GE washer not filling

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

How is the not filling problem fixed?

Correcting most not filling problems usually involves replacing the water valve assembly, electronic control board or water level pressure switch. 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.

Search for GE washer repair near me and you'll find Sears Home Services in your neighborhood and ready to fix your washing machine.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer that is not filling

When the washer 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 washer failures.

What to look out for with a washer not filling diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer 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 Washer Won’t Fill Troubleshooting

When your GE washer won’t fill, check to make sure that the lid is shut on a top loader or the front load washer door is closed fully. Most GE washers won’t start the cycle and begin filling if the door or lid is open. If the door or lid is shut but the control doesn’t accurately detect the lid or door position, you’ll likely need to have the washer serviced by a technician. Schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.

The next thing to check when your GE washer won’t fill is the water supply faucets behind the washing machine. Make sure that those water supply faucets are fully open. If you find them shut, open the faucets to supply water to your GE washer and it should start filling.

If you suspect a problem with the water supply going to your washer, shut off the water supply valves and disconnect the fill hoses from the back of the washing machine. Place the ends of the fill hoses in a bucket and briefly open the water supply valves to check water flow through the fill hoses. If you have no water supply going to the washer, have a plumber fix the washer water supply.

If these basic troubleshooting tips don’t help you find and resolve the problem with your GE washer that won’t fill, schedule washer repair service and we’ll fix the fill problem for you.

Why is my GE Washer Not Filling All the Way?

If you have an HE (high-efficiency) GE washer not filling all the way, you may not be used to the lower water level that the washer uses if your previous washer was a conventional deep fill model. Even if you use the deep fill option on a GE HE washer, the control will only add about 3 more gallons of water.

For a front-load washer, you’ll barely be able to see the water in the bottom of the washer because the HE front loader uses very little water to clean clothes.

Becoming accustomed to the water fill levels in HE washers takes time many people. The HE washers will still clean clothes effectively using much less water than a conventional top-load washer. Just don’t overload an HE washer and use HE detergent to avoid excessive suds. Also, you’ll typically only need about a tablespoon of HE detergent to clean most loads in an HE washer.

If you have a conventional deep fill GE washer not filling all the way, a problem with the water level pressure switch is often the cause of the problem. Schedule washer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix the fill problem.

Why isn't my GE washing machine filling up with water?

Watch this video and get DIY troubleshooting tips to discover if the problem is your washing machine water valves, a kink in the water hose or some type of clog.

1. Check that the lid is completely closed.

Washing machines have a safety switch that prevents the washer from operating if the lid is open. If you’re washer isn’t filling with water, make sure the lid is completely closed.

If it is closed, check to see if the strike on the lid is broken, preventing it from making contact with the lid switch. If the strike is broken, it should be replaced.

2. Make sure the hot and cold water supplies are on.

It may seem obvious, but it’s possible the water supply faucet handles aren’t on. Ensure both the hot and cold water faucets are in the “on” position. You may want to move them to “off” and then to “on” again.

3. See if the fill hoses are kinked.

Check the hoses that lead from water supply to the back of the machine and make sure they’re not kinked. If you do find a kink, reposition the hose to remove the kink, and make sure the hoses remain in a position that prevents kinking again.

4. Check if the water inlet screens are clogged.

Sometimes the screens on the water inlet valve become clogged with mineral buildup. Remove the water fill hoses from the inlet valve and use a soft cloth to clean the screens. Don’t remove the screens — this could possibly cause flooding. If the screens are clogged and you can’t get them clean, the water valve should be replaced.

After checking the screens, reinstall the hoses and turn the water back on. Make sure there aren’t any leaks.

Advanced Troubleshooting and Repair Tips

If your washing machine fails to fill with water after basic troubleshooting, there might be underlying issues that warrant repair. One possible culprit could be a faulty water inlet valve. Over time, these valves can become clogged with debris, preventing the free flow of water. A malfunctioning valve requires replacement.

A faulty pressure switch could also cause the washer not fill. The pressure switch monitors the water level in the machine and sends signals to start or stop the filling process. A malfunctioning pressure switch might incorrectly signal that the desired water level has been reached, causing the machine to not fill properly.

Another potential source of the issue could be a malfunctioning control board or timer. If these components fail to communicate the appropriate signals, the washing cycle may not fill or may start to fill but with not enough water to perform a wash cycle.

A blockage or obstruction within the machine's internal hoses or filters could restrict water flow. Sediment buildup or foreign objects might impede the passage of water, necessitating a thorough cleaning or replacement of affected components. In such cases, seeking professional repair services can help diagnose and rectify the underlying problems, ensuring your washing machine resumes its normal functionality.

Here's an advanced DIY troubleshooting video that shows how to systematically check all issues that can prevent a common top-load washer from filling.

Check Water Flow

Check for water flow through the fill hoses by unplugging the washer, turning off the faucets and disconnecting the hoses from the back of the washer. Hold each hose end over a bucket and briefly turn on the faucet. If you don't have any water coming out, check for a clog in the hoses. If the hoses are okay, you could have a problem with your house water supply.

Is water inlet valve working?

Check for continuity through the entire electrical circuit with a multimeter. This will tell us if the cold-water valve is getting the current it needs to open. For safety, always unplug your washer before checking continuity. Shut off the water supply. Pull the plastic end caps off the sides of the control console. Remove the screws at the base of the control console. Pull the control console slightly forward and then swing it up and over the top of the back panel. Unplug the wire harness from the lid switch on the washer's top panel. Release the clips that secure the cabinet to the washer's back panel. Using a slot screwdriver, pry the clips forward to release them. Lift the back of the cabinet and slide it forward to remove it from the washer frame.

Set your multimeter to check resistance. Place one meter probe on the right prong of the power cord and the other on the yellow and red wire connected to the cold water valve. You should see near 0 ohms of resistance, which indicates that you have a clear path for voltage to the cold water valve in the rinse portion of the cycle. Next, check the other side of the circuit. Put your leads on the white wire and the left prong of the outlet cord. You should have continuity through the neutral side of the circuit as well. If you had continuity on both sides of the circuit, then the cold water valve is apparently getting voltage but not opening to allow water flow, meaning you’ll need to replace your water inlet valve.

Check for Broken Wires

If you didn’t have continuity on either wire—on this meter that’s a “1” in the far left corner—then do more checks to find the break in the circuit. If the white wire didn’t have continuity, you’ll need to check each section of wiring until you find the break and repair any broken wires that you find. This video has more information about repairing wires.

Check the Pressure Switch

If the water inlet valve isn’t the problem, the next thing to check is the water level pressure switch. If the yellow/red wire didn't have continuity, check from the power cord to the pressure switch. Place one meter lead on the right prong of the power cord and the other on the pink wire on the water level pressure switch. If you measure no continuity, check between the violet and pink wires on the pressure switch. If you measure no continuity there, then the break must be in the pressure switch. This video will show you how to replace your pressure switch: How to Replace the Water Level Pressure Switch in a Top-Load Washer.

Test for a Bad Timer or Wiring Failure

Now, if you measured continuity between the violet and pink wires, the problem is either the timer or a wiring failure in the circuit. Check for continuity on the violet wire between the timer and the water level pressure switch. If there's no continuity on the violet wire then that wire will need to be repaired. If there is continuity on the violet wire, check between the violet wire and the black wire on the timer. If you measure no continuity, you’ll need to replace the timer because it's not allowing voltage through the circuit. This video will show you how: How to replace the timer in a top-load washer.

If you’ve got continuity through the timer, then you must have a break in wiring harness between the timer and the power cord. Find and repair that break.

Let the Washing Machine Experts at Sears Home Services Repair Your Washer

If you've gotten this far in the troubleshooting and haven't found and fixed the cause of the filling problem, it's likely time to have a professional fix your washing machine.

Sears Home Services stands ready to provide trusted expertise to address even the most complex washing machine issues. With a team of skilled technicians experienced in diagnosing and repairing a wide range of appliance problems, we’ll have your washer working again fast. Schedule a service appointment with a washer repair expert today.

If your GE washer runs empty, clothes never receive proper suds or rinsing. A faulty inlet valve or pressure sensor usually stops the water flow. Rather than incomplete washing, let a washing machine service near me address the issue. Adequate water levels keep each load thoroughly cleansed.