Ge Dishwasher Lock Problems
When the GE dishwasher door fails to lock or unlock, the problem is usually because of the door hinge, door latch, or door lock. Another culprit is the soap dispenser and when it does not lock in place, either because of soap buildup or oversized soap tablets.
Many dishwasher manufacturers utilize a control lock. It disables the functionality of keypads and buttons when engaged to avoid unintentional operation.
Ge Profile Dishwasher Control Panel Replacement
If nothing works, it is worth trying to replace the entire control panel .
Take into account that if youre swapping the entire thing, you will probably have to get the whole front panel out plus the door to get the new piece on!
You can order for OEM GE profile dishwasher replacement control panel on websites such as , PartsDr, Sears, and more.
Ge Profile Dishwasher Buttons Not Working
If the lights seem to be working but some buttons dont respond correctly, your best bets are:
- Opening the panel and cleaning the ribbon cable off any corrosion/rust/grime these could be causing a loose/bad connection between the main board and the connectors . Also, you may be surprised to find the cable not connected at all or not connected correctly.
- Replace the control panel consider changing out the control panel completely.
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Ge Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Not Locking
GE dishwashers use three types of soap dispensers depending on the model. They are round detergent cups, square flip-up detergent cups, and sliding detergent cups.
The round detergent cup has a handle and you have to close it by rotating it clockwise till you hear a click sound.
The square flip-up cover operates vertically. You have to flip it up to open and flip down to close. The sliding cup is pretty self-explanatory. It slides to its position to open and close.
If you did everything right and the soap dispenser is still not locking, here are a few things that you can do:
Ge Dishwasher Troubleshooting: 12 Common Problems And Fixes

The table below is a quick summary of the most common GE dishwasher problems and the most recommended DIY fix.
Cleaning the clog in the drain pipe should fix the problem | ||
2. | GE dishwasher not spraying water | Remove any leaking component from the unit and replace with new one. |
3. | GE dishwasher failing to start | Check if youve connected the unit to a power source. Make sure the Main Control and Control Panel is in good condition. Ensure you close and latch the door. |
4. | The unit wont spin | Clean food stains and dirt from the pivot point of the unit to fix problem |
5. | GE dishwasher has an issue with water leak | Examine all seams and joints for discoloration or water stains. Ensure there are no pinhole leaks at the point where the drain line enters the unit. |
6. | GE dishwasher wont fill with water | Clean the clog in the fill hose and fix the leaking faucet or damaged water line. |
7. | GE dishwasher making a beeping sound | Check what the noise indicates and fix the unit accordingly |
8 | GE dishwasher control lock is active | Deactivate the control lock to start using the unit again |
9. | The dishwasher isnt draining | Clean the clogged drain and replace leaking pump |
10. | GE dishwasher not stopping after full cycle | If you see any obstacles in the drainpipe, remove them with a pair of wire-nosed pliers. |
11. | Unit wont dry dishes | You need to have the gasket replaced |
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Is There A Reset Button On Dishwashers
Can you reset your dishwasher? Yes, you can reset your dishwasher by pressing the start/reset button on the appliance and waiting a few minutes. If your dishwasher still wont start, you may need to restart the entire system by turning off power to the appliance at the house circuit breaker or fuse box.
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.
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What Is The Lock Feature For On A Profile Dishwasher
Now that you know how to lock and unlock a dishwashers control panel lets take a step back to understand what the feature is designed to do.
The Lock feature allows you to disable most of the panels buttons. When you do that, pressing the buttons will not interfere with any dishwasher settings youve already keyed in.
Locking your GE Profile dishwashers control panel ensures that your kitchenware will get washed precisely how you want them to, without anybody interfering with the controls on purpose or by accident.
Ge Dishwasher Blinking Or Beeping Sound
Electronically controlled dishwashers may begin making beeping noise or flashing light. The beep or flash brings your attention that the dishwasher may be servicing.
Because the meanings of the various blinking lights and beeping noises vary from model to model, I strongly recommend that you consult your manual for clarification.
For example:
A beeping noise every 30 seconds is an indicator of an unlatched dishwasher door. Here, all oi have to do is to shut the door to fix the error.
The Start/Reset light blinks to indicate that you have reset the dishwasher. Depending on the type, this light can flash for anywhere from 75 to 90 seconds, but this doesnt indicate a problem with the unit, though.
There may be a problem with the dishwasher if other lights or beeping noises appear. You can try resetting the dishwasher by pushing the Start/Reset button and waiting two minutes.
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Ge Dishwasher Is Not Getting Any Power
If the GE dishwasher seems to be having a power issue, like if you notice GE Dishwasher Not Starting, No Lights On The Panel, or it doesnt seem to be getting any power, then one possible cause may be that the wiring in your home is faulty.
Fixing this could result in an operational dishwasher that will cut down on repair costs and time if you enlist professional help with installing new wiring.
Please try to remember what you did before the dishwasher stopped working and dont do anything new or unusual. If it is an electrical problem, it is always best to consult an electrician first.
Is the dishwasher breaker tripped or not? If you notice that the breaker is tripped, turn the power off by flipping it to OFF and then back on.
To check the power issue, look for the, which can be found on the right side of the dishwasher. Check and make sure that power cables are installed correctly. If wires disconnect or get burnt, then you may experience a power issue after some time.
Please turn off the breaker and remove any burnt wire connections. Then reconnect the cables again to the back of the unit in order for it to work properly.
If the wiring appears intact, inspect the thermal fuse. If this is blown or out, replace it with a new one found in your kit.
When a dishwashers thermal fuse is broken, the control board may overheat.
This can be solved by replacing the broken thermal fuse.
Ge Profile Dishwasher Reset Procedure
Option 1:
For PDW8000 GE profile dishwasher series, you reset by pressing the reset button just once- the reset process can take about 2 minutes.
The procedure is however lightly different for PDW9000 GE profile dishwasher series
For the latter you have to open the door about an inch then wait a few moments for the dishwasher to stop.
Once it has stopped, press/touch the reset button – the washing cycle will be canceled and the panel rebooted.
Option 2:
The above button method will not always work but fortunately, there is an alternative.
Now, if the reset button did not quite succeed to reset your dishwasher, try to disconnect it from power for a few moments then power it back up and see if it will reset.
Here you can turn off the circuit breaker or simply via the wall switch .
Note that you should allow 30 seconds before you restore power.
This is likely to reset the panel successfully .
Quick Tip: When restarting it after the dishwasher resets itself, be sure the door is shut and fully latched then try to press the right control panel buttons to see if your problem has been resolved.
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Test The Motor Start Relay
The motor start relay signals the dishwasher motor to start. Locate it near the pump, behind the lower access panel of the dishwasher. Remove the relay and refer to the wiring diagram. With the multimeter set on Rx1, test the coil for continuity. It should produce a reading of zero.
Then, manually activate the relay by turning it upside down, and allowing the plunger to drop. Touch the probes to the relay terminals. Expect a reading of zero. If your readings differ, replace the motor start relay.
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To Unlock The Control Panel Press The Lock Button For Three Seconds

Observe the red light next to the control buttons on your control panel. Before the light goes off, it may flash three times.
Its only a good sign that your attempt was successful! Usually, youd start a fresh wash cycle in your dishwasher when the light goes out.
Try them if youre unsure which button is responsible for unlocking the door. Hold each one down for at least three seconds to test if the control light reacts.
Try another button if the first doesnt work.
Suppose youre confident that you hit the proper button, but the lock still wont detach.
Depending on the situation, you may need to reconfigure the control panel or
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Controls Lock Stuck In A Locked Position: How Do I Unlock Controls
Trying to get into a locked dishwasher can be frustrating. Many people use their dishwashers daily, and any interruption can cause havoc in the kitchen. So, how do you open a locked dishwasher? You first need to know how to turn off the control lock on a GE dishwasher.
You may have activated the control lock by accident, and it is simply a matter of turning it off. Press your GE dishwasher controls hold 3 seconds and see if the indicator light goes out. When the light goes out, you should be able to open the door.
If the light stays on, your next attack plan would be resetting your dishwasher. Is there a reset button on dishwashers that will make my life easier? Yes, GE dishwashers have a convenient Start/Reset button on the control panel.
My Ge Dishwasher Door Is Stuck Closed
Door stuck closed, won’t open, latch stuck
Posted byKara NormanonMar 15, 2015
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Have you tried wiggling it side to side? The diswasher may not be secured properly and will vibrate while running. If the counter opening is relatively small it can be hard to open the door if the dishwasher is off center.
Posted on Aug 01, 2015
SOURCE: dishwasher door latch
Posted on Dec 06, 2008
SOURCE: soap door latch won’t latch close
Make sure the dial that you turn to start the dishwasher is all the way to the beginning. Sometimes my little grandson comes by and plays with it, turning it. I load, add soap and the dispenser won’t close. I check the outside dial, and sure enough, set it to the very beginning and the dispenser locks in place!
Posted on Dec 28, 2007
SOURCE: dishwasher door latch
sounds as if your door latch/handle is broken internally.your dishwasher is installed with 2 screws to theunderside of your countertop. its tricky but youll have to remove them , once out slide the d/w foward and remove the strike plate door will open at least get your dishes out
Posted on Feb 22, 2008
SOURCE: Asko door latch stuck
Posted on Sep 20, 2008
SOURCE: Bosch Dishwasher SHX46A latch stuck in down possition.
Posted on Mar 19, 2009
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Unlock A Locked Dishwasher With These Steps
It can be frustrating if you have a dishwasher that will not unlock. In general, you need to find a certain button, such as the lock button, and hold it for a few seconds. This should be enough to flush the commands out of the system, allowing you to unlock the dishwasher.
If there is a part that is broken in your dishwasher, you should think about how expensive it is to replace the part, comparing this to the price of the dishwasher.
I hope you have enjoyed this detailed guide, so take a look at a few related articles below to learn more!
Home – Major Appliances – Dishwasher Door Locked? Heres 4 Tips To Unlock It
Ge Dishwasher Not Starting Check These 4 Things
Your dishwasher is loaded and the detergent dispenser is filled, but nothing happens when you press the Start button. Does this sound familiar? Though a GE dishwasher not starting can feel like a cause for panic, theres no need to fear the worst. Checking for common causes like power issues and incorrect cycle settings can solve the problem quickly and easily.
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Ge Dishwashers Wifi Light Is Blinking
Most modern GE dishwashers utilize Wi-Fi to interface with your smartphone or upgrade its software. Sometimes, the Wi-Fi light in the panel will start to blink when its having connectivity problems.
To resolve this, you can try reconnecting the dishwasher to the Wi-Fi network using the following steps, but make sure to forget the dishwasher device on your smartphone :
Maintenance And Professional Help
Sometimes you may face an issue that will not go away with a simple reset or a hard reboot. This includes most hardware-related issues, and some are very difficult to rectify without the proper tools and know-how.
So whenever you are not feeling confident in your DIY skills, its always best to call on a professional. They will be able to figure out what exactly is wrong with the dishwasher and provide you with instructions on how to repair it.
On top of that, they will also be able to acquire the necessary spare parts and conduct the repair by themselves, saving you time and effort that could be spent elsewhere.
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Ge Dishwasher Controls Locked

The control lock is a feature that many models of GE dishwashers have. In fact, this is a very common feature that many dishwashers of different brands and models have.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on 2021-07-09.
This feature is important because it prevents the user from accidentally starting a wash cycle or ending an ongoing cycle.
When the control lock is engaged, the machine does not take any input from key presses. It will not start it will not stop and no button will function. So, that is most probably why your dishwasher controls are locked.
Some models of GE dishwashers use the heated dry key as the lock control key. There will be a lock symbol next to the heated dry key to indicate its functionality as the lock key. If the lock control is on, the light on the lock symbol will be on.
To turn off the control lock, press and hold the heated dry key for three seconds. You will hear a beep and the light on the lock icon shall turn off. Now the control lock is disengaged and all buttons and pads will function properly.
Some dishwasher models have a dedicated lock key for the control lock function. There will be a light on the lock key. If the light is on, the control lock is on. If you press any button on the dishwasher, the light on the lock key shall flash indicating that the control lock is on.
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