GE dishwasher not washing

Common reasons your GE dishwasher is not washing

The most common reasons your GE dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.

  • 60%

    60% of the time it's the
    Pump and Motor Assembly

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Spray Arm

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a GE dishwasher

Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement

A faulty pump and motor assembly is often causing the problem when your dishwasher is not washing the dishes. The pump sends water up through the spray arms to clean dishes during the cycle. When a broken pump impeller or failed motor prevents the pump from working, dishes won’t get sprayed clean. You may hear unusual noises from the pump and motor assembly such as buzzing or grinding when it isn’t working and dishes don’t get clean. Schedule in-home repair through Sears Home Services to have a technician visit your home and fix the dishwasher when a faulty pump is apparent.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A dishwasher that is not washing could have a defective electronic control board. The control board will freeze up and fail to send current to the wash motor when its internal memory and logic is corrupted. A failed internal electronic relay or bad electronic part on the circuit board could be causing the control board to freeze up and not continue working properly. Determining whether a control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair your dishwasher when it won’t wash.

Spray Arm Replacement

A clogged spray arm can prevent water from reaching dishes when the dishwasher is not washing dishes properly. Hard water deposits or debris can build up around the spray arm holes so water won’t spray out of the spray arm properly. The spray arm also won’t spin properly if spray holes are clogged. When your dishwasher won’t wash the dishes properly, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit you home and examine the dishwasher. The technician will clear clogs in the spray arms to fix the cleaning problem.

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

How is the not washing problem fixed?

Correcting most not washing problems usually involves replacing the pump and motor assembly, electronic control board or spray arm. 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 washing

When the dishwasher is not washing 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.

What to look out for with a dishwasher not washing 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.

A GE dishwasher that fills but won’t spray or scrub typically faces a broken pump or jammed spray arms. Leftover food remains baked onto each dish. For a swift fix, choose dishwasher servicing near me. Reinstating the wash action ensures you get the gleaming plates you rely on.

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Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


James G, Hillsboro, MO

Daniel

Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE dishwasher not washing dishes?
A clogged spray arm, faulty water inlet valve, or broken pump could prevent the dishwasher from washing. Inspect these components for any blockages or damage.
How can I fix my GE dishwasher if it’s not washing?
Check the spray arm for any blockages and ensure the water inlet valve is working. If necessary, clean or replace the pump or valve.
Could a clogged spray arm cause my GE dishwasher not to wash?
Yes, if the spray arm is clogged, it won’t be able to distribute water effectively, causing washing issues. Clean the spray arm to fix this.
What should I do if my GE dishwasher won’t wash the dishes?
Start by inspecting the spray arm and water inlet valve. If they’re not the issue, check the dishwasher pump for blockages.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

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Glossary Terms

A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

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