GE dishwashers are a good brand popular for their outstanding features. However, there are times when they may fail to work, requiring you to fix the problem. One of the problems you’ll experience with your GE dishwasher is when it has no power or lights. What could cause this problem and how do you fix it?
It could be that the door is not latching well, there is an interrupted power supply, or the child lock/protection feature is on. To have it power on, switch off the lock feature and repair the fuse or circuit breaker. Also, you should ensure the door is closed well to have your dishwasher work as it should.
Read on to find out why your GE dishwasher has no power or light and how to fix the problem.
Lack Of Power Connections
If your GE dishwasher has no power and lights, there’s no power reaching it. It could be that the dishwasher is not connected to any power source. Alternatively, it could be poorly connected to the socket.
The Fix
You should look if the dishwasher is plugged in properly. If not, do fix it as it should. If the problem is not that, use a voltage tester to confirm if the outlet receives adequate power. You can repair the damaged outlet to enable your dishwasher to work.
However, if your dishwasher is connected to a GFI/GFCI outlet with a reset button, press the ‘Reset’ to have it powered on. Also, ensure the wall switch is on to have your dishwasher work as usual.
Active Protection/Child Lock Feature
If your GE dishwasher has the child lock feature on, it could be a reason it can’t light. Your machine will become unresponsive though it will be on. It will also not work, frustrating your efforts if you don’t understand how this feature works.
The Fix
You can solve this issue by disabling the child lock feature. If you don’t know how to do this, refer to your user manual for your model to help deactivate it.
If your GE dishwasher has an LCD, it may have a leak protection feature that will stop it from having lights and power. You can disable the leaked feature to have your GE dishwasher run well.
Damaged Thermal Fuse
If the fuse overheats and blows, your GE dishwasher may fail to light or power. You can fix this by;
- First, locate the fuse on the control panel.
- Then test for continuity after disconnecting the dishwasher from the socket to prevent electric shocks.
- Carefully detach the two wires connecting the fuse on the control panel.
- When doing the test, ensure the multimeter’s probe is in contact with the fuse.
- If the reading is zero or near zero, it shows the problem is not on the fuse.
Door Is Not Latching
Another reason your GE dishwasher will fail to have power or light is when the door is not latching properly. The door latch assembly of your dishwasher helps prevent water leakage when the machine is working.
It also houses the door latch switches, which work harmoniously with the control panel. When the door doesn’t close well, it won’t be able to activate the latch switches, which won’t allow the dishwasher to start working. This will make the lights on the control board not light.
How To Solve This?
Locate the door latch assembly by removing the inner door panel. It should be at the top of the door. Then put the catch into the assembly to activate the latch switches.
You can also activate the switches mechanically by checking for continuity. If you test the switch terminals with the multimeter and the reading is zero, or near zero, it’s okay. If the reading is different, consider replacing the door latch assembly to have it work well.
However, if the problem is because you didn’t close the door, do so. Open the door, then firmly close it to enable your GE dishwasher to run well.
Bottom Line
Your GE dishwasher not producing light or power can result from a poor power connection or a child lock feature. Disable the protection feature or replace the damaged power components to have it work. If it’s the door latch assembly, fix it or close it well.
