How to Restore Power to Your GE Dishwasher

Is your GE dishwasher totally failing to turn on? Or perhaps the display is working but nothing else? Don’t waste your money calling in an electrician at this stage—there are some DIY fixes you can try first. We walk you through how to troubleshoot this issue and get your GE dishwasher up and running again!

Our guide covers all popular models of GE dishwashers, including:

DDW550B-45

DDW550B-48

DDW550B-55

DDW650B-45

DDW650B-48

DDW650B-55

GDT655SSJ0SS

GDT695SMJ0ES

GLDT696T00SS

GSD2200G00WW

GSD2200G02WW

GSD3200J00WW

GSD3400G00WW

GSD4030Z02WW

GSD6660G00SS

PDW7880G00SS

PDW7880J10SS

PDW8280J00SS

PDW8280J10SS

PDW9280J00SS

SD4920X66BB

Check the power supply

When checking the power supply, there are several steps you need to identify where the problem lies. Here’s how to start:

Check the connection

This may sound almost too obvious, but the best place to start is ensuring that the dishwasher is properly plugged into the power outlet. Sometimes a plug can get bumped partially out of the electrical outlet, preventing power from flowing to your appliance. If the plug is loose, press it firmly into the socket and try turning on your dishwasher. 

Check the power cord

If the connection seems fine but your dishwasher still isn’t working, check the power cord. Over time, especially in older appliances, power cords can experience wear and tear which can prevent your dishwasher from functioning. Check the entire length of the power cord, paying particular attention to the areas around the plug. If you notice any damage such as fraying or cuts, turn off the power to the dishwasher at once. You will need to get the power cord replaced immediately before using your dishwasher again. 

Test the outlet

If there is no power to your dishwasher at all, the fault might lie in the outlet itself, not the dishwasher. Luckily, there’s an easy way to test this! Unplug your dishwasher from its power outlet. Then, find an appliance or powered item you know is working, such as a lamp. Plug that into the dishwasher’s outlet and test if it’s working. If it is, you’ll know the fault lies with the dishwasher and not the outlet. If the other appliance doesn’t work, the fault is with the outlet itself, and you’ll need to get an electrician to take a look at it. 

Check the circuit breaker

If the outlet appears faulty, you should check the circuit breaker. Your home will have a fuse box that has breakers that correspond to different areas in your home. If the breaker that corresponds to the dishwasher has tripped, then power won’t flow to the electrical outlet and your dishwasher won’t work. Check for any tripped breakers, and switch them to the ‘on’ position. Then test to see if your dishwasher is working. 

Check the door latch

If your dishwasher’ control panel is lighting up, but it won’t run any cycles at all, there could be an issue with your door latch. The latch makes sure the dishwasher is firmly closed before any cycle starts, to prevent leaks and spills. 

If the latch is faulty, the dishwasher may sense that the door is open, even when it seems to be closed. This will mean that no cycles can run and the only part of your dishwasher that’s working will be the light-up display. If this is your issue, here’s what to do:

• Inspect the door latch assembly, looking for wear, tear, or damage. In most GE dishwashers, the latch is located at the top of the dishwasher door, but refer to your GE manual for clarification if you can’t see it. If the latch has any broken or bent parts, it will need replacing. 
• Thoroughly clean any grime away from the door latch. Sometimes, a build-up of food debris or detergent residue can get stuck in the latch, preventing it from properly closing. Use a damp microfiber cloth to thoroughly clean the latch, then check to see if the door now closes. 
• If the latch appears loose, it may need tightening. Check the screws that hold the latch in place and tighten them with a screwdriver so that the latch is firm. 
• If you’ve cleaned and adjusted the latch and the door still isn’t closing properly, you may need to replace the entire latch assembly. You can order a new latch online—just ensure it is compatible with your model of GE dishwasher. Remove the old latch, taking note of where all the screws and wire connections go, then install the new latch in its place. 

Unlock the controls

Another cause of a non-functioning GE dishwasher is if the child lock has been activated accidentally. If this has happened, the display will light up when you turn on the dishwasher, but nothing else will work. Here’s how to fix it:

For older models:

Press the ‘lock’ button twice in quick succession. This should instantly clear the child lock setting. 

For newer models:

In newer models, there are a couple of different methods. You can try either one here, or you can consult your manual to find out the correct way for your particular model.

• Press and hold the ‘Dry Boost’ button and the ‘Steam-Sani’ button at the same time, for at least three seconds. The lock control light will turn off to indicate it has worked. 
• Press and hold the ‘Cycle’ button and the ‘Steam’ button simultaneously for three seconds. The lock control light will turn off when it’s unlocked. 

When to call in a professional

If you find that the issue is related to your home’s wiring, we strongly recommend getting a professional electrician. Working with electricity can be dangerous for the untrained and can result in electric shock or even death.