underlying issue that requires immediate attention. In any one of these situations, we recommend that you call a professional, especially if you are not very handy with tools and diagnosing household appliances.
