GE Dishwasher Error Code Rinse & Hold LED flashing

The Rinse & Hold LED flashing on a GE dishwasher indicates a Not Draining fault. This fault is triggered when the pressure switch continues to sense the presence of water in the sump after five full minutes of drain pump operation. At that point, the control board halts all outputs, meaning the drain pump, wash motor, and all other actuators are shut off until the condition is addressed. The dishwasher cannot advance through its cycle while this fault is active.

The pressure switch is central to this fault. It monitors water level in the sump and signals the control board when the tub is empty. If the pressure switch still reads water present after the five-minute drain window, the fault is logged regardless of whether the tub is physically empty or not. This means the root cause could be either a true drain failure or a faulty pressure switch circuit. A technician should verify whether standing water is actually present in the tub before assuming the drain system is at fault.

The most common mechanical causes involve the drain pump itself or restrictions in the drain path. A clogged drain filter, kinked drain hose, blocked air gap, or failed drain pump impeller will all prevent adequate water removal. On the electrical side, a faulty pressure switch, damaged wiring harness, or poor connector contact in the pressure switch circuit can produce the same fault code even when the drain pump is functioning correctly. Inspect the full drain path and verify pressure switch continuity before replacing components.