How To Reset A GE Dishwasher: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Reset a GE Dishwasher Explore this Article methods 1 Resetting during a Cycle 2 Rebooting the Dishwasher Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Homer Flores

Last Updated: January 27, 2026 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by Homer Flores. Homer Flores is an Appliance Repair Specialist and Training Manager at PreFix, a home maintenance company out of Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Homer specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and construction. Homer’s dedication to the PreFix mission of providing hassle-free one-stop-shop service for home care, in addition to their completion of the Capital Factory and Techstars Accelerators, has contributed to their growth of service to over 50 zip codes throughout the greater Austin area. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 442,786 times.

In cases of power surges, problems with the dishwasher, or adding in dishes after a cycle has begun, your GE dishwasher may need to be reset. Start by pressing the Start/Reset button and waiting. If that option is unsuccessful, try rebooting your unit by cutting the power and waiting before restoring power.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Resetting during a Cycle

  1. Step 1 Press the Start/Reset button to cancel the cycle. 1 Press the Start/Reset button to cancel the cycle. If your machine is malfunctioning mid-cycle or you forgot to add a dish, you’ll need to reset the cycle. For front-control washers, press the Start/Reset button. If you have a top-control washer, carefully open up the top of the dishwasher door and press Start/Reset, then close the door.[1]
    • Dishes can be added at any point up until the main wash.
  2. Step 2 Wait 2 minutes while the water pumps out. 2 Wait 2 minutes while the water pumps out. Make sure to wait before opening the machine and adding dishes. During this time, you may see a blinking light, which means that the machine is resetting. Make sure the light has stopped blinking before starting up the machine again.[2] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Unlatch the door carefully and load any additional dishes. 3 Unlatch the door carefully and load any additional dishes. Be careful of any hot steam or water. Place any extra dishes in the dishwasher and start a new cycle by pressing the Start button again and push the door closed until it latches.[3]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Rebooting the Dishwasher

  1. Step 1 Use the reboot as a last resort. 1 Use the reboot as a last resort. Since this is a hard reset, you shouldn’t perform a reboot on your machine too regularly. Always try the Start/Reset button first. If that does not work and the machine will not reset, try rebooting the dishwasher.
  2. Step 2 Unplug the unit to cut the power. 2 Unplug the unit to cut the power. If you can access the cord, carefully unplug it from the power source. This will completely reboot the unit and should fix any problems with the machine.[4]
  3. Step 3 Turn off the... 3 Turn off the unit’s power from your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box. If you don’t have easy access to the machine’s cord, you can also cut power from the main power control. If your circuit breaker or fuse box isn’t close by, this may require some walking back and forth. Make sure to only cut power to that outlet, not other areas of your house.[5]
  4. Step 4 Wait for 30 seconds to 10 minutes before turning the power back on. 4 Wait for 30 seconds to 10 minutes before turning the power back on. While GE suggests that you wait only 30 seconds before plugging it in or turning the power on again, sometimes your machine may need a longer break.[6] Keep the power off for up to 10 minutes, then restore power. Your machine should be back to normal.[7]
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Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question This doesn't work for my dishwasher. What should I do? Homer Flores Homer Flores Appliance Repair Specialist Homer Flores is an Appliance Repair Specialist and Training Manager at PreFix, a home maintenance company out of Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Homer specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and construction. Homer’s dedication to the PreFix mission of providing hassle-free one-stop-shop service for home care, in addition to their completion of the Capital Factory and Techstars Accelerators, has contributed to their growth of service to over 50 zip codes throughout the greater Austin area. Homer Flores Homer Flores Appliance Repair Specialist Expert Answer Most of these processes vary from model to model. The best way to access this function is to locate the technical spec sheet located behind the toe kick plate and follow the specific steps from the manufacturer. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 28 Helpful 39
  • Question My washer stopped filling with water and running any cleaning cycle. What should I do? Community Answer Community Answer If the steps in the article don't help, you should contact customer service or a repair center. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 27 Helpful 94
  • Question What do I do if my GE dishwasher doesn't start when the start button is pressed? What do I do if the light just blinks? Community Answer Community Answer In my experience, replacing the door switch fixes this issue. Until you do that, it's acting as if the door is open. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 42 Helpful 96
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Tips

  • If the problem persists, contact GE Appliance Service at 1-800-432-2737.[8] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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References

  1. https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=17380
  2. https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=18403
  3. https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=17380
  4. https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=17380
  5. https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=18403
  6. https://housing.illinoisstate.edu/downloads/cardinalcourt/dishwasher.pdf
  7. https://removeandreplace.com/2016/09/22/ge-dishwasher-flashing-lights-and-beeping-how-to-reset-ge-dishwasher/
  8. https://housing.illinoisstate.edu/downloads/cardinalcourt/dishwasher.pdf

About This Article

Homer Flores Co-authored by: Homer Flores Appliance Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Homer Flores. Homer Flores is an Appliance Repair Specialist and Training Manager at PreFix, a home maintenance company out of Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Homer specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and construction. Homer’s dedication to the PreFix mission of providing hassle-free one-stop-shop service for home care, in addition to their completion of the Capital Factory and Techstars Accelerators, has contributed to their growth of service to over 50 zip codes throughout the greater Austin area. This article has been viewed 442,786 times. 39 votes - 43% Co-authors: 4 Updated: January 27, 2026 Views: 442,786 Categories: Dishwashers Article SummaryX

To reset a GE dishwasher, press the Start or Reset button during a cycle. If you have a top-loading dishwasher, you’ll need to open the top, press the button, and close it again. Then, wait 2 minutes for the dishwasher to pump out the water. After 2 minutes, open the door and add any additional dishes. When you’re ready to start a new cycle, close the door and press the Start button. For tips on how to reboot your dishwasher, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Larry Norris

    Larry Norris

    Aug 3, 2019

    "Opened my dishwasher this morning thinking it had run from the previous night and saw it had not. Went to this site..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Homer Flores Co-authored by: Homer Flores Appliance Repair Specialist 39 votes - 43% Click a star to vote 43% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 4 Updated: January 27, 2026 Views: 442,786 Larry Norris

Larry Norris

Aug 3, 2019

"Opened my dishwasher this morning thinking it had run from the previous night and saw it had not. Went to this site..." more Edward C.

Edward C.

Jun 20, 2022

"This helped! Worked! The directions said unplug or flip breaker, which I did. Despite lights coming on prior the..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Dec 17, 2024

"I never realized that just shutting off the power would reset my dishwasher. I learn something new every day. Thank..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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