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HomeRepair HelpGE Dishwasher RepairGE Dishwasher won't start Repair

GE Dishwasher won't start

If your GE dishwasher won't start, the most common causes are a blown thermal fuse, a failed door switch, or a damaged wire harness that is not sending power where it needs to go. After that, check the door latch, since a GE dishwasher that has power but will not start often has a latch that is not fully catching, which keeps the switch from telling the machine it is safe to run. A bad main control board can also cause a GE dishwasher not starting condition, but it is less common and should be ruled in only after the simpler parts are tested. In some cases, a failed drain pump can stop the cycle from beginning because the dishwasher cannot clear water before filling. If your GE dishwasher start button is not working or the unit is completely unresponsive, testing these parts with a multimeter is the fastest way to narrow it down. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact GE dishwasher replacement part for your machine, whether you need a thermal fuse, door switch, wire harness, door latch, main control board, or drain pump.

01 - GE Dishwasher Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse shuts off power to the dishwasher if it overheats. If the thermal fuse blows, it will prevent the dishwasher from starting. To determine if the thermal fuse is defective, use a multimeter to test the fuse for continuity. If the thermal fuse does not have continuity, replace it.
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02 - GE Dishwasher Door Switch

The door switch prevents the dishwasher from running while the door is open. If the door switch is defective, the switch will prevent the dishwasher from running even when the door is closed. To determine if the door switch is at fault, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.
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03 - GE Dishwasher Wire Harness

If the dishwasher start button appears to work, but the dishwasher still won't start, a wire harness which sends power from the control board to the pump components could be damaged. Inspect the wire harness for any frayed or broken wires and replace if necessary.
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04 - GE Dishwasher Door Latch

The door latch ensures that the dishwasher door latches shut. If the door does not latch properly, the door switch might prevent the dishwasher from running. If the door latch is broken, replace it.
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Highly Likely

05 - GE Dishwasher Main Control Board

The main control board provides power to nearly every component of the dishwasher. If there is a problem with the main control board, it might not send voltage to the dishwasher, causing the dishwasher not to start. Control boards are often misdiagnosed—make sure you check more commonly defective parts before replacing the main control board.
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Highly Likely

06 - GE Dishwasher Drain Pump

A dishwasher drain pump assists in removing the water from the tank at various times during operation. Since the unit will drain some water from the tank prior to the fill cycle beginning, a faulty drain pump unable to drain any water could prevent the dishwasher from starting.
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Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE dishwasher not starting even though it has power?
How do I tell if the door latch or door switch is keeping my GE dishwasher from starting?
Can a bad drain pump cause a GE dishwasher not to start?
Should I replace the main control board if my GE dishwasher won't start?
How do I find the right replacement part for my GE dishwasher?

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