mypros+
Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code Heated Dry LED

Wash temperature error

GE codesGE dishwasher codes

Wash temperature error - The minimum wash temperature of 120°F was not reached during 3 of the past 5 wash cycles.

First step from the service manual

Check water heater, thermistor, and incoming water temperature.

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

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for Heated Dry LED.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What Heated Dry LED means on a GE dishwasher

The Heated Dry LED error on a GE dishwasher signals a wash temperature fault. The control board monitors water temperature during the wash cycle and logs a failure each time the water does not reach the minimum threshold of 120°F. When 3 out of the last 5 wash cycles fail to hit this temperature, the control board activates the Heated Dry LED indicator to flag the condition. The components most likely involved are the water inlet supply, the heating element, and the thermistor or thermostat responsible for reporting water temperature to the control board.

For homeowners, this error means your dishwasher is washing with water that is not hot enough to clean and sanitize dishes properly. Your home's water heater temperature setting, a failed heating element inside the dishwasher, or a faulty temperature sensor could all be responsible. The dishwasher has seen this happen repeatedly across multiple cycles, not just once, so the condition is persistent rather than a one-time fluke. Addressing the root cause is necessary to restore proper wash performance, since water below 120°F reduces detergent effectiveness and leaves dishes under-sanitized.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Heated Dry LED

  1. 01

    Low hot water supply temperature

    Wiring / connection

    If the home's water heater is set below 120°F or is located far from the dishwasher, the incoming water may never reach the minimum wash temperature. Running the kitchen hot water tap before starting a cycle can help confirm whether supply temperature is the issue.

  2. 02

    Failed or degraded heating element

    Part replacement

    The dishwasher's heating element is responsible for boosting water temperature during the wash cycle. If the element has burned out or lost efficiency, the water will consistently fall short of 120°F regardless of the incoming supply temperature.

  3. 03

    Faulty thermistor or thermostat

    Part replacement

    The thermistor or thermostat measures water temperature and reports it to the control board. A failed or out-of-calibration sensor can cause the board to incorrectly read temperatures as too low, or fail to signal the heating element to activate at the right time.

  4. 04

    Defective control board

    Part replacement

    If the control board is not properly activating the heating element circuit during the wash cycle, water temperature will not reach 120°F even when all other components are functioning correctly. This is the least likely cause and should be investigated only after the heating element and thermistor have been ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Heated Dry LED

What does the Heated Dry LED error mean on a GE dishwasher?
The Heated Dry LED on a GE dishwasher indicates a wash temperature error. Specifically, the control board detected that water did not reach the minimum temperature of 120°F during 3 of the last 5 wash cycles. This is a persistent fault, not a single-cycle anomaly, and points to an issue with the water supply temperature, the heating element, or the temperature sensor.
Can I still use my GE dishwasher when the Heated Dry LED error is showing?
The dishwasher will typically still run cycles with this error active, but washing below 120°F significantly reduces cleaning performance and leaves dishes under-sanitized. Detergents are formulated to activate at or above 120°F, so results will be noticeably worse. Using the dishwasher short-term while diagnosing the problem is generally safe for the machine, but it is not recommended for households that rely on the dishwasher to sanitize items like baby bottles or cutting boards.
How do I fix the Heated Dry LED error on a GE dishwasher?
Start by checking your home's water heater thermostat and confirming it is set to at least 120°F. Run the hot water tap at the kitchen sink for 30 to 60 seconds before starting a cycle to ensure hot water is already in the supply line. If the error persists after those steps, test the dishwasher's heating element for continuity with a multimeter and inspect the thermistor or thermostat. A failed heating element is the most common hardware cause and is a moderate DIY repair on most GE models.
How much does it cost to fix the Heated Dry LED wash temperature error on a GE dishwasher?
If the fix is simply raising your water heater temperature, there is no cost involved. A replacement heating element for a GE dishwasher typically costs $20 to $60 for the part, and DIY installation is feasible with basic tools. A thermistor or thermostat is usually $10 to $30. If a control board replacement is needed, parts alone can run $80 to $200 or more, making professional diagnosis worthwhile before committing to that repair.
Why does my GE dishwasher keep showing the Heated Dry LED error after resetting it?
The control board tracks wash temperature across 5 cycles, so the error will return if the underlying cause has not been fixed. Resetting the dishwasher clears the display temporarily but does not change the logged cycle history or repair the faulty component. If the error reappears within a few cycles after a reset, confirm your water heater supply temperature first, then move on to testing the heating element and thermistor before replacing parts.

Related GE dishwasher codes

All GE dishwasher codes
View all 222 GE dishwasher codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass