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Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code AUTO & HEAVY flash

Drain fault

GE codesGE dishwasher codes

Drain fault – water not drained after 120 seconds; program stopped.

First step from the service manual

Check drain pump, blocked drain hose, main control, wiring, and whether filter needs cleaning.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What AUTO & HEAVY flash means on a GE dishwasher

The AUTO & HEAVY flash error on a GE dishwasher indicates a drain fault. Specifically, the control board has detected that water failed to drain from the tub within a 120-second window during a drain cycle. When this timeout is reached, the dishwasher halts the program entirely and displays the fault by flashing the AUTO and HEAVY cycle indicators simultaneously. This is a protective measure to prevent the unit from continuing to operate with standing water in the sump area.

The drain system on GE dishwashers involves several interconnected components: the drain pump, the drain hose routing, and the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub. The drain pump is responsible for forcing water out through the hose and into the household drain. If the pump motor fails, seizes, or loses electrical continuity, water will remain in the tub. A blocked or kinked drain hose can create enough back-pressure to prevent adequate flow even if the pump is operating correctly.

Beyond mechanical causes, the fault can also originate in the electrical system. The main control board sends the signal that activates the drain pump, and a failure in the board or in the wiring harness connecting it to the pump can produce the same symptom as a failed pump itself. Before replacing any components, the filter and sump area should be inspected for debris accumulation, as a heavily clogged filter is one of the most frequent and easily resolved causes of this condition.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of AUTO & HEAVY flash

  1. 01

    Clogged filter or sump

    Wiring / connection

    Food debris and grease can accumulate in the filter basket and sump area, restricting water flow to the drain pump. Remove and rinse the filter assembly and inspect the sump for any blockage.

  2. 02

    Blocked or kinked drain hose

    Wiring / connection

    The drain hose may be kinked behind or beneath the unit, or clogged with debris near the connection point at the sink drain or garbage disposal. Inspect the full length of the hose and clear any obstruction.

  3. 03

    Failed drain pump

    Part replacement

    The drain pump motor may have seized, burned out, or lost electrical continuity, preventing it from moving water out of the tub. Test the pump for proper resistance and voltage supply to confirm failure before replacement.

  4. 04

    Wiring harness fault

    Wiring / connection

    Damaged, corroded, or disconnected wiring between the main control board and the drain pump can interrupt the signal needed to activate the pump. Inspect the harness connectors at both the pump and control board for corrosion or looseness.

  5. 05

    Faulty main control board

    Part replacement

    If the control board is not sending the proper output signal to the drain pump despite intact wiring and a functional pump, the board itself may need replacement. This is typically diagnosed after all other components have been ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about AUTO & HEAVY flash

What does AUTO & HEAVY flash mean on a GE dishwasher?
The AUTO and HEAVY cycle indicators flashing together signal a drain fault. The dishwasher attempted to drain water from the tub but was unable to complete the process within 120 seconds. When this happens, the control board stops the wash program to prevent damage. The fault points to the drain pump, drain hose, filter, wiring, or main control board as possible sources of the problem.
How do I fix the AUTO & HEAVY flash error on my GE dishwasher?
Start by cleaning the filter and sump area at the bottom of the tub, as clogged debris is the most common cause. Next, check that the drain hose is not kinked or blocked where it connects to the sink drain or garbage disposal. If those areas are clear, test the drain pump for electrical continuity and verify that the wiring harness connections are secure and free of corrosion. If the pump and wiring check out, the main control board may need to be inspected or replaced.
Is it safe to use my GE dishwasher when the AUTO & HEAVY lights are flashing?
No, you should not run the dishwasher while this fault is active. The control board has already stopped the program because water was not draining properly. Forcing the unit to run with standing water in the tub can stress the pump and other components, and the water needs to be cleared before normal operation can resume.
Will resetting my GE dishwasher clear the AUTO & HEAVY flash error?
A reset may temporarily clear the displayed fault, but if the underlying drain problem has not been corrected, the error will return as soon as the dishwasher reaches the drain portion of the next cycle. Address the root cause first, such as cleaning the filter or clearing the drain hose, before attempting to reset and restart the unit.
How much does it cost to repair a GE dishwasher showing the AUTO & HEAVY drain fault?
Repair costs vary depending on the failed component. Cleaning the filter and hose yourself costs nothing beyond your time. A replacement drain pump typically runs in the range of $50 to $120 for the part, with additional labor costs if you hire a technician. A main control board is generally more expensive, often ranging from $100 to $250 or more for the part alone, making professional diagnosis worthwhile before committing to that repair.

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