GE dishwasher not filling

Why is my GE dishwasher not filling with water?

When your GE dishwasher is not filling with water, the problem could be as simple as something stuck in the overfill float or an issue with the water supply line. Of course, several other problems including a failed water inlet valve, bad door switch, defective electronic control board or a wiring failure can also prevent your GE dishwasher from filling.

This DIY troubleshooting video provides expert tips on finding the cause of the failure in your GE dishwasher:

Basic troubleshooting steps

• Close the dishwasher door fully so it latches; otherwise it can’t fill.
• Check to see if the dishwasher water supply valve is turned on. You'll likely find this valve under the sink or in the basement under your dishwasher. You might be surprised at how many people shut this valve off when they go on vacation and forget to turn it back on.
• Look for an item stuck underneath the over fill float in the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Remove the item if you find one stuck there and the dishwasher should fill.

Check for a clog in water inlet valve screen

1. Shut off the water supply valve and disconnect electrical power by unplugging the dishwasher or shutting off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher.
2. Remove the bottom panel mounting screws and pull off the bottom front access panel and toe panel.
3. Remove the front dishwasher door panel if necessary to access the water inlet valve.
4. Place a towel under the water valve to catch water and disconnect the water supply line from the valve.

Use a mirror to check for a clogged inlet screen. If you can't use a mirror to check the screen, remove the mounting screw and pull the valve off the bracket.

Replace the water valve if you find the screen clogged.

Note: Don’t try to clean a clogged water inlet valve screen. Debris from the clogged screen can get into the valve body, causing the valve to stick open and possibly flood your kitchen.

Here's a video that shows you how to replace the valve:

If you’re not completely confident that you can safely replace the water inlet valve on your own, schedule dishwasher repair and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to install the new part.

Check the water supply

Check for water flow through the supply line.

Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket and briefly open the valve to check water flow through the supply line.

If the water doesn't flow, have a plumber fix the water supply to your dishwasher.

Test the dishwasher door switch

Follow these steps to test the dishwasher door switch:

1. Remove the door latch mounting screws and pull the door latch assembly off.
2. Hold down the switch lever and measure the resistance across the pins using a multimeter.

A door switch that’s working properly measures continuity or near 0 ohms of resistance.

If you measure infinite resistance, replace the door latch assembly.

If the door switch is okay, continue following the troubleshooting tips shown in the video to find the cause of the fill failure.

If you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the fill problem on your own, schedule repair service and we’ll send a technician to your home to fix the dishwasher.

What to expect when you experience a GE dishwasher not filling issue

How is the not filling problem fixed?

Correcting most not filling problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, pump and motor assembly or user interface control. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that is not filling

When the dishwasher is not filling it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

When you need professional GE dishwasher repair service to fix a problem, schedule an appointment with Sears Home Services.

What to look out for with a dishwasher not filling diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

GE Dishwasher Does Not Fill With Water Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting a GE dishwasher that does not fill with water begins with checking for an item stuck under the overfill float. If that float gets stuck in the “up” position, the inlet water valve won’t get electrical current. A switch under the overfill float shuts off power to the inlet water valve to prevent flooding. If you find an item such as a fork under the overfill float, remove it. Your GE dishwasher may fill properly.

Check the water supply cut-off valve when your GE dishwasher does not fill with water. If that valve is shut, the dishwasher won’t get water. Open the cut-off valve if you find it shut.

A clogged inlet screen on the inlet water valve for the dishwasher can also prevent your GE dishwasher from filling. Checking that inlet screen is difficult because it is at the very bottom of the dishwasher. If you are an avid DIY’er, you can shut off the electrical power supply and the water supply to the dishwasher and disconnect the water supply line from the inlet water valve to check that screen. Use the installation instructions for your GE dishwasher to get help accessing the inlet water valve. Check the screen for deposits and debris. Replace the inlet water valve if you find that screen clogged. Although it is tempting to clean that screen and reconnect the water supply line, you can cause a flood in your kitchen if a piece of debris or deposit gets past that screen and enters the inlet water valve body and causes the inlet water valve to stick open slightly. Have a service technician inspect the screen and replace the inlet water valve if you’re not completely confident that you can complete that task yourself.

Other problems that you may face when your GE dishwasher does not fill include a failed inlet water valve, bad electronic control board, faulty overfill float switch and a wiring failure. Schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services technician if you’re unable to find and fix the filling problem yourself.
An empty GE dishwasher through the entire cycle suggests a stuck float switch or blocked inlet valve. Without water, soap can’t dissolve or rinse away debris. Instead of manually cleaning each dish, schedule fix dishwasher near me. Restoring water flow lets your machine handle tough grime and baked-on residue.