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Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code Normal Wash LED flashing

Not Heating fault

GE codesGE dishwasher codes

Not Heating fault - water temperature rise is less than 8°F in 15 minutes during a heating cycle.

First step from the service manual

Check heating element, thermistor, and wiring connections. The heating element relay is de-energized and the wash program continues while the Normal Wash LED rapidly flashes.

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

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What Normal Wash LED flashing means on a GE dishwasher

The Normal Wash LED flashing rapidly on a GE dishwasher indicates a Not Heating fault. Specifically, the control has detected that water temperature increased by less than 8°F during a 15-minute window within an active heating cycle. The dishwasher relies on its heating element to raise water temperature to the level required for effective cleaning and sanitizing. When the control monitors the thermistor and determines that the temperature rise is insufficient, it de-energizes the heating element relay and logs the fault by flashing the Normal Wash LED. Importantly, the wash program does not stop; it continues to run while the fault is active and the LED flashes.

The three primary components involved in this fault are the heating element, the thermistor, and the wiring that connects them to the control board. The thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor that reports real-time water temperature to the control. If the thermistor is reading incorrectly due to a failure or a poor connection, the control may register inadequate heating even if the element itself is functioning. Conversely, if the heating element has an open circuit or has burned out, it will produce no heat regardless of thermistor input, and the temperature will fail to rise the required 8°F threshold within the 15-minute detection window.

Wiring integrity is also a key diagnostic factor. Corroded terminals, loose connectors, or damaged wiring between the heating element, thermistor, and control board can interrupt the circuit and produce this fault. Diagnosis should begin by inspecting these wiring connections, then testing the heating element for continuity and the thermistor for accurate resistance values. A failed control board relay that cannot properly energize the heating element is a less common but possible root cause as well.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Normal Wash LED flashing

  1. 01

    Failed heating element

    Part replacement

    A burned-out or open-circuit heating element cannot raise water temperature, causing the control to detect less than the required 8°F rise in 15 minutes. Test the element for continuity using a multimeter; a reading showing no continuity confirms the element has failed.

  2. 02

    Faulty thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor reports water temperature to the control board, and if it has drifted out of spec or failed, it may report inaccurate temperatures that trigger this fault even when the element is working. Check the thermistor resistance values and compare them to the expected range for the water temperature present.

  3. 03

    Loose or corroded wiring connections

    Wiring / connection

    Poor electrical connections at the heating element terminals, thermistor connector, or control board can interrupt the circuit and produce a not-heating fault. Inspect all related connectors and terminals for corrosion, looseness, or visible damage.

  4. 04

    Heating element relay failure on control board

    Part replacement

    The control board contains a relay that energizes the heating element. If that relay is stuck open or has failed, the element will never receive power and no temperature rise will occur. This is typically diagnosed after the element and thermistor have been confirmed as good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Normal Wash LED flashing

What does Normal Wash LED flashing mean on a GE dishwasher?
The rapidly flashing Normal Wash LED on a GE dishwasher indicates a Not Heating fault. The control has detected that water temperature rose by less than 8°F during a 15-minute period in a heating cycle. The heating element relay is de-energized when this fault is active, but the wash program continues to run. The most common causes are a failed heating element, a faulty thermistor, or a wiring connection problem.
Can I fix the Normal Wash LED flashing fault myself?
Some aspects of this repair are approachable for a knowledgeable DIYer. You can inspect wiring connections, test the heating element for continuity with a multimeter, and check the thermistor resistance without specialized tools. Replacing the heating element is a moderately involved repair that requires accessing the inside of the tub and the underside of the dishwasher. Control board replacement is more complex and may be better handled by a technician.
Is it safe to keep using my GE dishwasher when the Normal Wash LED is flashing?
The dishwasher will continue to run through its cycle even with this fault active, so it is not immediately dangerous to operate. However, without proper heating, your dishes will not be cleaned or sanitized effectively, and any wash cycle requiring heat, such as a sanitize cycle, will not perform correctly. It is best to diagnose and correct the fault before relying on the dishwasher for heavily soiled or sanitized loads.
Will resetting my GE dishwasher clear the Normal Wash LED flashing fault?
A reset may temporarily clear the flashing LED, but the fault will return if the underlying problem is not corrected. Because the control triggers this fault based on a measured temperature rise of less than 8°F over 15 minutes, the same failure condition will be detected again during the next heating cycle. Resetting is useful for confirming whether a fault is intermittent, but it is not a permanent fix for a failed heating element, thermistor, or wiring issue.
How much does it cost to repair the Not Heating fault on a GE dishwasher?
Repair costs vary depending on which component has failed. A replacement heating element typically ranges from around $20 to $60 for the part, while a thermistor is generally less expensive. If the control board relay or the full control board needs replacement, parts alone can range from $80 to $200 or more. Adding professional labor, a full repair can range from $100 to $300 or higher depending on the failed component and local service rates.

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