GE Dishwasher Error Code SENSING LED not lit

This condition means the turbidity sensor circuit has either failed open or shorted, and the control board is no longer receiving a valid signal from the sensor. The turbidity sensor normally measures water clarity so the dishwasher can optimize cycle length and the number of wash and rinse fills. With the sensor circuit down, the dishwasher defaults to running every cycle at its maximum duration and fill count for the selected cycle. The SENSING LED remaining unlit is the visual indicator of this fault.

A simple power reset is unlikely to permanently clear this condition because it is caused by a hardware fault in the turbidity sensor circuit, either an open circuit or a short. The fault will typically return as soon as the control board attempts to read the sensor again. A proper repair of the sensor, wiring, or control board is needed to resolve it.

Repair costs vary depending on the failed component. If only the wiring harness connector needs cleaning or reseating, there may be little or no parts cost involved. A replacement turbidity sensor typically costs in the range of $20 to $60 for parts. If the control board is the source of the fault, parts costs are generally in the range of $100 to $250 or more, with additional labor if a technician performs the repair.

Yes, the dishwasher will continue to operate when this fault is present. It enters a fallback mode where it runs at maximum cycle time and uses the maximum number of wash and rinse fills for the selected cycle. Your dishes should still get cleaned, but the machine will use more water and electricity than normal until the sensor circuit is repaired.

The dishwasher will continue to function and complete wash cycles, so there is no immediate safety hazard from running it in this condition. However, the fallback mode uses more water and energy than necessary with each cycle, which will increase operating costs over time. Addressing the fault promptly will restore normal efficiency.