GE dishwashers gained popularity as soon as their initial model was introduced to the public. Despite being commonplace today, with competitors like Whirlpool and Samsung in the market, they are still susceptible to operational issues.
So, what might be causing the start button on your GE dishwasher to become unresponsive?
The GE dishwasher start button may cease to function due to a buildup of dirt, a malfunctioning trap and filter, or electrical issues. It’s possible that you inadvertently activated the control lock, forgot to secure the door properly, or selected an incorrect dishwasher setting. Additionally, if you have set a cycle delay, the start button will not initiate the cycle.
I understand the frustration of eagerly wanting to clean your dishes, only to discover that your GE dishwasher won’t start.
However, the problem may not be as serious as it seems. Based on my experience, the issue could be as minor as failing to close the door securely or neglecting to turn on the power.
Let’s explore the reasons behind your GE dishwasher’s unresponsive start button and discuss potential solutions to resolve the problem.
Reasons Why Your GE Dishwasher Start Button Isn’t Working
1. Your GE Dishwasher Isn’t Getting Power
The reason why the start button on your GE dishwasher may be unresponsive is likely due to a power-related problem within your home. I recommend starting by inspecting the power source to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Firstly, make sure you’ve connected the dishwasher to a functioning electrical outlet and confirm that the power switch is in the ON position.
Next, examine your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box for any tripped breakers or blown fuses. If you find any blown fuses, replace them, and if there are tripped breakers, reset them to their proper position.
2. The Water Supply of Your GE Dishwasher May Be Off
If your GE dishwasher’s start button isn’t responding as it should, the issue might be related to the water supply system integrated into the machine.
In my own experience, if faced with this problem, I would start by checking if the water supply valve is turned to the ON position and adjust it if it’s not. Additionally, I would inspect the water supply hose for any kinks or tears.
I suggest you follow the same steps. Also, gently straighten out any kinks in the hose. However, if you notice any signs of leaks or damage on the water supply hose, it’s advisable to have it replaced.
I recommend considering the Kelaro dishwasher installation kit, which is an easy-to-install solution made of premium grade 304 stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance.
But if both the water supply valve and hose are functioning properly, a malfunctioning water inlet valve could be the reason why your GE dishwasher’s button isn’t responding.
The water inlet valve plays a crucial role in allowing water into the dishwasher at the appropriate times during the wash cycle. I strongly recommend inspecting the water inlet valve and replacing it if necessary.
3. Your Unit Has Incorrect Cycle Settings
A GE dishwasher won’t initiate unless you’ve selected a wash cycle or if you’ve chosen the wrong cycle to run.
The good news is that you can swiftly resolve this problem by simply pressing and holding down the Start button for up to three seconds. This action will deactivate the current wash cycle and allow the machine to restart correctly.
Once you’ve disabled the current wash cycle, starting the dishwasher for a second time should pose no difficulties—provided there are no other underlying issues.
4. The Unit’s Control Lock is Active
If the control lock (also known as the kid lock function) is engaged, pressing the start button won’t activate the unit.
I fully appreciate the importance of the Control Lock feature. It serves multiple valuable purposes, such as preventing children from interfering with the ongoing wash cycle and from initiating new ones. Additionally, it helps ensure that hands and feet stay out of the bottom racks, reducing the risk of accidents, such as broken fingers, especially among young children who might not be able to resist reaching in.
Before you can use the control panel, you must deactivate the control lock. To turn off the Control Lock function on GE dishwashers, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Lock pad for three seconds.
- Enter your four-digit passcode if prompted.
- When the Control Lock function is successfully turned off, the lock symbol will blink twice, indicating that you have successfully deactivated the lock.
Now, press the start button again to see if it functions as expected.
Pros and Cons of Ge Dishwasher
Pros
- Includes steam options and bottle jets
- Offers Dry Boost setting
- Top-mounted control panel
Cons
- Dry Boost leads to three hour cycle time
Differences Between GE Dishwashers and Bosch Dishwashers
GE Dishwashers
While GE dishwashers are not particularly loud, they may have noise levels in the range of 46-60 decibels (dB), with some quieter models available.
Bosch Dishwashers
Bosch is renowned for its quiet dishwashers, with many models featuring noise levels below 44 dB. Some Bosch models are among the quietest dishwashers on the market.
Alternative to GE Dishwasher
Amana Dishwashers
- Offers affordable options with straightforward features.
- SoilSense cycle optimizes water and energy usage.
- Ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly dishwasher.
5. You Haven’t Latched the Unit’s Door
The reason why the start button on your GE dishwasher isn’t responding is likely due to the door not being properly closed as it should be. Take a moment to check if there’s anything obstructing the door, which could include improperly loaded dishes inside the unit.
You might need to remove some or all of the dishes from the dishwasher and reload them one by one. Ensure that the door closes fully and that the latch is engaged properly.
However, if your GE dishwasher still won’t start even after you’ve closed the door correctly, it’s possible that the door latch or switch is damaged. A faulty door latch will not signal the dishwasher to start, even if it’s engaged. Similarly, if the door switch is defective, it won’t transmit the necessary electrical signals to initiate the dishwasher.
In either case, you may need to replace both components. The GE WD13X10003 Dishwasher Door Latch is a suitable option to consider for a replacement. This original door latch replacement is compatible with multiple models and is designed for easy installation, eliminating the need for professional assistance.
6. There May Be a Problem with the Touchpad
Please confirm that the display is functioning correctly. For most models, this entails holding down a key for approximately five seconds.
Keep in mind that certain displays remain illuminated as long as the power is active, while others may briefly light up and then turn off, even when the unit is in use.
Next, test each button to ensure they are operating as anticipated. If you observe that the start button fails to initiate the dishwasher when you attempt to start it again, there is a high probability that the touchpad is experiencing an issue.
In such a situation, the recommended course of action would be to replace the entire control panel. One of the top choices available for GE dishwashers is the Ge WD34X22262 Genuine OEM Dishwasher Control Panel.
Opting for the replacement of the complete control panel is advised, as it is typically a more straightforward process. Furthermore, the cost of the replacement is typically less than $150, making it a relatively affordable solution.
7. The Control Board is Faulty
A malfunctioning control board can lead to a range of issues, including unresponsive buttons and the dishwasher failing to start.
If you suspect that the control board might be the issue, you can try disconnecting and then re-plugging your dishwasher’s control panel. Sometimes, simply reestablishing the connection between the control board and the control panel can resolve the problem.
To test the control board further, you can unplug the system and remove the motherboard. Afterwards, you can connect a known-good power supply to the motherboard to assess its functionality.
If your attempts to troubleshoot the main control board do not yield positive results, you may need to replace the entire control board. An example of a suitable control board for a GE dishwasher is the GE WD21X24901 Dishwasher Electronic Control Board.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when faced with the frustrating issue of a GE dishwasher start button not working, there are several potential causes and solutions to consider.
We explored various possibilities, including power supply problems, door latch issues, touchpad malfunctions, and control board failures. It’s important to troubleshoot each of these potential problems systematically to pinpoint the exact issue.
Ensuring the power supply is functional, checking the door latch and switch, testing the touchpad and control panel, and assessing the control board’s condition are essential steps in diagnosing and resolving the problem.
Ultimately, the ability to identify and address the root cause of a non-responsive start button is not only convenient for daily use but also helps extend the lifespan of your GE dishwasher, ensuring it continues to serve you efficiently for years to come.