GE Appliances Washing Machines
44 fault codes documented
Back and forth swoosh or light clicking sound — Normal motor operation
This sound is produced by the electric motor reversing direction to agitate your laundry.
Basket seems loose — Basket moves or rotates freely, normal operation
The washer basket is designed to move or rotate freely when not in a spin cycle. It does not have a traditional brake.
Blinking Spin light or Spin light on at end of cycle — Out-of-balance condition detected
The Spin light blinking or staying on at the end of the cycle indicates an out-of-balance condition was detected. The washer may not have spun at full speed.
Blue or Gray Spots - Check fabric softener and bleach use
Blue or gray spots are appearing on clothes. This can be due to incorrect use of fabric softener or rewashing with chlorine bleach.
Chemical stains — Exposure to chemicals like hair dye or permanent wave solution
Certain chemicals, such as hair bleach, dye, or permanent wave solution, can stain or damage clothes during washing if not pretreated.
Click when water stops filling — Relay switch activation
A click sound is heard when the relay switch activates to stop the water from filling.
Clicking behind control panel during fill — Automatic Temperature Control Valve operation
The clicking sound comes from the Automatic Temperature Control Valve as it turns on and off to mix hot and cold water to the desired temperature.
Clothes too Wet - Check cycle selection
Clothes are coming out of the washer too wet. This could be due to selecting the wrong cycle or is normal for certain fabrics.
Clothes too wet — Incorrect spin cycle or unbalanced load
Clothes may be too wet if the wrong spin cycle was selected or if the load became unbalanced during the wash.
Colored spots — Incorrect fabric softener use or dye transfer
Colored spots can appear due to incorrect use of fabric softener or dye transfer from dark-colored items.
Detergent not dissolving — Detergent added incorrectly or water temperature
Detergent may not dissolve properly if added after clothes are loaded, if using cold water with certain detergents, or if the load is too large.
Grayed Clothes - Use more detergent and appropriate water temperature
Clothes are appearing gray or faded. This can be due to insufficient detergent, incorrect water temperature, overloading, or improper use of water softeners.
Grayed or yellowed clothes — Detergent amount, hard water, or water temperature
Clothes may appear grayed or yellowed due to incorrect detergent amounts, hard water, or water that is not hot enough.
Gurgling sound — Water drain pump drawing air
A gurgling sound can occur when the drain pump starts drawing air. This is usually followed by the washer spinning.
Humming sound — Water drain pump operating
A humming sound is normal when the drain pump is active, pumping water out after agitation and during the spin cycle until it is complete.
Lid Locked light flashing — Lid opened and closed too many times
The washer will not start a new cycle until the lid is opened. This may happen if the lid has been opened and closed without starting a cycle multiple times.
Lint or Residue on Clothes - Check sorting and detergent use
Clothes have lint or residue after washing. This can be caused by incorrect sorting, washing too long, detergent issues, or overloading.
Lint or residue on clothes — Improper sorting or drying method
Lint or residue can accumulate if lint-producing items are washed with lint-collecting items, or if clothes are air-dried.
Metallic clicking sound — Normal operation of shifter mechanism
This clicking sound occurs as the shifter mechanism engages and disengages the drive system at the start and end of agitation.
Motor winding up or coasting down sound — Normal spin cycle operation
The motor speeds up incrementally during the spin cycle and coasts to a stop afterward. This is part of the normal spin process.
Movement inside machine when shut off — Shifting mechanism disengaging motor
When the machine is manually turned off, the shifter disengages the motor before shutting down. If the lid is raised before disengagement, movement may resume when the lid is closed.
Pilling — Normal wear on certain fabrics
Pilling, small balls of fiber on the fabric surface, is a result of normal wear on poly-cotton blends and fuzzy fabrics. It is not caused by the washer.
Quick short agitation sounds — Clothing redistribution
The motor makes short agitation strokes during the agitation phase to redistribute the load. This helps maintain balance.
Short spray and delay after pushing Start — Normal start-up sequence
When starting or restarting after opening and closing the lid, the washer performs a brief water spray and pause. This is a normal part of the start-up sequence.
Shrinkage - Follow care labels and use cooler water
Some fabrics are naturally shrinking in the wash. This is influenced by water temperature and care label instructions.
Snags, Holes, Tears, Rips, or Excessive Wear - Prepare items before washing
Garments are developing snags, holes, tears, or excessive wear. This can be caused by sharp objects in pockets, undiluted bleach, or pre-existing damage.
Snags, holes, tears, rips or excessive wear — Sharp objects in wash
These issues can occur if sharp objects are left in pockets or on garments, such as pins, zippers, buttons, or belt buckles.
Spin and Rinse lights blinking — Out-of-balance condition detected
The washer has detected that the load is not balanced. The lights will blink during the rest of the cycle and stay on briefly after completion. The washer will try to fix the balance itself.
Spin time longer than previous washer — High-efficiency washer normal operation
High-efficiency washers, especially those with an infusor, may have longer spin times. This helps reduce drying time and energy usage.
Status lights blinking — Washer is paused
The status lights blink to indicate that the washer cycle has been paused. This can happen if the lid is opened during the cycle or if the Start button is pressed again.
Too Many Suds - Adjust detergent and water softness
The washer is producing too many suds. This is typically caused by the type of detergent used or very soft water.
Undiluted chlorine bleach causing damage — Improper bleach usage
Using undiluted chlorine bleach can damage fabrics. Always follow the bleach manufacturer's instructions for proper dilution and amount.
Wash and Rinse lights blinking — Water not entering the washer
This indicates that the washer is not receiving water. The washer will enter a 4-minute lockout period during which controls will not respond.
Washer Pauses in Cycle - Normal operation
The washer pauses between washing steps. This is a normal part of the washing cycle for some operations.
Washer Won't Operate - Check power and settings
The washer is not starting its cycle. This can be due to several simple issues that can be resolved by the user.
Washer is Noisy - Ensure it's level and load is balanced
The washer is making unusual noises during operation. This can be due to the washer not being level, an unbalanced load, or shipping materials.
Washer pauses during wash cycle — Soak Option selected or normal cycle variation
The washer may pause during the wash cycle if the Soak Option was chosen, or as part of normal cycle variations. This allows clothes to soak for better cleaning.
Washer spins and pauses at beginning of cycles — Normal load sensing
The washer pauses briefly at the start of cycles to sense the load. This is a normal function.
Water Leaks - Check hose connections and plumbing
Water is leaking from the washer. This can be due to loose hose connections, a clogged household drain, or issues with water pressure.
Water Temperature Incorrect - Check supply and controls
The water temperature during the wash cycle is not as expected. This could be due to water supply issues or incorrect control settings.
Water Won't Drain - Check drain hose
Water is not draining from the washer tub. This is often caused by a blocked or kinked drain hose.
Water volume changes during fill — Automatic Temperature Control Valve adjustment
The Automatic Temperature Control Valve adjusts the water temperature by mixing hot and cold water. Changes in sound occur as the valves turn on and off.
Wrinkling - Adjust load and cycle settings
Clothes are excessively wrinkled after washing. This can be due to improper loads, overloading, incorrect water level, or wrong wash/dry cycles.
Yellowed Clothes - Check detergent and bleach usage
Clothes are turning yellow or developing yellow spots. This can be caused by insufficient detergent, improper use of bleach, or minerals in the water.