GE Dishwasher Error Code LIGHT

The LIGHT error code on a GE dishwasher signals a water intake fault. The control board detected that the flow meter registered fewer than 80 pulses in the first 60 seconds of filling, or that the total required pulse count was not reached within 255 seconds. The dishwasher stops the program to prevent operating without sufficient water. The fault points to a problem with the water supply, inlet valve, flow meter, or related wiring.

The dishwasher stops the cycle automatically when this error occurs, so it will not run a wash without adequate water. It is safe to leave the appliance as-is while you diagnose the issue, but you should not attempt to force a cycle to run without resolving the underlying water intake problem. Running the dishwasher repeatedly without addressing the fault could mask a more serious component failure.

Repair costs vary depending on what component is at fault. If the fix is simply cleaning the inlet valve screen or adjusting the supply valve, there may be no parts cost at all. Replacing an inlet water valve typically costs in the range of $20 to $80 for the part, while a flow meter replacement can range from $30 to $100 or more. Adding professional labor generally brings total repair costs to somewhere between $100 and $250, depending on your location and the technician's rates.

Start by confirming the water supply shutoff valve under the sink is fully open and that household water pressure is normal. Next, inspect the inlet water valve screen for sediment or debris and clean it if necessary. If water supply and the screen are not the issue, test the inlet valve and flow meter for proper operation and check wiring connections throughout the fill circuit. Replacing the faulty component, whether the inlet valve or flow meter, should clear the fault.

A reset may clear the displayed error and allow you to attempt a new cycle, but the fault will return if the underlying cause has not been corrected. Because the LIGHT code is triggered by a measurable water intake condition, the control board will detect the same problem again as soon as it attempts to fill. Address the root cause before relying on a reset to restore normal operation.