GE Dishwasher No Power: 7 Reasons Why It Won’t Run

The reasons for your GE dishwasher not getting power include a worn power control board, tripped fuse, malfunctioning UI board, loose power cord, GFI/GFCI outlet glitches, or installation missteps. To revive it, try replacing the board, securing the cord, resetting outlets, and ensuring a proper installation. 

Keep reading to learn how to do all these things.

Why Does My Ge Dishwasher Have No Power?

Let’s walk you through all the reasons in detail:

Reason 1: Malfunctioning Power Control Board 

In aging GE dishwashers, the power control board, responsible for managing and distributing electrical power, can degrade over time.

This deterioration may result from wear and tear or electronic failures, causing disruptions in the power supply chain and preventing the dishwasher from initiating its cycle.

Reason 2: Fuse or Circuit Breaker

Fuses and circuit breakers function as safety measures to protect electrical appliances. 

Yours might have tripped during a sudden power surge or internal irregularities, cutting off the power supply.

Reason 3: Malfunctioning UI Board

The user interface board serves as the intermediary between user commands and the dishwasher’s operational functions. 

When it malfunctions, it disrupts the communication channel, rendering the dishwasher unresponsive to user inputs.

Reason 4: Loose Power Cord

The power cord is a vital link in ensuring your dishwasher receives the necessary electrical supply. 

If the power cord becomes loose due to vibrations during operation or mishandling, the dishwasher loses its power connection. 

This results in a silent and inactive dishwasher, as it lacks the necessary electricity to initiate its cleaning cycle.

Reason 5: GFI/GFCI Outlet That Needs Reset

Dishwashers are often connected to Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets for safety reasons. 

If these outlets detect a ground fault, such as water leakage or faulty wiring, they trip, cutting off power to the dishwasher.

Reason 6: Installation Issue If The Dishwasher’s New

During the installation of a new dishwasher, meticulous attention to detail is a must. 

Issues such as incorrect wiring, plumbing, or incomplete connections can lead to disruptions in the power supply, preventing the dishwasher from starting. 

Reason 7: Leak Protection Feature Is On (For Models With LCD Display)

If your dishwasher has a Leak Protection Feature, it might be the reason it’s not starting.

When a potential leak is detected, the dishwasher goes on pause, holding off on the wash cycle until you sort out the issue causing the possible leak.

How To Fix GE Dishwasher No Power Issue

Now, here’s all the stuff you can do to make it start working properly again.

Solution 1: Turn Off Leak Protection

Let’s start with the more basic stuff first. If your washer might have triggered its leak protection this is what you need to do:

1. Examine the area under the dishwasher for water.
2. Remove the kick plate to access the base.
3. Tighten any loose connections.
4. Check and replace damaged door gaskets.
5. After fixing and cleaning up any possible leaks, reset the dishwasher and see if it turns on.

Solution 2: Fixing the Power Control Board

More often than not, this is usually what the issue is. Here’s a quick rundown of how to take care of a messed up power control module.

1. Unplug the dishwasher and remove the kick panel screws.
2. Disconnect the modular plug and access the power board.
3. Take out the gold screws and brackets.
4. Wiggle and remove the power board.
5. Disconnect plugs attached to the board.
6. Lift the circuit board from the metal bracket and remove the grounding screw.
7. Position a new board and secure it.
8. Reconnect plugs to the new board.
9. Secure the metal bracket with gold screws, then reattach the kick panel with screws.
10. Secure bracket for the plug and cover.
11. Test the dishwasher again to ensure proper operation.

Solution 3: Take Care Of Home Power

Sometimes, it might not be your washer at all that’s having the issue. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Confirm the dishwasher is plugged into a functioning outlet.
2. Check the home’s electrical panel for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
3. Reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse, if needed.
4. Use a voltage tester to check for power at the dishwasher’s electrical connection.

Solution 4: Replacing The UI Board

If the power control board did nothing, it might be the main UI board itself. Here’s how to replace it.

1. Disconnect the power and remove the kick plate.
2. Unplug the power harness from the control panel.
3. Remove bottom screws, vent cap, and separate the door.
4. Release control panel cover clips and identify the personality setting.
5. Adjust new interface tabs, secure it, and snap the cover back.
6. Align and secure the outer door panel with screws.
7. Reconnect the power, turn it on, and check for display lights.
8. Reattach the kick plate.
9. Test for leaks, run a cycle and confirm button functionality.
10. Ensure the door closes securely.

Solution 5: Fixing The Power Cord

It might be your dishwasher’s cord itself that’s the issue. Do the following to make sure it works:

1. Unplug the dishwasher.
2. Inspect the power cord for damage or fraying.
3. Check the connections at both ends.
4. If detachable, examine the internal wiring for damage.
5. Use a continuity tester to check for breaks in the wiring.
6. Replace the power cord if damage is found,

Solution 6: Inspect The GFCI Outlet

Sometimes washers are installed with a GFCI Outlet, you should check yours to see if it has one and is working correctly. Just to make sure, do the following:

1. Press the “reset” button on the outlet. Listen for a click to indicate it has reset.
2. Investigate potential causes for the tripping, such as water near the outlet or a faulty dishwasher component.
3. If the outlet trips again, consider consulting an electrician to inspect and address any underlying issue.

Solution 7: Check For Installation Issues

Finally, the last thing that could’ve gone wrong is the installation. You can double-check the following to see if that’s the case:

1. Review the dishwasher’s manual, focusing on electrical and plumbing requirements.
2. Confirm correct wiring and inspect for any damage.
3. Ensure proper water supply connection without hose kinks.
4. Check and adjust the dishwasher level using a spirit level.
5. For persistent issues, perform advanced diagnostics with a multimeter.

If any issues pop up, you should call the person you got the dishwasher installed by to help you with it.

Final Thoughts

Your GE dishwasher might be down, but it’s not out. 

With a bit of finesse in tackling internals and taking care of some loose ends, you’ll be on your way to having your kitchen’s trusty companion back in action.

That’s all for this post! Good luck with getting your GE Dishwasher up and running again!