GE Dishwasher Error Code F87

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.