GE Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode Instructions

If you’re having issues with your GE dishwasher and you can’t pinpoint the exact problem, the diagnostic mode would save you time and help you get to the root of it easily. 

When you run the diagnostic mode, it will run a test on the dishwasher and at the end, display an error code that tells you what the problem is.

In this article, you will find out how to run diagnostic modes on different GE dishwasher models and how to fix the error codes that come after. 

GE Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode Instructions

Entering Diagnostic Mode on GE Dishwashers (GDF510PGD, GDF520PGD, GDF530PGD, GDF540PGD, GDF550PGD models):

• Make sure the dishwasher is not running a cycle and is in the cycle selection mode (Stand-by Mode).
• Press and hold the “Cycle Select” and “Start” buttons together for 5 seconds.
• Note that you can only enter the diagnostic mode from the Error Code Display Mode on these models.
• Once in Error Mode, press and hold the “Cycle Start” button for about five seconds to activate the tests.
• Press the “Cycle Select” button each time you want to select the next test, and press “Start” to start or stop a test.

Exiting Diagnostic Mode on GE Dishwashers (GDF510PGD, GDF520PGD, GDF530PGD, GDF540PGD, GDF550PGD models)

To cancel Service Mode from the Load Control Mode, press and hold the “Cycle Select” and “Start” buttons simultaneously for 1-2 seconds.

Entering Factory Diagnostic Mode on GE GLDT690T Dishwasher:

• Turn off the dishwasher and ensure no LEDs are lit.
• Disconnect power to the dishwasher.
• Reconnect power while the door is open and quickly press and hold the “Delay” and “ON/OFF” buttons together.
• Close the door. All the LEDs and the SSD will flash every second until you select the next step by pressing the Select Button.

Exiting Diagnostic Mode on GE GLDT690T Dishwasher

To exit the diagnostic mode, press the “ON/OFF” button or disconnect power.

Entering Service Mode on GE Triton Dishwasher

• Press and hold the “Cookware” and “Heated Dry” buttons simultaneously for about 3 seconds.

Exiting Service Mode on GE Triton Dishwasher

• Press the “Start/Reset” button at any time during the test cycle to cancel.

Entering Diagnostic Mode on GE Profile Dishwasher (PDW8900 Series)

• Press and hold the “Cookware” and “Heated Dry” buttons together for about 3 seconds.

Exiting Diagnostic Mode on GE Profile Dishwasher (PDW8900 Series)

• Press the “Start/Reset” button at any time.

Entering Diagnostic Mode on GE Profile Dishwashers (PDW9700 and PDW9900 Series) 

• Press and hold the “Down” arrow and “Heated Dry” buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.

Exiting Diagnostic Mode on GE Profile Dishwashers (PDW9700 and PDW9900 Series)

• Press the “Start/Reset” button at any time.

Entering Service Mode on Some GE Dishwashers

• Press and hold the “Cycle Select” button for about 5 seconds (can only switch to service mode during Error Code Display/Diagnostic Mode). 
• To start the test, press the “Start” button. 
• Press the “Start” button again to abort the test or the “Cycle Select” button to stop the ongoing test and select the next planned test. 
• Note that the control will only begin testing when the dishwasher door is closed (the Start light will flash to indicate the door is open).

GE Dishwasher Error Codes & Fixes

• H + number: This means the dishwasher is set to start at a later time. To cancel the delayed start mode, do not open the door. It will automatically start at the scheduled time.
• C1: The dishwasher is taking too long to drain. To fix this, clean the air gap, check and reposition the hose, and run the disposer to remove any blockages. If the problem continues, seek professional service.
• C2: The dishwasher’s draining cycle is exceeding the normal time limit. Press the RESET button to stop the beeping sound.
• C3: The dishwasher is not draining. To resolve this, disconnect the power and reset the dishwasher.
• C4: After a power failure, the machine has filled with water twice. This could be due to a stuck or faulty float switch or a clogged drain or sump. Press the start and then cancel/reset buttons. Tap the plastic cover (float cover) in the front left corner to release the float. Check the sump area at the back bottom of the tub for any debris. If the issue persists, contact service.
• C5: The dishwasher’s pump out time is too short. Ensure that the water supply is turned on and try running the same cycle again. Tap the plastic cover (float cover) in the front left corner to unstick the float.
• C6: The water temperature is too low. The incoming water should be at least 120 degrees F. Before starting the dishwasher, run the faucet nearby to remove any cold water from the line. Adjust the water heater temperature and avoid using other appliances that use hot water at the same time.
• C7: The dishwasher’s water temperature sensor circuit is not working. Disconnect the power for 30 seconds at the circuit breaker and then reset the dishwasher. If the problem persists, contact service.
• C8: This indicates that the detergent cup is blocked and not opening fully. Remove any obstruction such as silverware or a pan. Close the door again and wait 30 seconds for the cup to open.
• PF code: It means there was a power failure to the dishwasher. Simply select the desired cycle and options, press the Start button, and the dishwasher will function normally.
• Cup Open: The detergent cup has not been closed properly. It serves as a reminder to add detergent and latch the cup closed. If this happens, press the start button again without opening the door. If the issue continues, contact service.
• LEAK DETECTED: The dishwasher has detected a possible leak. The cycle will be canceled on models with leak detection. If you see this message, contact service.
• 999: This indicates a possible leak on models with the “Floor Protect with Alert” feature. For other models, the dishwasher’s control unit needs to be reset. If the dishwasher doesn’t start, contact service.
• H2O: It means there is low water in the dishwasher. If H2O appears only during the 1-Hour Wash cycle, schedule service. For other wash cycles (AutoSense, Heavy, Normal, or Light), check that the inlet water hose is not bent or blocked. If the issue persists, call for service.