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Is your dishwasher on the fritz? Then GE dishwasher diagnostic mode could be your hot potato. Through the tests it performs, you can quickly pinpoint the exact issue with your dishwasher, ensuring it is back up and running quickly. This guide will walk you through how to put your GE dishwasher in diagnostic mode and interpret the error codes you might encounter.
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How to Enter GE Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode
The path to GE dishwasher diagnostic mode is as smooth as butter for models like GDF510PGD, GDF520PGD, GDF530PGD, GDF540PGD, and GDF550PGD. But remember, you can only enter the diagnostic mode from the Error Code Display Mode. Follow these steps:
- When your dishwasher is in Stand-by Mode (cycle selection mode & not running a dish-washing cycle), press and hold the “Cycle Select” + “Start” buttons at the same time for 5 seconds. This should get your dishwasher cooking with gas.
- Once you verify that it’s in Error Mode, press and hold down the “Cycle Start” button for about five seconds to activate the tests. In a pinch, remember that pressing “Cycle Select” allows you to select the next test, and pressing Start begins or stops a test.
Interpreting GE Dishwasher Error Codes
| LED Indicator | Error Indication | Potential Cause of Error |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Communications Failure/Glitch | User Interface control is unable to communicate with the machine control. |
| Heated Dry | Wash Temperature Issue | Minimum wash temp. of 120°F not reached during three out of the past five wash cycles. |
| Wash Boost | Thermistor Problem | A short/open circuit has been detected at the thermistor. |
| Clean | Turbidity Sensor Fault | A short/open circuit has been detected at the turbidity sensor. |
| Lock | Always Illuminated | This illuminates to alert you that the diagnostic mode is active. |
Like a well-oiled machine, the dishwasher control will display any detected error codes after performing the door check. The light at the end of the tunnel is that each error is indicated by a specific LED illumination, making it easy to understand what’s causing the problem. Here’s what the LED illuminations mean:
- Start:Â Communications Failure/glitch. This signifies that the User Interface control cannot communicate with the machine control.
- Heated Dry: Wash Temperature issue. It suggests a minimum wash temperature of 120°F has not been reached during three out of the past five wash cycles.
- Wash Boost:Â This indicates a problem with the thermistor. There’s a short/open circuit detected at the thermistor.
- Clean:Â Turbidity Sensor fault. A short/open circuit has been detected at the turbidity sensor.
- Lock:Â Always Illuminated. This indicates that the diagnostic mode is active.
Note that you don’t need to clear these error displays manually. The control automatically clears them once the triggering condition has been resolved.
Exiting GE Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode
Getting your dishwasher out of the diagnostic mode is as easy as pie. To cancel Service Mode from the Load Control Mode, press and hold down “Cycle Select” + “Start” simultaneously for 1–2 seconds.
Diagnostic Mode for Other GE Dishwasher Models
For models like GE GLDT690T, GE Triton, and various GE profile dishwashers, entering the diagnostic mode might be slightly different, but the process remains just as straightforward.
For instance, disconnect and reconnect power with the GE GLDT690T dishwasher, then quickly press and hold down the “Delay” + “ON/OFF” pads within 60-180 seconds of restoring power.
In the case of the GE Triton dishwasher, press the “cookware” and “Heated Dry” keypads simultaneously for about 3 seconds to enter service mode.
Finally, for the PDW8900, PDW9700, and PDW9900 series of GE profile dishwashers, press and hold down specific keypads for about 3 seconds to enter the diagnostic mode.
| LED Blink Number | Control Load (Test for service) | Notes and Timeout Information |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drain Pump | The system attempts to automatically empty the tub, a process that takes around 75 seconds from the normal level. |
| 2 | Water Valve | The system tries to fill the tub automatically to the normal volume. This process usually takes about 1 minute to reach the normal level. |
| 3 | Circulation Pump | The system changes the spray arm (through changing the diverter) every 30 seconds and runs for a maximum of 2 minutes. |
| 4 | Heater | The system activates the heater, which remains on for a maximum of 2 minutes. |
| 5 | Detergent Module | The system turns on the soap dispensing solenoid for a maximum duration of 15 seconds. |
Exiting the Diagnostic Mode on a GE GLDT690T Dishwasher
When you’re finished running diagnostics or if you wish to abort the process, there are a couple of simple steps to follow. Press the “ON/OFF” button or completely disconnect the power supply.
GE Triton Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode
Entering the service mode for your GE Triton dishwasher requires just a quick two-step process. Press the “Cookware” (or “Pots & Pans” on some models) and “Heated Dry” buttons simultaneously and hold them for about three seconds.
To opt out of the Service Mode at any point, hit the “Start/Reset” keypad to cancel the ongoing test cycle.
GE Profile Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode
For the PDW8900 series of GE Profile dishwashers, entering the diagnostic mode is straightforward. Press and hold the “Cookware” and “Heated Dry” buttons simultaneously for roughly three seconds. To exit the mode, press “Start/Reset” at any point.
A slightly different process is required for PDW9700 and PDW9900 series GE Profile dishwashers. Press and hold the “Down” arrow and the “Heated Dry” keypad simultaneously for three seconds. Like the previous models, pressing “Start/Reset” will exit the mode at any point.
Exiting GE Dishwasher Service Mode
Finally, if you need to exit the service mode during the Load Control Mode tests, press and hold the Cycle Select and Start buttons simultaneously for one to two seconds, remember that, like the GE dishwasher factory test mode, the service mode will automatically time out after approximately five minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I put my GE dishwasher in diagnostic mode?
In the standby mode of your dishwasher, press and hold down the “Cycle” + “Start” pads simultaneously for about five seconds. The door status will be checked first, with other error checks following.
How do I read GE dishwasher error codes?
A specific LED illuminates to indicate the error condition present. Each LED signifies a different error condition.
Understanding your GE dishwasher’s diagnostic mode is like knowing the nuts and bolts of your machine. It enables you to be proactive and keep your dishwasher in top shape. If you hit a snag and your dishwasher needs to be fixed or new, feel free to seek professional help. But remember, sometimes a simple power reset may be all it takes to bring your dishwasher back to life.
