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Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code Heated Dry

Wash temperature error

GE codesGE dishwasher codes

Wash temperature error - The minimum wash temperature of 120°F was not reached during 2 of the past 3 wash cycles.

First step from the service manual

Check incoming water temperature (minimum 120°F recommended), verify thermistor readings, confirm heater operation using service mode, check tub TCO.

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

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What Heated Dry means on a GE dishwasher

The Heated Dry indicator light on GE dishwashers is used as a fault signal when the unit detects a wash temperature error. Specifically, this error triggers when the internal wash temperature fails to reach the minimum threshold of 120°F during at least 2 of the past 3 wash cycles. This is not a drying-phase error despite the name of the indicator being used to display it. The control board monitors water temperature throughout the wash cycle using a thermistor, and when that thermistor consistently reports temperatures below the required threshold, the fault is logged and displayed.

The components most commonly involved in this fault are the incoming water supply, the thermistor (temperature sensor), the heating element, and the thermal cutout (TCO) located on the tub. The thermistor sends resistance-based temperature readings to the control board. If those readings are out of range or the water is genuinely too cold, the board will flag the fault. The tub TCO is a one-time thermal fuse that protects against overheating and will interrupt heater operation if it has tripped, preventing the water from being heated at all.

Diagnosing this fault requires checking the incoming hot water temperature at the supply line, which should be at or above 120°F before the dishwasher even begins heating. From there, technicians should verify thermistor resistance values against expected specifications, confirm heater operation using the dishwasher's service mode, and test the tub TCO for continuity. A failed TCO will show an open circuit and will require replacement to restore heater function.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Heated Dry

  1. 01

    Low incoming water temperature

    Wiring / connection

    If the hot water heater in the home is set below 120°F, the dishwasher may never reach the required wash temperature. Run hot water at the nearest sink before starting a cycle to check how hot the supply actually is.

  2. 02

    Faulty thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor is the temperature sensor that reports wash water temperature to the control board. If it is reading incorrectly due to failure or a wiring issue, the board may log a temperature fault even when water is adequately hot.

  3. 03

    Failed or open tub TCO

    Part replacement

    The thermal cutout on the tub is a one-time protective fuse. If it has tripped due to a prior overheating event, it will permanently interrupt the heater circuit. Testing for continuity across the TCO terminals will confirm whether it has failed open.

  4. 04

    Heating element failure

    Part replacement

    A burned-out or failed heating element will prevent the dishwasher from raising water temperature during the wash cycle. The heater should be tested for continuity and confirmed active using the dishwasher's service mode.

  5. 05

    Wiring or connection issue

    Wiring / connection

    Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring between the thermistor, heating element, TCO, and control board can cause intermittent or complete loss of temperature control. Inspect connectors at each component for corrosion or backed-out terminals.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Heated Dry

What does Heated Dry mean on a GE dishwasher?
On a GE dishwasher, the Heated Dry indicator is used to display a wash temperature fault, not a drying error. It means the dishwasher failed to reach the minimum wash temperature of 120°F in at least 2 of the past 3 wash cycles. The control board tracks this based on thermistor readings during the wash phase. The cause is typically low incoming water temperature, a failed thermistor, a bad heating element, or a tripped tub TCO.
How do I fix the Heated Dry error on my GE dishwasher?
Start by confirming that your home's hot water supply is at or above 120°F, as low supply temperature is the most common cause. If the supply temperature is adequate, the next steps are to test the thermistor for accurate resistance readings, check the tub TCO for continuity, and verify heating element operation through the dishwasher's service mode. Replacing whichever component tests as faulty should clear the error once the underlying issue is corrected.
Is it safe to use my GE dishwasher when the Heated Dry error is showing?
The dishwasher will generally still run cycles, but water that does not reach 120°F may not fully sanitize dishes or dissolve detergent as effectively. There is no immediate safety hazard to the appliance from this fault, but dish hygiene may be compromised. It is best to diagnose and repair the issue before relying on the dishwasher for sanitizing loads.
Will resetting my GE dishwasher clear the Heated Dry error?
A reset may temporarily clear the displayed fault, but the error will return if the root cause is not fixed. The control board tracks wash temperature across multiple cycles, so it will re-trigger the fault after 2 of the next 3 wash cycles again fall below 120°F. Clearing the code without addressing the underlying problem provides only a short-term workaround.
How much does it cost to repair the Heated Dry error on a GE dishwasher?
Repair costs vary depending on which component has failed. A thermistor replacement is typically a lower-cost repair, often ranging from $40 to $120 including parts and labor. A heating element or tub TCO replacement may cost between $80 and $200 depending on parts pricing and local labor rates. If the issue is simply a water heater setting, there may be no parts cost at all.

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