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Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code F86

No fill failure

GE codesGE dishwasher codes

No fill failure - pressure sensor does not sense filling.

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What F86 means on a GE dishwasher

F86 on a GE dishwasher indicates the control board detected a no-fill condition, meaning the tub did not receive water within the expected timeframe during a fill cycle. The board monitors water entry through the water inlet valve and associated pressure or flow sensing, and when water level fails to rise as expected, it throws F86 and halts the cycle to prevent the heating element and wash pump from running dry.

For homeowners, this means your dishwasher started a cycle, tried to bring in water, and got nothing. The machine is protecting itself by stopping before it can overheat or burn out internal components. The most common reasons this happens are a closed or missing water supply connection, a kinked supply line, or a failed water inlet valve that is not opening to let water through.

The water inlet valve is the electrically operated valve that opens when the control board signals the start of a fill. If the valve solenoid has failed, the valve screen is clogged with sediment, or the household water supply is shut off, no water enters the tub and F86 is triggered. In rarer cases, a faulty pressure switch or wiring fault can also cause the board to misread the fill status.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F86

  1. 01

    Water supply valve closed or disconnected

    Wiring / connection

    The shutoff valve under the sink supplying the dishwasher may be fully or partially closed, or the supply line may not be connected. No water can reach the inlet valve in this condition.

  2. 02

    Failed water inlet valve

    Part replacement

    The water inlet valve solenoid can burn out or the valve body can seize, preventing it from opening when the control board sends the fill signal. The tub stays empty and F86 is triggered.

  3. 03

    Clogged inlet valve screen

    Wiring / connection

    A fine mesh screen inside the inlet valve filters sediment from the supply line and can become blocked over time, severely restricting or completely stopping water flow into the tub.

  4. 04

    Faulty water pressure or float switch

    Part replacement

    If the overfill float switch is stuck in the raised position or the pressure sensing circuit is defective, the control board reads the tub as already full and never opens the inlet valve, resulting in F86.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F86

What does the F86 error code mean on a GE dishwasher?
F86 means the dishwasher did not detect water entering the tub during the fill phase of a cycle. The control board monitors fill progress and shuts the machine down when no water is sensed within the expected window. This protects the wash pump and heating element from running without water.
How do I fix the F86 error code on my GE dishwasher?
Start by checking that the water supply valve under the sink is fully open and that the supply line is connected and not kinked. If water supply looks fine, turn off power to the dishwasher, locate the water inlet valve at the bottom front of the unit, and inspect the screen for sediment blockage. If the screen is clear and the valve still does not open, the valve solenoid has likely failed and the valve needs to be replaced. Inlet valves typically cost $20 to $60 for the part.
Can I still use my GE dishwasher with the F86 code showing?
No. The dishwasher will not complete a cycle while F86 is active because it has no water in the tub. Running the machine in this state risks damaging the wash pump and heating element, which are designed to operate submerged. Resolve the fill issue before running another cycle.
How much does it cost to repair an F86 error on a GE dishwasher?
If the fix is simply opening the supply valve or clearing the inlet valve screen, the repair costs nothing beyond your time. If the water inlet valve needs replacement, parts run roughly $20 to $60 depending on the model. Professional labor to replace an inlet valve typically adds $80 to $150. If the float switch or control board is the cause, parts and labor can push the total to $150 to $300.
Why does my GE dishwasher show F86 even though water is connected?
If the supply line is connected but F86 still appears, the water inlet valve itself is the most likely culprit, either due to a failed solenoid or a clogged filter screen. A stuck float switch is another possibility, where the overfill protection mechanism incorrectly signals the tub is full and blocks the fill cycle. Check and clean the inlet valve screen first, then test the float switch for free movement before replacing the valve.

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