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HomeRepair HelpGE Dishwasher RepairGE Dishwasher has a burning smell Repair
GE Dishwasher has a burning smell
A GE dishwasher burning smell usually points to an electrical part that is overheating or shorting out, and the most common place to start is the drain valve solenoid. If your GE dishwasher smells like burning, check the drain valve for burn marks near the terminals and test the solenoid for continuity. Next, inspect the heating element, since a shorted element can cause a dishwasher electrical burning smell and may show blisters, raised spots, or a visible break. After that, look at the timer and control board for signs of scorching or other damage, especially if the dishwasher overheating smell started suddenly after a power issue. A failing pump and motor assembly can also cause a dishwasher burning smell, often along with a humming noise after the unit fills, and the drain solenoid kit is another possible source if the solenoid has shorted. If your dishwasher smells like burning, stop using it until you identify the cause. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact GE drain valve, heating element, timer, control board, pump and motor assembly, or drain solenoid kit that fits your dishwasher.
01 - GE Dishwasher Drain Valve
The drain valve will often use a solenoid to open the valve to allow the water to exit the dishwasher. Since the solenoid is an electrical component, it can short out and produce a burning smell. You should inspect the solenoid for any burn marks near the terminals. You can also use a multimeter to test the drain valve solenoid for electrical continuity to determine if the component is able to function properly. If the solenoid is faulty, the entire drain valve assembly may need to be replaced.
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02 - GE Dishwasher Heating Element
The heating element may be shorted, causing a burning smell. In most cases when the element shorts out, it will have blisters or raised sections on it; in other cases a shorted element will break in half. To determine if the heating element has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it.
Highly Likely
03 - GE Dishwasher Timer
On some dishwasher models, the timer determines when power is sent to the various components of the dishwasher. If the timer receives a power surge, or a component fails, the timer can short-out causing a burning smell. Inspect the timer for burn marks. A damaged timer will need to be replaced.
Highly Likely
04 - GE Dishwasher Control Board
The control board provides power to the various components of the dishwasher. If the control board receives a power surge, or a component fails, the control board can short-out causing a burning smell. Inspect the control board for burn marks. A burnt control board will need to be replaced.
Highly Likely
05 - GE Dishwasher Pump and Motor Assembly
The circulation pump uses a motor and impeller to force water up through the wash arms during the dishwasher's wash and rinse cycles. If the motor has burned out or is in the process of failing, it can produce a burning smell. You can often tell that a circulation pump motor has burned out if the motor isn’t making any noise or is just making a humming sound after the dishwasher has filled.
Common
06 - GE Dishwasher Drain Solenoid Kit
The drain solenoid opens the drain valve to allow the water to exit the dishwasher. Since the solenoid is an electrical component, it can short out and produce a burning smell. You should inspect the solenoid for any burn marks near the terminals. You can also use a multimeter to test the solenoid for electrical continuity to determine if the component is able to function properly.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my GE dishwasher smell like burning during the cycle?
Can a GE dishwasher heating element cause a burning smell?
My GE dishwasher has a burning smell and a humming noise. What should I check?
How do I know if the drain valve or drain solenoid is causing the burning smell in my GE dishwasher?
How do I find the right replacement part for my GE dishwasher burning smell problem?
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