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Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code Door Thermistor

Open circuit door thermistor (temperature sensed below 32°F) or short circuit door thermistor (temperature…

GE codesGE dishwasher codes

Open circuit door thermistor (temperature sensed below 32°F) or short circuit door thermistor (temperature sensed above 210°F).

First step from the service manual

Check door thermistor resistance; 1.7K ohms should equal 113°F.

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

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What Door Thermistor means on a GE dishwasher

The Door Thermistor error on a GE dishwasher indicates a fault in the temperature sensor located in the door assembly. The control board monitors this thermistor continuously during operation. When the sensed temperature falls outside the expected range, the board flags the fault. Specifically, an open circuit condition causes the control to interpret the temperature as below 32°F, while a short circuit condition causes it to read above 210°F. Neither condition represents an actual temperature extreme in the machine; both represent electrical failures in the sensor circuit.

The door thermistor is a resistance-based sensor whose output changes predictably with temperature. The reference point for diagnosis is 1.7K ohms, which corresponds to 113°F. If resistance reads significantly higher than this reference, the circuit is trending toward open. If resistance reads near zero or is shorted, the circuit is trending toward the high-temperature fault condition. Accurate diagnosis requires an ohmmeter and access to the thermistor connector, typically reached by removing the door panel.

Common causes include thermistor wire harness damage, connector corrosion, physical failure of the thermistor component itself, or a control board that can no longer correctly interpret the sensor signal. Because the dishwasher relies on accurate temperature data to manage wash and dry cycles, this fault can prevent the machine from completing cycles or operating at all until the condition is resolved.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Door Thermistor

  1. 01

    Failed door thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself has failed internally, producing either no resistance or a shorted reading. Testing with a multimeter at the thermistor terminals should show approximately 1.7K ohms at 113°F; a reading that is far outside this range confirms thermistor failure.

  2. 02

    Damaged or broken wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wires connecting the thermistor to the control board can crack, fray, or break, especially where they route through door hinges. A broken wire creates an open circuit that the control reads as a below-32°F condition.

  3. 03

    Corroded or loose connector

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture inside the door panel can corrode the thermistor connector terminals, increasing resistance or breaking continuity entirely. Inspect the connector for green or white oxidation and ensure it is fully seated.

  4. 04

    Control board fault

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor and wiring both test within specification, the control board may not be reading the sensor signal correctly. This is less common but should be considered after ruling out the sensor circuit.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Door Thermistor

What does Door Thermistor mean on a GE dishwasher?
This error indicates that the temperature sensor mounted in the door is producing a reading outside acceptable limits. An open circuit in the sensor circuit causes the control board to register a temperature below 32°F, while a short circuit causes it to register above 210°F. In both cases, the fault is electrical rather than a true temperature extreme. The dishwasher cannot operate normally without a functioning thermistor signal.
Can I fix a Door Thermistor error on my GE dishwasher myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can diagnose this fault using a multimeter by checking thermistor resistance against the 1.7K ohm reference at 113°F. If the thermistor is out of range, replacing it is a moderate-difficulty repair that requires removing the door panel to access the sensor and its connector. If the wiring or connector is the issue, repair may be as simple as cleaning a corroded terminal or securing a loose plug.
Is it safe to use my GE dishwasher when the Door Thermistor error is active?
Running the dishwasher with an active thermistor fault is not recommended. The control board relies on thermistor data to manage wash temperatures and drying cycles, so performance will be compromised. In some cases the machine will refuse to start or complete a cycle. Resolving the fault before regular use is the better approach.
How much does it cost to fix a Door Thermistor error on a GE dishwasher?
If only the thermistor component requires replacement, parts typically fall in the range of $15 to $50 depending on the model. Professional labor to diagnose and replace the part can add $100 to $200 or more. If the control board is the root cause, board replacement costs significantly more, often in the $150 to $350 range for parts alone.
Will resetting my GE dishwasher clear the Door Thermistor error?
A reset may temporarily clear the fault code from the display, but the error will return if the underlying problem with the thermistor or its circuit has not been corrected. Resetting the control without repairing the faulty component is not a lasting solution. The correct approach is to test the thermistor resistance, inspect the wiring and connector, and replace any failed components before returning the machine to service.

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