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Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code Ftd

Failure to drain (critical fault).

GE codesGE dishwasher codes

Failure to drain (critical fault).

First step from the service manual

Check for clog in air gap/disposer, drain hoses, and drain pump. Check that disposer plug has been removed. Check drain hose routing to match Install Instructions.

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

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What Ftd means on a GE dishwasher

The Ftd error code indicates a critical drain failure detected by the GE dishwasher's control board. During or after the drain cycle, the control board monitors whether water is evacuating the tub within a defined time window. When that window closes and water remains, the board logs Ftd and halts operation. The fault can originate in multiple points along the drain path: a clogged air gap or garbage disposer connection, a kinked or blocked drain hose, a plugged or failed drain pump, or an improperly routed drain hose that allows backflow or siphoning.

For homeowners, this code means the dishwasher tried to pump water out but could not finish the job. Water is likely sitting at the bottom of the tub. The machine stops rather than continuing, because running cycles over standing water risks overflow and poor wash results. In many cases the fix is a simple blockage clearing with no parts needed.

Before suspecting a failed pump or control board, physically check the air gap on the sink, the garbage disposer inlet (including confirming the knockout plug was removed during original installation), and the full length of the drain hose for kinks or clogs. Also verify the drain hose forms a high loop or connects to an air gap per the installation instructions, which prevents backflow from the sink drain.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Ftd

  1. 01

    Clogged air gap or garbage disposer inlet

    Wiring / connection

    Food debris and grease accumulate in the air gap cap or the dishwasher inlet port on the disposer, restricting water flow enough to prevent complete draining. This is the most common cause of Ftd and requires no replacement parts to fix.

  2. 02

    Disposer knockout plug not removed

    Wiring / connection

    When a new garbage disposer is installed, a plastic knockout plug blocks the dishwasher drain inlet by default. If the plug was never removed, drain water has nowhere to go and Ftd will trigger on every cycle.

  3. 03

    Kinked, clogged, or incorrectly routed drain hose

    Wiring / connection

    A drain hose that is kinked behind the dishwasher, packed with debris, or routed without a proper high loop can prevent adequate drainage or allow backflow from the sink. Clearing or re-routing the hose resolves the fault without parts in most cases.

  4. 04

    Failed or obstructed drain pump

    Part replacement

    If the drain pump impeller is jammed by broken glass, a food bone, or other debris, or if the pump motor itself has failed, the dishwasher cannot move water out of the sump. A jammed impeller may be cleared manually, but a burned-out pump motor requires pump replacement.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Ftd

What does the Ftd error code mean on a GE dishwasher?
Ftd stands for Failure to Drain and is classified as a critical fault. The control board detected that water did not leave the tub within the expected time during the drain cycle. The dishwasher shuts down to prevent overflow. Check the air gap, garbage disposer connection, drain hose routing, and drain pump for blockages before assuming a part has failed.
How do I fix the Ftd code on my GE dishwasher?
Start by removing and cleaning the air gap on your sink, then inspect the garbage disposer inlet for debris and confirm the knockout plug was removed when the disposer was installed. Pull the dishwasher out slightly and check the drain hose for kinks and verify it forms a high loop or connects to an air gap as shown in the installation instructions. If those checks pass, remove the lower spray arm and filter assembly to access the sump and check for debris jamming the drain pump impeller. If the pump spins freely but the fault persists, the drain pump motor likely needs replacement.
Is it safe to keep using my GE dishwasher when Ftd is showing?
No. With an active Ftd fault the dishwasher has already stopped the cycle because water remains in the tub. Running a new cycle over standing water can cause overflow onto your floor and will not produce clean dishes. Clear the standing water manually using a towel or wet vac, then diagnose the drain path before running the machine again.
How much does it cost to repair a GE dishwasher showing Ftd?
If the cause is a clog in the air gap, disposer, or drain hose, the repair costs nothing beyond your time. A drain pump replacement, which is required when the motor has burned out, typically runs $25 to $75 for the part depending on the GE model, plus one to two hours of labor if you hire a technician, bringing the total to roughly $100 to $200. Clearing a jammed pump impeller yourself costs nothing if no part is damaged.
Can a clogged garbage disposer cause the Ftd error on a GE dishwasher?
Yes. The dishwasher drain hose typically connects directly to the garbage disposer, so a full or clogged disposer creates back pressure that prevents the drain pump from evacuating the tub. Run the disposer to clear it, then check the dishwasher inlet port on the disposer body for accumulated grease or debris. Also confirm the disposer's knockout plug was removed if the disposer was installed after the dishwasher.

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