GE Dishwasher Fan Keeps Running: 4 Things To Do To Quiet It

Annoyed having your wonderful kitchen peace broken by the constant humming of the dishwasher fan? 

Well, luckily, there’s no need to stew over that any longer – there are plenty of ways to calm down the fans inside most GE dishwashers, and I’ve compiled them all for you.

Your GE dishwasher’s fan often runs after a wash cycle; it’s normal for drying. However, excessively long fan operation might be because of the vent. Cleaning should take care of that. Control board issues or motor problems can also be the cause and might require a more complicated approach.

Keep reading to learn how to dig deeper into your washer on your own and fix these issues.

Is It Normal for GE Dishwasher Fan to Keep Running After Wash Cycle?

GE Washers are more advanced than they look under the hood. 

While there are sometimes problems with the fan, it can also run post-wash without any issues being there.

Sometimes, the fan just cycles on and off to ward off bacteria and unpleasant odors, ensuring your dishwasher remains fresh and clean, ready for the next use. 

As long as it doesn’t sound like a jet running in your kitchen, this should be perfectly fine. Most of the time the fan only runs a short while for this purpose.

GE dishwashers also come equipped with highly efficient fans designed to maximize drying performance. After the regular washing cycle, these fans might continue to operate for 30 to 90 minutes. 

You can opt to let nature do the drying for you- which is usually called the “Energy Saver dry” mode. Simply open the door when the final rinse is completed and the motor stops.

GE Dishwasher Fan Keeps Running For Long Time – Causes And Solutions

If the fan is making unusual noise and runs longer than expected then look out for the following issues:

Reason 1: Vent Fan Malfunctioned

Your dishwasher’s vent fan might act up due to two main reasons: excessive moisture and debris buildup. 

Moisture can rust internal parts, while debris like dust and grease can clog up the fan, causing it to malfunction. 

These simple issues can lead to the fan running continuously.

Fixing The Vent Fan

Here’s how you can get rid of both the debris and moisture:

1. Turn off the power supply to the dishwasher.
2. Inspect the fan area for signs of rust or water droplets.
3. Check the dishwasher door seal for proper sealing; replace if damaged.
4. Place a dehumidifier near the dishwasher to reduce excess moisture in the air.
5. Wipe down the fan area regularly to prevent moisture buildup.
6. Locate and remove the cover protecting the fan inside the dishwasher.
7. Clean the fan blades using a soft brush or cloth to remove dust, grease, and debris.
8. Check for clogs or blockages around the fan; clear them using a small tool or compressed air.
9. Reassemble the fan cover securely and test the fan by running a short cycle.

Reason 2: There’s A Control Board Issue

Dishwashers have intricate systems, and their functioning relies heavily on the control board.

If you find your dishwasher fan starting without any logical reason, there might be a glitch in the control board. 

It might be misinterpreting signals, leading to the fan’s untimely activation.

Inspect The Control Board

This one is more simple – you just have to do the things you do with most other dishwashers: 

1. Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
2. Check the control board for visible damage or loose connections.
3. Clean the control board using compressed air to remove dust and debris.
4. Restart the dishwasher.
5. Check for any codes on the display – solving any errors indicated by GE dishwasher error codes might fix the issue.
6. If none of that works, get a replacement.
7. Remove the old control board, noting connections.
8. Install the new control board securely.
9. Reassemble the dishwasher and restore power.
10. Test the dishwasher to ensure the new control board functions correctly.

Reason 3: Something’s Up With The Motor 

Motor problems in a GE dishwasher disrupt internal communication, causing the fan to run continuously post-wash. 

Faulty signals, sensor misinterpretation, or component miscommunication can trigger this issue, indicating the need for motor inspection or repair.

Fixing Motor Issue

I’ve seen people have this issue and it takes quite a bit of diagnosis to solve, but it should still be easy to fix. Here are all the things you can do:

1. Access the dishwasher’s motor and sensor locations.
2. Visually inspect the motor for damage, loose wires, or overheating.
3. Use a multimeter to test motor voltage.
4. Check the sensor for physical damage, clean it, and test its output signals using a multimeter.
5. Examine all wiring connections between the motor, sensor, control board, and fan for security and damage.
6. Use a continuity tester to check communication pathways between the motor, sensor, and control board.
7. Verify dishwasher settings and programming align with the user manual’s recommendations.
8. If any faults are found during inspection or testing, repair or replace the faulty components as needed.

Reason 4: There’s Bearing Damage

The bearings facilitate the fan’s smooth rotation. 

When these bearings wear out or suffer damage, they can create noisy disruptions during the fan’s operation, indicating a need for repair or replacement.

Fix Bearing Issue

It’s not possible to “fix” bearings, per se – you’ll need to swap with a replacement. Here’s how to do so: 

1. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply to ensure safety.
2. Locate the fan’s bearings, and remove any covers or panels obstructing access.
3. Carefully detach the damaged bearings from their housing. This might require specialized tools.
4. Acquire compatible replacement bearings. Insert and secure them into the designated spots, ensuring a snug fit.
5. Put back any covers or panels removed earlier.
6. Reconnect the dishwasher to the power supply.
7. Run a short cycle to ensure the fan operates smoothly without unusual noises, indicating successful bearing replacement.

FAQS

What are some maintenance tips to keep the vent fan of my GE dishwasher in good condition and avoid this issue?

To maintain your GE dishwasher’s vent fan, clean the surrounding area regularly to prevent debris buildup. Also follow proper loading guidelines to ensure adequate ventilation during cycles, promoting efficient performance and prolonging the fan’s lifespan.

Where is the vent on a GE Profile dishwasher?

On Profile models, the vent is usually hidden with a blower assembly inside the door.

How do I reset my GE dishwasher?

To reset your GE dishwasher, cancel the current cycle using the Cancel or Reset button. Turn off power by unplugging the dishwasher or switching off the circuit breaker. Wait for 30 seconds, then restore power. Run a test cycle to confirm the reset. Your dishwasher should be back to normal operation.

Why does my GE profile dishwasher vent fan keep running and the low rinse aid error code appears at the same time?

If the vent fan keeps running with the low rinse aid light on then it’s probably something connected to the control panel or motor – which should be solved if you went through my fixes regarding them earlier.

Final Thoughts

There, you should have your sweet, sweet quiet back again. Just follow the tips I mentioned and it’ll stay that way.

If you’re somehow still having your ears assaulted afterward, you might need to get a GE technician to look inside your dishwasher.

Good luck with fixing and happy dishwashing!