How to Reset a GE Dishwasher

Discovering your GE dishwasher seems to have no power or is flashing and beeping for no apparent reason can be an unwelcome surprise or frustration that might have you thinking you need to call a dishwasher repair technician. However, there’s no need to fret, as chances are the issue can be resolved by performing a dishwasher reset.

How you reset your specific GE dishwasher will depend on its model number and whether it has the control panel on the front or on the top of the door. What caused the dishwasher to not work as normal may also dictate the reset instructions that will work best for you. We will do our best to cover all the different models and types of reset that will work for your specific problem.

To summarize, you should be able to reset your GE dishwasher by one of the following:

• Pressing the Start/Reset button
• Disconnecting the power
• Pressing the kickplate reset button
• Entering service mode

This guide applies to most GE dishwasher models, including the following:

DDW550B-45

DDW550B-48

DDW550B-55

DDW650B-45

DDW650B-48

GDT655SSJ0SS

GDT655SSJ0SS

GDT695SMJ0ES

GLDT696T00SS

GSD2200G00WW

GSD2200G02WW

GSD3200J00WW

GSD3400G00WW

GSD4030Z02WW

GSD6660G00SS

PDW7880G00SS

PDW7880J10SS

PDW8280J00SS

PDW8280J10SS

PDW9280J00SS

SD4920X66BB

What causes the dishwasher to need resetting?

There are several reasons why your dishwasher may need a reset. The more common reasons are a power surge, pressing the start button too many times, a failing component, or an aging control board.

If the dishwasher has been working without any issues or error codes showing, it is unlikely a more serious issue, like a failing component or defective control board, is responsible.

Power surge or power cut

If there is a power surge or power cut, most GE dishwashers will need to be reset. Reset instructions will vary depending on the model and type of GE dishwasher. However, in some cases, pressing the Start/Reset button and then waiting a few minutes will get the dishwasher to reset and reboot.

For other models, after a power failure the dishwasher Start/Reset button may blink when the power is restored. Pressing the Start/Reset button once should start the drain pump to remove residual water from the dishwasher. After about a minute, the dishwasher should be back to normal and ready to be used.

If the power went out while the dishwasher was in the middle of a cycle, with most GE models, the dishwasher will remember where it was in the cycle and resume from that point.

Pressing the Start/Reset button twice to reset the dishwasher

If you notice that most of the buttons are lit up and the dishwasher is not running, you probably pressed the Start/Reset button more than once. Depending on your model, the Start/Reset button, when pressed once, will start the dishwasher cycle. However, if pressed twice, the dishwasher will reset. Pressing the Start/Reset button will restart the cycle.

Beeping or blinking lights

Press the Start/Reset button

If the lights are blinking and the dishwasher is beeping, it can be as simple as pressing the Start/Reset button to return the dishwasher to normal. The issue could also be caused by the door being open, where closing the door properly resolves the issue. If the issue remains, disconnecting the power will likely solve the problem.

Disconnect the power

Beeping or blinking lights are often caused by a power surge or an error code.

One way to reset the dishwasher when the lights are blinking or the dishwasher is beeping is to disconnect the power to the dishwasher for 30 seconds. If the dishwasher does not appear to be reset, try leaving it unplugged for ten minutes instead. If your dishwasher does not have a plug, the power can be disconnected from your home’s electrical panel.

Disconnecting the power resets the dishwasher by allowing the electrical charge to drain from the dishwasher. While this may resolve an error code and get your dishwasher working again, if the beeping and blinking happens again, you should troubleshoot what is causing the issue. If you continue to ignore the problem, it will likely do more permanent damage to your dishwasher.

Blinking Start or Start/Reset button

If the Start or Start/Reset button is blinking, the dishwasher is likely shutting down after being reset. The light should continue blinking for 75-90 seconds before turning off. Once the dishwasher turns off, you can press Start to turn it on, and the dishwasher should be reset and ready to go.

Kickplate reset button

Some GE models have a reset button behind the kickplate access panel. If your GE model has a kickplate, you can unthread the screws to remove the access panel, and you may find two buttons in the bottom left corner. Pressing the first button will reset your GE dishwasher.

Make sure to disconnect the power before removing the access panel, as the junction box wires may be exposed, which could electrocute you, especially if you are unfamiliar with what is behind the kickplate.

Put the dishwasher in service mode to reset the dishwasher

Most GE dishwashers will have a service mode that can be activated to reset the dishwasher. Service mode is also where you can run diagnostic tests to identify a faulty component. The dishwasher’s service manual or tech sheet explains how to operate the dishwasher in service mode. The service manual can usually be found behind an access panel near the water inlet valve.

If this reset method does not apply to your model, finding its service manual will give you precise instructions for how to enter service mode and reset your specific GE dishwasher.

To put the dishwasher in service mode, hold the Select Cycle button and the Start button down for five seconds. Next, to reset the dishwasher, press the Select Cycle button for five seconds. This should activate the lock button light. Press Select Cycle again for five seconds. Hold the Start button now for five seconds. The Start button should start flashing. Finally, hold the Start and Select Cycle button down for five seconds. The dishwasher control panel should now light up, and the dishwasher should be ready to go.

GE allows you to search your specific model number to access the manual for your dishwasher. If the above instructions have failed to solve your issue, locate its manual on the GE website here.