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Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code Not Heating

Water temperature has not risen by greater than 9°F in 15 minutes during a heating cycle.

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Water temperature has not risen by greater than 9°F in 15 minutes during a heating cycle.

First step from the service manual

Check heating element, door thermistor, and wiring connections.

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 Not Heating means on a GE dishwasher

The Not Heating error on a GE dishwasher indicates that the water temperature failed to rise by more than 9°F within a 15-minute window during an active heating cycle. The dishwasher's control board monitors temperature continuously through the door thermistor, and when the expected temperature gain does not occur within the allotted time, the board logs this fault and may halt or skip the heating phase. This is a functional failure in the wash water heating system, not a sensor fault alone, meaning the root cause could be electrical, mechanical, or thermal in nature.

The heating element is the primary suspect in most Not Heating faults. If the element has burned out or developed an open circuit, it draws no current and produces no heat, causing the thermistor to report a flat temperature curve. The door thermistor itself is the second major component to evaluate: a failed or drifted thermistor may report inaccurate temperature readings to the control board, causing the board to incorrectly assess that no heating is occurring even when the element is functioning. Wiring connections between the control board, thermistor, and heating element should also be inspected, as corroded, loose, or broken terminals can interrupt both power delivery to the element and signal transmission from the thermistor.

Diagnosing this fault requires checking the heating element for continuity, verifying the thermistor resistance is within the expected range for a given water temperature, and confirming that wiring harness connections are secure and free of damage. A failed control board that is not correctly energizing the heating element circuit is a less common but possible cause as well. Repair complexity ranges from a straightforward element swap to more involved wiring or board diagnosis.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Not Heating

  1. 01

    Failed Heating Element

    Part replacement

    The heating element has burned out or developed an open circuit, preventing it from generating heat. Test the element for continuity with a multimeter; a reading of no continuity confirms it needs replacement.

  2. 02

    Faulty Door Thermistor

    Part replacement

    The door thermistor monitors water temperature and reports it to the control board. If the thermistor has failed or drifted out of its accurate resistance range, the board may record insufficient heating even if the element is working.

  3. 03

    Loose or Corroded Wiring Connections

    Wiring / connection

    Damaged, corroded, or disconnected wiring between the control board, thermistor, and heating element can cut power to the element or corrupt the thermistor signal. Inspect all related harness connectors for corrosion, looseness, or burn marks.

  4. 04

    Control Board Failure

    Part replacement

    If the control board is not properly energizing the heating element circuit, the element will not operate regardless of its condition. This is typically diagnosed after the element, thermistor, and wiring have been confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Not Heating

What does Not Heating mean on a GE dishwasher?
The Not Heating error means the dishwasher's control board detected that water temperature did not increase by more than 9°F within a 15-minute heating cycle. The board uses the door thermistor to track temperature rise, and when the gain falls short of that threshold, it logs this fault. The most common causes are a failed heating element, a faulty thermistor, or a wiring issue in the heating circuit.
Can I fix the Not Heating error myself?
Many DIYers can resolve this fault by testing and replacing the heating element or door thermistor, both of which are accessible components in most GE dishwasher models. A multimeter is needed to check element continuity and thermistor resistance. If the wiring and components test good, the control board may be the issue, which is a more advanced repair that some homeowners prefer to leave to a technician.
Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher with a Not Heating error?
Running the dishwasher with this error is not dangerous in most cases, but your dishes will not be washed or sanitized at the correct temperature. Hot water is essential for dissolving detergent and killing bacteria, so dishes may come out greasy or not properly sanitized. It is best to resolve the fault before relying on the appliance for regular use.
How much does it cost to repair a GE dishwasher Not Heating error?
Repair costs vary depending on the failed component. A replacement heating element typically costs between $20 and $60 for the part, while a door thermistor is generally in the $15 to $40 range. If a professional technician is needed, expect to add labor costs of $80 to $150 or more depending on your location and the complexity of the diagnosis.
Will resetting my GE dishwasher clear the Not Heating error?
A reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but the fault will return if the underlying problem has not been fixed. Because the error triggers when the board detects an actual temperature rise failure during a heating cycle, the condition will reoccur as soon as the dishwasher runs another cycle with the same failed component in place. A proper repair of the heating element, thermistor, or wiring is required to permanently resolve the error.

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