GE Dishwasher Not Turning On? Here’s Why

GE dishwashers are known to be extremely reliable appliances, which makes it even more frustrating when something goes wrong! If you’ve gone to turn on your GE dishwasher and nothing is happening, don’t freak out just yet! We’ll walk you through the most common causes and fixes for this issue, helping you troubleshoot your dishwasher and find a solution. 

This guide covers all main models of GE dishwashers, including: 

DDW550B-45

DDW550B-48

DDW550B-55

DDW650B-45

DDW650B-48

DDW650B-55

GDT655SSJ0SS

GDT695SMJ0ES

GLDT696T00SS

GSD2200G00WW

GSD2200G02WW

GSD3200J00WW

GSD3400G00WW

GSD4030Z02WW

GSD6660G00SS

PDW7880G00SS

PDW7880J10SS

PDW8280J00SS

PDW8280J10SS

PDW9280J00SS

SD4920X66BB

Power Supply Issues

This is obvious, but your dishwasher needs a stable power supply to function! There are a few causes of power supply issues – there could be an issue with the power supply to your home, an issue with the circuit breaker, or even an issue with your GE dishwasher’s power cord.

To diagnose the nature of the problem, first check to ensure other appliances in your home are working. If everything seems normal, try plugging a different appliance into the dishwasher’s power outlet to rule out any issues with that particular outlet. 

To fix:

• If there is power everywhere in your house apart from the outlet your dishwasher is plugged into, the problem is likely a tripped circuit breaker. This can occur due to a power surge. 
• To fix this, locate the circuit board and look for any tripped circuit breakers. 
• Reset any tripped breakers, then test your dishwasher to see if it will now turn on. 

Important Note: 

If you notice any damage to the dishwasher’s power cord, immediately unplug it from the power outlet. It could lead to electric shock and serious injury. If you have electrical DIY experience, you can try replacing the power cord yourself, but if you have any reservations about this task, ensure you call in a professional. 

Door Latch Issues

The door latch on your GE dishwasher is what makes sure the dishwasher door stays tightly closed during its wash cycles. This prevents leaks, but if the switch is malfunctioning, it might be preventing your dishwasher from starting at all. 

If the latch is the issue, you may notice the control board is still lighting up, but you’re unable to start a cycle.

To fix this issue:

• Firstly, manually close the door to see if it seems to be closing correctly. If there’s an issue with the latch, you might not hear that ‘click’ noise when you push the door firmly closed. 
• Check the latch for any obstructions. In some cases, the latch might get food scraps or other debris stuck in it, preventing it from closing. If you notice any debris, clean the latch mechanism thoroughly with a small brush to ensure it’s totally clean, then try the latch again. 
• Inspect the latch for any signs of damage or misalignment. If the latch appears damaged, it will need replacing. 
• Order a replacement latch assembly – you can order these from an online supplier. Just make sure that the part you order is compatible with the model of your GE dishwasher. 
• Turn off the dishwasher, then remove the old latch mechanism. In some cases, these will unscrew. If you’re unsure what to do, consult your user’s manual. 
• Replace the old latch with the new one, ensuring all wires and screws are correctly in place. 
• Check to see if the dishwasher is now turning on properly. 

Issues with the Control Board

You can think of the control board as your dishwasher’s brain – it controls all of the dishwasher’s functions. If there’s a control board issue, your dishwasher might not turn on, or the buttons may be non-responsive. 

There are a few different options for fixing this issue:

Stuck Button Fix

• First, check to make sure all of the buttons on the display are functioning. It’s possible that a stuck button can be to blame for your GE dishwasher not turning on, so make sure you rule this out before moving on to more drastic fixes. Use your fingertip to gently massage all the buttons to free any that might be stuck.
• If all the buttons appear to be normal, move on to the next step.

Hard Reset Fix

If your dishwasher experienced a power surge, the control board may have temporarily experienced an error. In this case, a hard reset can solve the issue. 

• Unplug your dishwasher from the power supply and leave it unplugged for at least 10 minutes. 
• Plug it back in, and try turning it on. If it now turns back on, the hard reset has worked! If not, check out our next step. 

Replace Control Board

This step is not for the inexperienced! Replacing the control board requires some basic electrical DIY skills, so if you don’t feel confident doing this, call in an expert. It’s also worthwhile considering how old your dishwasher is before replacing the control board. If it’s getting close to 10 years old, it may be coming to the end of its normal lifespan, and it may be more cost-effective to replace it. 

To replace it:

• Search online for a replacement control board that fits the make and model of your GE dishwasher.
• Unplug your dishwasher, follow the plans in your GE dishwasher manual, remove the dishwasher’s front panel, and take out the old control board, ensuring you keep a record of how the wiring is put together. 
• Place the new control board into the dishwasher and connect the wiring. 
• Replace the front panel.
• Restore power to your dishwasher, then turn it on and run a test cycle. If the installation was successful, your dishwasher will now be working correctly once again.