Ask most people what the hardest task in the kitchen is. You’ll be shocked to discover that the answer is not cooking but doing the dishes. That’s what you may likely hear.
But thanks to technological advancements, we now have sophisticated machines like the GE dishwasher that make chores in the kitchen a breeze. This machine can handle the dishes while you concentrate on other tasks in the kitchen.
However, GE dishwashers are an amazing product but note that they may require some repairs after a while. You might have or already experiencing problems like GE dishwasher fills with water and then stops. Now, you think the GE machine is below par.
No, GE actually makes good dishwashers. However, what you’re experiencing may just be a minor problem. Keep reading to know the causes, including how you can solve them.
Read: GE washer stuck on sensing
Reasons Why GE Dishwasher Fills With Water Then Stops And Fixes To It
Your GE dishwasher fills with water then stops because of several factors, such as an issue with the drain solenoid, drain hoses, drive belt, filter, pump impellers, or the motor. Any of the components mentioned here could be defective. You just have to check to know which component it is and follow tips on how to fix it.
Below is a summary of the issues that can make a GE washer stop after getting filled with water.
- Faulty drain solenoid
- Drain hose problem
- Drive belt problem
- Filter problem
- Faulty pump impellers
- Faulty motor
Let’s discuss the proposed issues, including how you can fix them.
1: Drain solenoid problem
The drain solenoid can make your GE dishwasher filled with water and stop working. It won’t function as it should.
The solenoid’s work is to cause the drain valve to open, starting the drain cycle. Unfortunately, this component can develop a fault over time. It might stop working, or you may discover that the plunger has gotten burnt.
How to fix it:
The first thing to do is to check what’s happening to your drain solenoid to be sure it’s the cause of the problem. You’ll find error codes on your GE display screen (for dishwashers with such screens).
The error code usually contains numbers and letters. Just copy and check the error codes guide to know the actual problem. You’ll know the problem and possible solutions from the codes.
If you have a dishwasher that does not have a display screen, you can check if the dishwasher is faulty manually and fix it. And what’s more, you don’t need sophisticated tools to do this. All you need is a plier and the Philips screwdrivers.
When you locate the drain solenoid, test it with a multimeter to determine if it has continuity. If the solenoid is defective, please get a new one to replace it.
A Handy Tip: You’ll find the drain solenoid near the drain pump or motor. You can loosen the bottom access plate or bottom-front kick plate to reach this component.
2: Drain hose problem
If the drain solenoid isn’t the problem, the drain hose is another component that could be the culprit. If the drain hose is blocked, the dishwasher can’t complete its washing cycles. Water will fill the machine, but it won’t work, as it should.
How to fix it:
Detach the dishwasher’s power supply cord from the wall outlet so you can conveniently locate the drain hose at the back of the machine. Detach the hose from its point of connection, and inspect both ends for signs of particles.
If you find particles, flush them out of the hose with running water. Ensure the particles are removed before reattaching the drain hose.
3: Drive belt problem
The drive belt is primarily common in older GE dishwashers. These belts play an essential role in the machine, and they can cause it to malfunction when defective.
The drive belt is usually wrapped around the pulley. And its job is to sustain the connection between the pump and the motor. But the issue is the drive belt can tear up or possibly, become slack following constant use.
Why? The simple reason is that the drain belt comprises rubber.
How to fix it:
You cannot repair a slack or torn belt, so don’t waste your time. The only way you can fix this problem is to acquire a new drive belt and fix it. After doing so, turn on the machine and see if the problem persists.
Furthermore, remember to detach the dishwasher’s power cord from the wallet outlet before you start working on the machine.
Read: Rheem Tankless Water Heater Error Code 12
4: Filter problem
The filter is another component to inspect if your GE dishwasher stops working. There’s a chance the filter is blocked.
Most GE dishwashers with filters boast sharp blades or grinders that help break down several materials such as food particles, labels from cups and plates, and even broken plates.
Now, here’s the problem.
The filter of the GE dishwasher is highly likely to experience a jam or blockage over time, which may affect the machine’s performance.
How to fix it:
You have to clean the filter. But first, inspect it to see if food particles or other objects have blocked it. If they have, use running water to flush and remove the particles clogging it.
The filter is so easy to access. You’ll find it in the machine’s loading area. So all you have to do is remove the dish rack to get to it.
A Handy Tip: If the filter is clogged, flushing the particles out of the filter can help the machine return to normal function. On the other hand, if you succeeded in flushing, but the machine won’t function as it should, the filter could be faulty.
You cannot repair a faulty or damaged filter. The best thing you can do is to change it. So, please get a new filter and mount it in your dishwasher.
5: Pump impeller problem
The impeller is a vital component in the dishwasher, so when faulty, your machine won’t work as it’s supposed to work. Most GE dishwashers come with dual impellers, where one functions as a water inlet, plus a circulator and the other as a drain.
Now, here’s the problem:
The GE dishwasher boasts a built-in sensor. This sensor can detect if things aren’t working well in the machine and may cause it to malfunction.
So if your impeller isn’t working and the sensor detects it, expect your dishwasher to malfunction.
How to fix it:
The first thing you need to do is inspect the dishwasher and the water flow. Is the water flowing as it should? If your answer is no, chances are the impeller has a problem.
It could be that the impeller’s blades have been broken or clogged by particles. Whatever the case may be, you have to do something about it.
Get a screwdriver and use it to turn the blades. Keep turning the blades for a while until you notice that they are not as stiff as they were.
However, if you discover that the impeller is faulty, you must replace the GE dishwasher impeller for the machine to start working well.
6: Motor problem
The last but not the least of defects which can cause your GE dishwasher to stop working after getting filled with water is the motor. It’s one of the major components causing this problem in the dishwasher.
So, the fact that we mentioned it at the final part of this post doesn’t mean it is less critical. It’s one of the components to inspect when your dishwasher starts malfunctioning.
GE dishwasher motors may pick up a fault when users store them for too long, unused. So, use your dishwasher occasionally to avoid having a defective motor.
How to fix it:
Normally, the dishwasher’s motor is supposed to rotate and initiate the washing cycle when you turn the machine on. If it doesn’t, please know that something is wrong with the motor.
To fix this problem, turn the dishwasher on and observe the sound coming out of the machine. Is the sound abnormal? Does it sound like the motor is humming?
If that’s the case, then the motor is faulty. The motor’s blades may have jammed. Thus, it can’t turn.
Replacing a faulty motor in a GE dishwasher is relatively inexpensive. So consider changing your damaged motor, so that your dishwasher can start functioning well again.
Read: Whirlpool Washer Error Code 5d
Warranty and Support
GE is a multinational brand that provides top-notch customer service on its various product lines. If you are still not satisfied with the working of your dishwasher, you can contact GE customer support.
1-800-GECares (1-800-432-2737)
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET
Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET
Chat timings:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. ET
GE also offers some quick troubleshooting videos that can help you to fix the issue on your own.
If you need help in getting your product model or serial number, this link may help you.
Conclusion
Have you seen a situation where a GE dishwasher fills with water and then stops? If your machine is experiencing the same problem, you can use the tips shared in this post to solve them.
Here are the most common type of issues:
- Faulty drain solenoid
- Drain hose problem
- Drive belt problem
- Filter problem
- Faulty pump impellers
- Faulty motor
The first thing to do is identify the problem and follow the proper steps to fix it. In some cases, the machine may be malfunctioning because of a minor problem, such as a blocked hose. And getting the debris off the hose can solve the problem.
However, you must fix the dishwasher’s faulty component to enable it to function correctly.