GE dishwasher error codes are short letter and number codes, like C1, FTD or H2O, that show on the display when the control detects a problem. Most point to draining (C1, C2, C3, FTD), water supply (H2O) or water temperature (C6). Some are not errors at all: a number followed by H is just Delay Start, and PF means the power went out. For most codes, GE says cutting power for a minute or two may clear it.
This guide lists every GE dishwasher error code that GE Appliances publishes on its US support site, with the meaning in plain English and the first fix to try. GE dishwashers (made by GE Appliances) with electronic controls, including GE Profile models, share one official code page, but GE notes that not all codes appear on all models. Where we have a full step-by-step guide for a code, the table links to it.
GE dishwasher error codes list
| Code | Meaning | Quick fix | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number + H (e.g. 1H) | Delay Start is on, not an error | Wait, or cancel the delay | — |
| C1 | Pump-out during drain took more than 2 minutes | Clean the air gap, fix the hose, run the disposer | — |
| C2 | Total pump-out ran more than 7 minutes | Press Reset to stop the beep, then check the drain | — |
| C3 | Dishwasher won’t drain | Cut power at the breaker for 30 seconds, then reset | — |
| C4 | Filled twice after a power failure; float stuck or drain/sump clogged | Tap the float cover, check the sump | — |
| C5 | Pump-out time too short | Make sure water is on, tap the float cover, run again | — |
| C6 | Incoming water too cool | Run the hot tap first; water should be at least 120°F | — |
| C7 | Water temperature sensor circuit not working | Cut power at the breaker for 30 seconds | — |
| C8 | Detergent cup can’t fully open | Remove the blocking item, latch the door, wait 30 seconds | — |
| PF | Power failure | Choose a cycle and press Start | — |
| Cup Open | Detergent cup is not closed | Add detergent and latch the cup | — |
| FTD or F56 | Failure to drain | Check the drain hose, air gap and disposer | GE Profile FTD guide |
| LEAK DETECTED | Possible leak; cycle canceled (leak-detection models) | Turn off water, check under the unit, call service | — |
| 999 | Possible leak (Floor Protect with Alert models); won’t start | Turn off water, call service | — |
| H2O | Low water | Check the inlet hose for kinks | GE H2O code guide |
| PrS | Pressure sensor sending an invalid signal | Reset; service is usually needed | — |
GE says most fault codes point to problems that need a repair technician. The good news is that the drain and water codes at the top of this list often have simple causes you can check first.
What about the GE FbD code?
GE’s official dishwasher code list does not include an FbD code. The closest code GE publishes is FTD (failure to drain). If your display shows something that looks like “FbD,” look closely, because on a small segment display a lowercase “t” can be easy to misread.
Here is what to do:
- Compare it with your manual. Look up your model number and check the error code section of your owner’s manual.
- Treat it as a drain problem first. The checks for FTD (drain hose, air gap, disposer, filter) are quick and safe.
- Read our dedicated guide. Our GE dishwasher FbD code guide covers what owners report and what to check.
Which GE codes are not really errors?
Three codes on GE dishwashers are status messages, not faults: number + H, PF and Cup Open. You can clear these yourself in seconds.
- 1H, 2H and so on: Delay Start is set for that many hours. The cycle starts when the countdown ends. Cancel the delay if you want it to run now.
- PF (power failure): the power went out during a cycle. Select a cycle and press Start, and the dishwasher runs normally.
- Cup Open: the detergent cup isn’t closed. Add detergent and latch the cup. GE says you can override this by pressing Start again without reopening the door.
Drain codes (C1, C2, C3, C5, FTD)
Most GE dishwasher error codes are drain codes. They mean water is leaving the tub too slowly, not at all, or too fast. You can check the common causes yourself in about 15 to 30 minutes.
C1 and C2: pump-out took too long
C1 means pumping water out during a drain took more than 2 minutes. C2 means the total pump-out for the cycle ran longer than 7 minutes. Press Reset to stop the C2 beep.
For both codes, GE suggests:
- Clean the air gap if you have one on your sink deck.
- Replace or reposition the drain hose so it isn’t kinked or crushed behind the dishwasher.
- Run the garbage disposer to clear food that blocks the dishwasher drain inlet.
C3: won’t drain
The dishwasher could not drain. Turn off power at the breaker for about 30 seconds, then turn it back on to reset. If C3 comes back, the drain pump or its wiring likely needs service.
C5: pump-out time too short
This is the opposite problem: the pump finished too fast. GE says to make sure the water supply is on, run the cycle again, and tap the float cover inside the tub so the float moves freely.
FTD or F56: failure to drain
FTD (shown as F56 on some models) means the dishwasher did not drain. Check the drain hose, air gap and disposer first. On a new install, make sure the knockout plug inside the disposer inlet was removed. Our GE Profile dishwasher FTD guide walks through each step.
Most likely cause for this group: a clogged air gap or disposer, or a kinked drain hose. DIY difficulty: easy.
Water fill and float codes (H2O, C4)
These codes mean the dishwasher sees too little water or the float switch is giving a wrong reading. Start by checking the water supply under the sink.
H2O: low water
H2O means a low water condition. GE gives two different paths:
- If H2O appears only during the 1-Hour Wash cycle, schedule service. You can keep using other cycles until then.
- If H2O appears during other cycles, check that the inlet water hose is not kinked and the shutoff valve is fully open. If that isn’t the cause, call for service.
Our GE dishwasher H2O code guide has the full fix for water supply problems.
C4: filled twice after a power failure
The dishwasher filled twice after the power went out, which points to a stuck or failed float switch or a clogged drain or sump. Tap the float cover in the tub so it moves freely, and check the sump at the bottom of the tub for debris. Call for service if the code continues.
Most likely cause: a kinked supply hose or a partly closed valve. DIY difficulty: easy.
Water temperature codes (C6, C7)
C6 means the water coming in is too cool, and C7 means the temperature sensor circuit stopped working. C6 is usually a home plumbing issue, not a broken dishwasher.
C6: water too cool
GE says incoming water should be at least 120°F. To fix C6:
- Run the kitchen faucet until the water is hot before you start a cycle.
- Raise your water heater setting if your water never gets that warm.
- Avoid using other hot water (showers, laundry) while the dishwasher runs.
- Use options that lengthen the cycle, such as a heated or sanitize option, so the dishwasher has more time to heat water.
C7: temperature sensor circuit
The water temperature sensor circuit is not working. Reset by turning off power at the breaker for about 30 seconds. If C7 comes back, schedule service, since the sensor or its wiring needs testing.
Most likely cause: cold water from a distant water heater (C6), or a failed sensor (C7). DIY difficulty: easy for C6, hard for C7.
Detergent cup codes (C8, Cup Open)
Both codes involve the detergent cup on the inside of the door. They are almost always caused by how the dishwasher was loaded.
- C8: the detergent cup can’t fully open. A tall plate, pan handle or cutting board is usually blocking it. Move the item, close and latch the door, and wait 30 seconds.
- Cup Open: the cup lid wasn’t closed. Add detergent and snap it shut.
To stop C8 from coming back, load tall items so they don’t stand directly in front of the dispenser.
Leak and pressure sensor codes (LEAK DETECTED, 999, PrS)
These codes protect your floor and your control board, so take them seriously. Only certain GE models have leak detection or the Floor Protect with Alert feature.
- LEAK DETECTED: the dishwasher found a possible leak and canceled the cycle. Turn off the water supply under the sink, check under and around the unit, and contact service.
- 999 on Floor Protect with Alert models: a possible leak was detected and the dishwasher will not start. Contact service. On other models, GE says to reset the control.
- PrS: the pressure sensor is sending an invalid signal, so the cycle can’t start or will cancel. GE says this is likely a wiring harness or sensor issue, and service is recommended.
Most likely cause: a leaking connection or seal for the leak codes, and a sensor or harness fault for PrS. DIY difficulty: hard.
How can you tell which GE codes your model uses?
Check the model number, then look up the owner’s manual for that exact model. GE says not all codes are found on all models, and features such as leak detection or Floor Protect with Alert exist only on some dishwashers. Your manual’s troubleshooting section lists the codes your control can actually show.
On most dishwashers the model and serial number label is visible with the door open, around the edge of the tub or the door. Write it down along with the code before you look anything up or call for service.
A few quick ways to narrow it down:
- No display at all? Your dishwasher may not show text codes. Check the manual for what blinking lights mean on your model.
- Display shows “LEAK DETECTED” in words? You have a leak-detection model, and the leak codes in this guide apply.
- Display shows only numbers and an H? That’s Delay Start, not an error.
How can you prevent GE dishwasher error codes?
Most GE codes that you can prevent are drain, water and loading problems. A few habits cut down on repeat C1, C2, FTD, H2O, C6 and C8 codes.
- Run the disposer before you start the dishwasher so food in the disposer doesn’t block the dishwasher drain.
- Clean the filter and the air gap whenever you notice standing water or a slow drain.
- Keep the drain and supply hoses straight if you ever pull the dishwasher out, and push it back gently so nothing gets crushed.
- Run the kitchen tap until it’s hot before starting a cycle to avoid C6.
- Keep tall items away from the detergent cup so it can open fully and avoid C8.
How do you reset a GE dishwasher?
GE says disconnecting power to the dishwasher for a minute or two will sometimes clear a fault code. Turn off the circuit breaker (or unplug the unit if it has a plug), wait, then restore power and start a new cycle.
Total time: 5 minutes
Note the code
Write down or photograph the code on the display before you reset. It helps if the code comes back.
Fix the obvious cause
Check the drain hose, air gap and disposer for drain codes, the water supply for H2O, and the detergent cup for C8.
Press Reset or Start/Reset
For C2, GE says to press Reset to stop the beeping. For PF, select a cycle and press Start.
Turn off power for one to two minutes
Switch off the dishwasher’s breaker at your electrical panel or unplug it. Wait at least 30 seconds for C3 and C7, and up to two minutes for other codes.
Restore power and start a cycle
Turn the power back on, close the door, select a cycle and press Start. Watch for the code in the first few minutes.
Schedule service if the code returns
If the same code comes back after a reset, a part likely needs testing or replacing. Have your model number and the code ready.
⚠️ Safety first
- Disconnect power at the breaker before removing panels. Most GE dishwashers are hard-wired.
- For LEAK DETECTED or 999, turn off the water supply under the sink right away and keep power off until you know where the water is coming from.
- Wipe up water on the floor before working near the dishwasher to avoid shock and slips.
- Let the dishwasher cool before reaching into the bottom of the tub, since the heating element can stay hot.
- If you raise your water heater temperature for C6, be careful at the tap. Hotter water can scald, especially for children.
When should you call a pro?
Call a technician when a code returns after a reset or when GE’s own guidance says to schedule service. GE notes that most fault codes point to issues that need a repair technician.
- C3, C4, C7 or PrS returns after a power reset.
- H2O appears only during the 1-Hour Wash cycle.
- LEAK DETECTED or 999 appears on a Floor Protect model.
- A drain code (C1, C2, FTD) returns even with a clear hose, air gap and disposer.
- You see water on the floor or under the dishwasher.
- You smell burning or the controls are unresponsive after a reset.
- The dishwasher is under warranty. Check your warranty terms before opening any panels.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clear an error code on my GE dishwasher?
Turn off power at the breaker or unplug the dishwasher for a minute or two, then turn it back on. GE says this will sometimes clear the code. If it returns, fix the cause or schedule service.
What does FTD mean on a GE dishwasher?
FTD means failure to drain. Some models show it as F56. Check the drain hose for kinks, clean the air gap, and run the garbage disposer, then start a new cycle.
Why does my GE dishwasher say H2O?
H2O means the dishwasher sees low water. If it only appears in 1-Hour Wash, GE recommends service. If it shows in other cycles, check that the water supply hose isn’t kinked and the valve under the sink is fully open.
What does 1H or 2H mean on a GE dishwasher?
A number followed by H means Delay Start is on, and the cycle will start after that many hours. It is not an error. Cancel the delay if you want the dishwasher to run now.
Why does my GE dishwasher show C6?
C6 means incoming water is too cool. GE says water should be at least 120°F. Run the kitchen faucet until the water is hot before starting the cycle, and check your water heater setting.
Do GE Profile dishwashers use different error codes?
GE publishes one dishwasher code page for its electronic-control models and notes that not every code appears on every model. Features like leak detection only exist on some models, so check your owner’s manual for your model’s exact list.
Related GE dishwasher guides
- GE Profile dishwasher FTD code: failure to drain
- GE dishwasher H2O code: fix a water supply problem
- GE dishwasher FbD code
- Whirlpool dishwasher error codes
- Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher error codes
- All dishwasher error codes
