Generally, you expect your GE dishwasher to run as soon as you hit start, right? But what if it doesn’t, and you must deal with a GE dishwasher start button not working? What causes that?
A GE dishwasher’s start button won’t work because of failed power or water supply, locked controls, an unlatched door, a wrong cycle, or being stuck or damaged. But still, it could be a defective touchpad or control board or a wiring fault.
So, there are at least ten possible scenarios to check, and one could be why you can’t run your GE dishwasher. In light of that, we’ll examine the reasons behind the ten issues and their applicable fixes.
Moreover, we’ll look at other issues, such as a GE dishwasher that won’t start but only beeps or flashes. But first, let’s look at how you can reset your non-starting GE dishwasher, as sometimes that’s all it takes to get it working.
Let’s dive in!
In a hurry? Check out the ten issues that could stop the start button from working and their fixes in the table below:
GE Dishwasher Start Button Not Working – Quick Troubleshooting Guide
| – | Likely Cause | Recommended Fix |
| 1. | Failed Power Supply | Ensure the dishwasher has power by checking if its plugged in and turned on and resetting a tripped breaker |
| 2. | Failed Water Supply | Ensure the dishwasher has water by turning on the supply valve, getting rid of kinks, and replacing a faulty inlet valve |
| 3. | Locked Controls | Disable Control/Child Lock |
| 4. | Unlatched Door | Try latching the door firmly and replace a broken door latch or switch |
| 5. | Wrong Cycle | Reset the dishwasher |
| 6. | Stuck Start Button | Clean around the stuck start button to free it |
| 7. | Damaged Start Button | Replace the broken control panel |
| 8. | Defective Touchpad | Replace the touchpad |
| 9. | Defective Control Board | Replace the main control board |
| 10. | Dishwasher Wiring Fault | Call a dishwasher expert |
How to Reset A GE Dishwasher That Won’t Start?
Before looking at the individual issues that could be stopping your GE dishwasher from starting, consider resting it. Here’s how to do it:
Option 1 – Use The Reset Button
If your GE dishwasher has the reset button on the control panel, press it to reset the appliance. Some models require you to press Reset only once, while others require you to do it twice. Just to be sure, check your dishwasher manual.
Option 2 – Reboot The Dishwasher
Consider rebooting your GE dishwasher if you cannot find the reset button. This requires you to plug the dishwasher out of the power or turn it off from the breaker box for at least 30 seconds.
The dishwasher should reset once you restore its power supply, and if it doesn’t, consider the ten issues discussed below.
Why Your GE Dishwasher Start Button Is Not Working
Consider these ten issues if the start button won’t start your GE dishwasher when you press it:
1. The Dishwasher Lacks Power
You cannot expect your GE dishwasher to start running without power. In that case, check for anything that could interfere with its power supply, and that includes the following:
- Possible blackout
- Loosely plugged or unplugged dishwasher
- Failing to turn on the dishwasher
- Defective power outlet
- Tripped breaker
Fix
First, check if there’s power at home. If there’s a blackout, wait to use the dishwasher when the power is restored. If there’s no blackout, ensure the dishwasher power cable is firmly plugged in and switched on.
You can even try plugging another appliance or electronics, like a phone charger, into the socket to see if the socket is working. If it doesn’t, replace it. Meanwhile, check the circuit breaker to reset it if it tripped.
2. The Dishwasher Lacks Water Supply
Water is just as equally important as power when it comes to running a dishwasher. Without its power supply, your GE dishwasher won’t run. Generally, here are some reasons your GE dishwasher won’t get any water to run:
- Failing to turn on the water supply valve
- Possible kinks on the water supply line
- Defective water inlet valve (which you can determine if it won’t pass the multimeter’s continuity check).
Fix
First, ensure the dishwasher’s water supply valve is on. If it’s not, turn it on. Then, remove kinks/bends on the supply line by stretching out the tube. And if you can’t read any continuity on the water inlet valve while testing with a multimeter, replace it.
3. Control Lock Is On
The Control Lock safety feature stops the dishwasher’s control panel from being operable. That means the dishwasher won’t start until you disable this functionality.
Fix
Turn off the control lock if it’s on. You can refer to your manual on the steps to take as they vary between models.
4. The Dishwasher Door Is Open
Unless the dishwasher door is completely latched, the dishwasher won’t start. So, the door doesn’t necessarily have to be wide open for that to occur.
As long as the dishwasher reads the door to be open, even if it’s only slightly, it won’t run.
Here are possible reasons for an open door:
- Failing to latch the door firmly
- Possible obstructions like dirt and protruding dishes on the door
- Broken door latch or switch
Fix
Try to shut the dishwasher door firmly; if there are obstructions, remove them. If the door won’t close after that, inspect the latch for possible damage and replace it if that’s not the case.
You can also take the opportunity to test the micro switch in the latch for continuity using the multimeter.
Remember, the absence of continuity means the micro switch is defective, and you should replace it.
5. The Cycle Setting Could Be Unideal
Some dishwasher cycles stop the dishwasher from starting right away. Others prevent it from starting at all. These cycle settings include:
- Delay Start (which delays the dishwasher from starting)
- Demo Mode
- Sabbath Mode (Which automatically turns off the dishwasher’s light and timer)
- Sleep Mode (which puts the dishwasher in an inactive, energy-saving mode)
Fix
Consider resetting your dishwasher to override the above settings and allow your dishwasher to run on a default setting
6. The Start Button Could Be Stuck
It could be stuck if you find it hard to press the start button. If so, the reason could be too much dirt or grease around it, which prevents it from responding to commands.
So, you may need to visually examine the start button to determine if something obstructs it.
Fix
Clean around the start button and beneath it if it’s dirty or greasy before starting the dishwasher.
7. The Start Button Could Be Broken
Sometimes the start button won’t start the dishwasher because it’s damaged. Visually examine the start button to determine if that’s the case.
Fix
Consider replacing the control panel if there’s a broken start button.
8. The Touchpad Could Be Defective
The touchpad is likely defective if the start button and some other buttons are unresponsive (not all controls). To determine if that is the case, touch all the buttons on the touchpad. If some are working while others aren’t, the touchpad is defective.
Fix
Replace the dishwasher’s touchpad if you perceive it to be defective.
9. Defective Control Board (All GE Dishwasher Buttons Not Working)
Now, if it’s not just the start button but every other button on the control panel that won’t work, the cause is likely a defective control board. So, press all the switches to see if that’s the case, especially after ruling out any power issue.
Fix
Replace the control board if all buttons are non-responsive, and it’s not a power issue.
10. Possible Dishwasher Wiring Fault
Sometimes the problem is with the dishwashers’ intricate wiring. This issue is, however, hard to diagnose, and it’s, therefore, best to call an expert.
Fix
Call a dishwasher expert as your last option to check for any dishwasher wiring faults.
GE Dishwasher Not Working Start Button Flashing
If your GE dishwasher doesn’t start, but the start button flashes or blinks, it could be because of a setting like Control Lock or Delay Start, which you should disable.
If that’s not it, the blinking light could be due to an unlatched door which you should try to latch firmly, or an error code that you should troubleshoot. And if it’s neither, consider replacing the control panel or the user control display board.
GE Dishwasher Start Button Won’t Light Up
Your GE dishwasher’s start button won’t light up because it lacks power. Some of the explanations for that include:
- Power loss
- Electrical fault
- Tripped breaker
- loose/unplugged power cable
- Defective socket
- Failing to turn on the dishwasher
GE Dishwasher Not Starting Beeps 3 Times
If your GE dishwasher beeps three times but won’t start, it’s most likely because of an open door. So, you should inspect the door and try latching it.
At times, the dishwasher beeps thrice because of a power outage, and if that’s not it, it could be due to an internal leak or overflow. The last two issues (internal leak and overflow) can be challenging to fix DIY. So, call a dishwasher expert.
GE Dishwasher Won’t Start But Has Power
While the lack of power is often why most dishwashers won’t start, a GE dishwasher may fail to start even with power. If so, the cause could be any of the following:
- Active Control Lock
- The dishwasher is open (perhaps slightly)
- Wrong settings such as Start Delay, Sabbath Mode, and Demo Mode
- Failed water supply
- Stuck or damaged start button
People Also Ask
1. But How Do You Start A GE Dishwasher Without the Start Button?
Pressing its reset button is the only easy way to start a GE dishwasher without the start button. That allows the dishwasher to reboot and restart itself. It, however, takes time, which means it’s not a perfect replacement for the dishwasher’s start button.
2. What Do You Do When Your GE Dishwasher Won’t Start?
You can troubleshoot a non-starting GE dishwasher in several ways, and here are the most typical tips:
- Reset the dishwasher
- Check the dishwasher’s power supply and fix any power issues if the dishwasher lacks power
- Check the dishwasher’s water supply and fix any issue preventing the dishwasher from getting water
- Disable Control Lock
- Firmly latch the dishwasher door if it’s open, even slightly
- Clean the start button if it’s stuck
3. Does GE Dishwasher Have a Reset Button?
Not all GE dishwashers have a reset button, but some do. Just look at your manual to determine where to locate the reset button, and if you can’t find it, reset the dishwasher by unplugging it for at least 30 seconds.
Closing Thought on a GE Dishwasher Start Button Not Working:
Generally, there’s always an underlying issue when the GE dishwasher won’t start when you press the start button. Sometimes the problem is the start button itself, which could be stuck or broken, or it could be the lack of power or water, the wrong setting, the Control Lock, or an unlatched door.
And if that’s not it, it could be a defective touchpad, a dead main control board, or a dishwasher wiring fault.
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