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Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code F87

Thermistor install fault

GE codesGE dishwasher codes

Thermistor install fault - thermistor did not see the proper heat rise during the cycle.

First step from the service manual

Check that the thermistor is still attached to the heater housing top. Check the dry heater resistance (33 Ohms +/-5%).

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

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What F87 means on a GE dishwasher

F87 is a dry heater diagnostic fault on GE dishwashers. The control board monitors the drying system during or after the dry cycle and has detected an abnormal condition involving the dry heater circuit, the relay that controls it, or the fan that circulates heated air through the tub. This fault triggers when the board cannot confirm normal operation from one or more of these components, either due to a failed component, a relay that is not switching correctly, or a fan motor that is not running as expected.

For homeowners, this means the dishwasher's drying system is not working properly. The dry heater warms the air inside the tub at the end of a wash cycle, and a small fan circulates that heat to dry your dishes. When the F87 code appears, the dishwasher has detected something wrong with this heating and airflow process. Your dishes may come out wet, and the machine may stop mid-cycle or refuse to complete the drying phase.

The fault is not always caused by a single failed part. The relay that switches power to the dry heater is a common point of failure, as is the fan motor. Wiring connections between the control board and these components can also cause F87 if they become corroded or loose.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F87

  1. 01

    Failed dry heater relay

    Part replacement

    The relay responsible for sending power to the dry heater may have failed open or shorted, preventing the heater from activating. The control board detects no response from the heater circuit and throws F87.

  2. 02

    Defective dry heater element

    Part replacement

    The heating element itself may have burned out or developed an open circuit, causing the control board to detect no current draw in the heater circuit during the drying phase.

  3. 03

    Dry fan motor failure

    Part replacement

    The fan motor that circulates heated air through the tub may have seized or failed electrically. The control board monitors fan operation as part of the dry heater diagnostic, and a non-running fan can trigger F87.

  4. 04

    Loose or damaged wiring harness connections

    Wiring / connection

    Corroded, burned, or disconnected wiring between the control board and the dry heater, relay, or fan motor can interrupt the circuit and produce a false F87 fault without any of the components themselves being defective.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F87

What does F87 mean on a GE dishwasher?
F87 is a dry heater diagnostic fault. It means the control board detected a problem in the drying system, which includes the dry heater element, the relay that controls it, and the fan that moves heated air through the tub. The code appears when one or more of these components is not functioning within expected parameters during or after the dry cycle.
How do I fix F87 on a GE dishwasher?
Start by resetting the dishwasher - cut power at the breaker for one minute and restore it. If F87 returns, inspect the wiring harness connections to the dry heater, relay, and fan motor for any loose, burned, or corroded terminals, as this requires no parts and can resolve the fault. If wiring looks intact, use a multimeter to test the dry heater element for continuity and check the fan motor for proper resistance. A failed element, relay, or fan motor will need to be replaced with a compatible GE part.
Can I still use my GE dishwasher with an F87 error code?
The dishwasher may still wash dishes, but the drying cycle will not function correctly or may not complete at all. Running it in this condition is generally safe from a safety standpoint since the fault is in the low-heat drying circuit rather than the wash heater, but your dishes will come out wet. It is best to address the fault promptly, as continued cycling with a failed relay or shorted heater could stress other components.
How much does it cost to fix an F87 error on a GE dishwasher?
If the fix is just reseating a loose wiring connector, the cost is nothing. A replacement dry heater element or fan motor typically runs between $20 and $80 in parts depending on the GE model. If a technician is needed for diagnosis and repair, expect $100 to $250 total including labor, with costs varying by region. The relay is sometimes part of the control board assembly, which is a more expensive repair in the $150 to $350 range for parts alone.
Is F87 on a GE dishwasher a hard repair for a DIYer?
Checking and reseating wiring connections is accessible to most DIYers and requires only a screwdriver to remove the inner door panel. Testing the heater element and fan motor with a multimeter is also a manageable DIY task if you are comfortable using one. Replacing the dry heater element or fan motor is moderately difficult and typically involves removing the door panel and accessing the lower assembly. If the relay is integrated into the main control board, replacement is more involved and a technician may be advisable.

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