GE Washer Error Codes: Full Fault Code List with Fixes

GE washers (made by GE Appliances) show fewer codes on the display than many brands. Since 2017, many electronic-control GE washers use a Consumer Help Indicator (CHI) that shows short messages like “H2O SUPPLY” or “Lid” instead of numbers. Numbered fault codes do exist, but most are stored in a service mode for technicians.

GE washer fault code list

Here is the master GE washer fault code list. “TL” means top-load and “FL” means front-load. GE notes that messages vary by model, so check your owner’s manual too.

How do GE washer fault codes work?

GE shows plain alerts to you and saves detailed numeric fault codes for service. On 2017 and newer electronic-control washers, the Consumer Help Indicator turns common problems into short messages. Older or simpler models blink cycle lights in patterns instead.

That’s why you might read about long numeric GE code lists online but never see those numbers on your washer. Those numbers are usually retrieved in a diagnostic mode. If you aren’t comfortable with service modes, the display alerts in this guide cover what you can fix yourself.

How do you find your GE washer’s model number?

Look for the model and serial tag on the washer cabinet; your owner’s manual shows where it sits on your model. GE says a QR code on the tag can take you to support for your exact model, including its owner’s manual.

Lid and door codes

What does dE or E2 mean on a GE washer?

dE (or E2 on some models) means the lid is open, so the washer has paused. GE says the code flashes for about 30 seconds before the washer shuts off, and then the cycle must be restarted. Close the lid and press Start/Pause.

If the lid is closed and dE keeps showing, the lid switch or lock may not be sensing it. Check for clothing or debris near the lock first. Our GE top-load washer error code chart covers the next checks.

What does “Lid” mean on a GE washer?

“Lid” means three cycles were started without opening the lid. GE’s washer won’t start another cycle until the lid is opened, because it needs to confirm the lid switch works. Open and close the lid, then start a new cycle. If it keeps happening, contact service.

What does DOOR OPEN mean on a GE combo?

On the GE Profile UltraFast Combo, DOOR OPEN means a cycle was started with the door not fully closed. The unit won’t start until the door is shut. Push the door firmly closed and check that nothing is caught in the seal.

Water fill codes

What does IE or H2O SUPPLY mean on a GE washer?

IE and H2O SUPPLY mean water isn’t entering the washer. On models without a full display, the Wash and Rinse lights blink together. GE says to check the house water supply and make sure both supply valves are open.

After this alert, the washer locks out for 4 minutes and runs the drain pump. Unplugging it restarts that 4-minute timer, so wait it out. GE also says that on front-loaders, H2O SUPPLY can point to a pressure sensor problem, or rarely to very low water pressure.

Checks to try:

• Open both hot and cold supply valves fully.
• Look for kinked fill hoses behind the washer.
• In winter, make sure the hoses or pipes aren’t frozen.
• If the water is on and the code returns, GE recommends service.

What does FE mean on a GE washer?

FE means water has reached a critical level in the tub. This is an overfill safety alert. GE’s instructions are to turn off the water and power to the washer and call service. Don’t keep restarting cycles, since an inlet valve that won’t close can flood the floor.

Drain codes

What does Po mean on a GE washer?

On 2015 and newer GE washers, a flashing Rinse light or “Po” scrolling on the display means the washer took too long to drain. GE says this may point to a clog. Make sure the drain hose isn’t kinked or clogged, then restart.

GE also warns against pushing the drain hose too far into the standpipe or taping it in place, since that can siphon water out. Use the anti-siphon clip that came with the washer. If the house drain itself is clogged, GE says a plumber needs to fix it.

What do 18 and “Check and Clean Drain Pump Filter” mean?

On the GE Profile UltraFast Combo, both mean the drain pump filter needs cleaning. A clogged filter can also leave loads very wet or make drying take longer. Clean the filter following the owner’s manual and check that the drain hose isn’t pushed too far into the standpipe.

Many GE front-load washers have a pump filter behind a small panel at the bottom front. GE notes that models without front access need service to clean it.

Balance codes

What does UE mean on a GE washer?

UE means the laundry load is unbalanced. GE says to reposition the laundry evenly in the basket and make sure the washer is level. Mixing heavy and light items, or washing one bulky item alone, are common triggers.

Why is the Spin light blinking on my GE washer?

A blinking Spin or Spin & Rinse light means the washer detected an out-of-balance load and is correcting it. It may not reach full spin speed. If clothes are wetter than normal at the end, spread them evenly and run a Drain & Spin or Spin cycle.

Control and status messages

What does CAnCELEd mean?

CAnCELEd means the cycle was paused for more than 24 hours or stopped itself because of certain errors. Wait out the 4-minute lockout, then start the cycle again. GE says not to unplug the washer to get around the lockout. If the message keeps appearing, contact service.

What does 353 mean on a GE combo?

Fault 353 on the UltraFast Combo usually means the lint filter is clogged with fabric softener residue. Separate the foam filter from the plastic mesh screen. Rinse the foam in warm water, clean the screen with water and a soft brush, reinstall it, and run a wash and dry cycle.

What does “A problem has been detected with this unit” mean?

On GE Harmony front-load washers, this message means the electronics detected a fault. GE notes some codes can come from outside conditions like house voltage, water pressure or water temperature. Turn the washer off and back on first. If it still won’t run, use the Harmony control reset in the next section.

Is it different on top-load vs front-load GE washers?

Yes. Top-loaders mostly show lid and fill alerts, while front-loaders and combos add door and pump filter messages. The codes dE, E2 and Lid only apply to lid-style washers. Pump filter alerts like 18 belong to front-load style machines, since most GE top-loaders have no user-cleanable pump filter.

For a top-load-only quick reference, see our GE top-load washer error code chart.

How can you keep GE washer codes from coming back?

Most repeat GE codes come from installation and loading habits, so a few checks prevent them. Fill, drain and balance alerts make up most of the codes in GE’s consumer list. Each one has a simple cause you can control.

• Keep both supply valves fully open. GE’s first check for IE or H2O SUPPLY is the supply valves.
• Install the drain hose correctly. Use the anti-siphon clip, and don’t push the hose deep into the standpipe or tape it in place.
• Load evenly. Mix large and small items, and don’t wash one heavy item, like a rug, by itself. This helps prevent UE and a blinking Spin light.
• Use HE detergent in the right amount. GE notes that oversudsing from too much detergent can slow the final spin.
• Open the lid between loads. This stops the “Lid” alert on top-loaders.
• Clean the pump filter on schedule. On front-loaders and combos with front access, follow the owner’s manual cleaning interval.

What’s the most likely cause of a GE washer code?

For most display codes, the most likely cause is outside the washer: the water supply, the drain hose or the load itself. IE points first to a closed valve, Po to a kinked or clogged drain hose, and UE to an uneven load. FE is the main exception, since GE ties it to a water level that needs a service visit.

How do you reset a GE washer?

Fix the cause first, then power the washer off and back on. GE says turning the machine off and on is the most common way to clear a control message. If an IE, H2O SUPPLY or CAnCELEd alert started a 4-minute lockout, wait it out; unplugging restarts that timer.

When should you call a pro?

Call a technician when a code comes back after you’ve fixed the obvious cause and reset the washer. Some GE codes, like FE, should go straight to service.

• FE appears, or the washer fills when it’s turned off.
• H2O SUPPLY returns even though both valves are open and water pressure is normal.
• dE shows with the lid fully closed.
• The washer won’t drain and the hose, standpipe and pump filter are clear.
• A front-load model has no front pump filter access and you suspect a clog.
• You hear grinding or banging, or smell burning, during spin.

GE lists its US support line, 1-800-GECARES (1-800-432-2737), for help with model-specific codes.

Frequently asked questions

Related GE washer guides

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