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Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code NORM

Thermistor fault

GE codesGE dishwasher codes

Thermistor fault — thermistor stopped or reading exceeds 175°F; program continues.

First step from the service manual

Check thermistor and main control.

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

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  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
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What NORM means on a GE dishwasher

The NORM error code on a GE dishwasher indicates a thermistor fault. The thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor located in the wash tub that monitors water temperature throughout the cycle. This fault triggers under two conditions: either the thermistor has stopped functioning entirely (an open or short circuit), or it is returning a reading that exceeds 175 degrees Fahrenheit, which falls outside the expected operating range. The control board uses thermistor input to regulate heating and cycle progression, so an inaccurate reading disrupts that feedback loop.

Despite the fault being logged, the dishwasher is designed to continue running the wash program rather than stopping mid-cycle. This means the machine will attempt to complete the selected cycle using default timing rather than temperature-confirmed stage transitions. However, wash performance may be compromised because the control board can no longer verify that water has reached the proper temperature for effective cleaning and sanitizing.

Diagnosis begins with inspecting the thermistor itself and the main control board. The thermistor should be checked for physical damage, corrosion at the connector, or a resistance value that falls outside the expected range for the current water temperature. If the thermistor checks out within spec, attention shifts to the wiring harness between the sensor and the control board, and then to the control board itself, which may be misreading a valid signal or failing to process it correctly.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of NORM

  1. 01

    Failed or open thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself may have failed internally, resulting in an open circuit or a wildly inaccurate resistance reading. This is the most common cause and can be confirmed by measuring the thermistor's resistance with a multimeter and comparing it to the expected value for the ambient or water temperature.

  2. 02

    Overheating water or heating element stuck on

    Part replacement

    If the water temperature actually exceeds 175 degrees Fahrenheit due to a malfunctioning heating element or stuck relay on the control board, the thermistor may be reading correctly but triggering the fault threshold. Check whether the heating element is cycling off properly during the wash.

  3. 03

    Loose or corroded thermistor connector

    Wiring / connection

    Vibration and moisture exposure can cause the thermistor's wiring connector to loosen or corrode at the terminals, producing an intermittent or false reading. Inspect the connector at the thermistor and trace the wiring harness to the control board for any damaged or oxidized pins.

  4. 04

    Damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wiring between the thermistor and the main control board may have chafed, pinched, or broken insulation that causes a short or open condition. Visually trace the harness along its routing path and use a multimeter to check for continuity.

  5. 05

    Faulty main control board

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor and all associated wiring test within acceptable parameters, the main control board may be misinterpreting or failing to process the thermistor signal correctly. A control board fault is typically diagnosed by exclusion after the sensor and wiring have been confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about NORM

What does NORM mean on a GE dishwasher?
NORM is a thermistor fault code on GE dishwashers. It appears when the thermistor, the component that monitors water temperature inside the tub, has either stopped working or is reporting a reading above 175 degrees Fahrenheit. The dishwasher will typically continue running the cycle, but temperature-based cycle control is compromised. Checking the thermistor and the main control board are the recommended first diagnostic steps.
Can I fix the NORM error code myself?
Some causes of the NORM code are DIY-friendly. Inspecting and reseating the thermistor connector, checking the wiring harness for visible damage, and testing the thermistor resistance with a multimeter are all tasks a confident DIYer can perform. If the thermistor itself has failed, replacing it is a straightforward repair. If the main control board is at fault, the repair is more involved and may be better left to a technician.
Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher when the NORM code is showing?
The dishwasher is designed to complete the current cycle even with the NORM fault active, so it is generally safe to run in the short term. However, since the control board can no longer accurately monitor water temperature, wash and sanitize performance may be reduced. Continued use without diagnosis also risks missing an underlying issue like a heating element that is stuck on, which could cause damage over time.
How much does it cost to repair a NORM thermistor error on a GE dishwasher?
Repair costs vary depending on the faulty component. A replacement thermistor is typically an inexpensive part, with the total repair cost including labor ranging from around $75 to $200. If the main control board is the cause, parts alone can range from $100 to $300 or more, with total repair costs potentially reaching $200 to $450 depending on labor rates in your area.
Will resetting the dishwasher clear the NORM error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the NORM code from the display, but the fault will return if the underlying problem with the thermistor or control board has not been corrected. Resetting is a useful first step to rule out a transient glitch, but a persistent NORM code after resetting indicates a component that requires inspection or replacement.

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