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GE Dishwasher C1 Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It
Seeing C1, C2 or C3 on your GE dishwasher, or water left in the bottom? Here is what GE says the drain codes mean, the checks you can safely do yourself, and when to call.
What Does C1 Mean on a GE Dishwasher?
GE says C1 means the pump-out during drain ran more than 2 minutes, C2 means the total pump-out ran more than 7 minutes, and C3 means the dishwasher won’t drain. All three point to the drain path: the filters, air gap, drain hose, disposer and drain pump. GE says codes vary by model, so confirm yours in your Owner’s Manual. Source: GE dishwasher error codes (opens in a new tab).
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Common Signs With C1 to C3
You may notice one or more of these along with the code.
What Causes GE C1, C2 and C3?
These are the causes GE lists and the parts a technician checks.
How to Fix GE C1, C2 and C3
Try these steps in order. Switch off the dishwasher’s breaker before reaching into the sump.
Clear the air gap and disposer
GE’s steps for C1 are to clean the air gap, check the drain hose and run the disposer. On a new disposer, make sure the knockout plug was removed.
Clean the filters and sump
Remove and rinse the filters and check the rear sump for debris. Then check the drain hose for kinks.
Reset the dishwasher
For C3, GE says to switch off the breaker for about 30 seconds, restore power and press Reset. For C2, press Reset to silence the beep.
When to Call a Technician
Schedule a repair if:
- The code persists after the checks
- The drain pump hums but won’t drain
- You hear grinding from the pump
- Water stays after a clean filter
Related GE Dishwasher Pages
GE dishwasher repairMore help, including other GE codes:
GE dishwasher H2O error codeDishwasher repair for every brandGE dishwasher 999 error codeGE oven F2 error codeGE washer dE and Lid Locked error codeAll GE appliance repairGE dishwasher not draining checksWritten estimate first
Need Help With GE Dishwasher C1?
ALAS technicians repair GE dishwashers that won’t drain and give you a written estimate before any repair.
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GE Dishwasher C1 FAQs
GE says C1 means the pump-out during drain ran more than 2 minutes. Clean the air gap, check the drain hose and run the disposer. If it persists, schedule service.
GE says C2 means the total pump-out ran more than 7 minutes, and C3 means the dishwasher won’t drain. For C3, switch off the breaker for about 30 seconds, restore power and reset.
GE says 1 to 2 cups of standing water can be normal on models without an Ultra Fine filter. More than that, or dirty water, points to a drain problem.
No. GE’s not-draining checks advise against drain cleaner. Clean the filters and air gap instead, and call us if it still won’t drain.
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