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Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code SENSING LED not lit

Turbidity sensor circuit has failed open or shorted; unit will operate for maximum time using maximum number…

GE codesGE dishwasher codes

Turbidity sensor circuit has failed open or shorted; unit will operate for maximum time using maximum number of wash and rinse fills for the selected cycle.

First step from the service manual

Run Factory Test Mode to test the turbidity sensor circuit.

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

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What SENSING LED not lit means on a GE dishwasher

The SENSING LED not lit condition on a GE dishwasher indicates a failure in the turbidity sensor circuit. The turbidity sensor monitors water clarity during the wash cycle, allowing the control board to determine how soiled the water is and adjust cycle length, water temperature, and the number of wash and rinse fills accordingly. When this circuit fails either open or shorted, the control board loses the ability to receive feedback from the sensor and cannot make those dynamic adjustments.

Because the control board can no longer read water clarity data, it defaults to a protective fallback mode. In this mode, the dishwasher will run the selected cycle for its maximum programmed duration and will perform the maximum number of wash and rinse fills regardless of actual water condition. This means cycles will use more water and take longer than necessary, but the unit will still complete a wash cycle. The LED indicator associated with the SENSING function will remain unlit as a visible indication of the fault.

The turbidity sensor circuit includes the sensor itself, the wiring harness connecting it to the control board, and the relevant input circuitry on the board. Failures can occur at any of these points. Common causes include a sensor that has developed an internal open or short, corroded or disconnected connector pins in the wiring harness, or damage to the control board input. Running the Factory Test Mode is the correct first step to isolate whether the fault is in the sensor itself or elsewhere in the circuit.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of SENSING LED not lit

  1. 01

    Failed turbidity sensor

    Part replacement

    The turbidity sensor itself may have developed an internal open or short circuit, preventing it from sending any usable signal to the control board. This is the most common root cause and can be confirmed by testing the sensor through Factory Test Mode.

  2. 02

    Corroded or disconnected wiring harness connector

    Wiring / connection

    The connector pins linking the turbidity sensor to the control board can corrode or pull loose over time, creating an open circuit. Inspect the connector at both the sensor end and the board end for corrosion, bent pins, or loose seating.

  3. 03

    Damaged wiring between sensor and control board

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring harness running from the turbidity sensor to the control board may have chafed, pinched, or broken conductors, especially where it routes near moving parts or sharp edges in the tub area.

  4. 04

    Control board input circuit failure

    Part replacement

    If the sensor and wiring both test correctly, the fault may be on the control board itself, where the input circuitry for the turbidity sensor signal has failed. This would require control board replacement.

  5. 05

    Sensor contaminated or physically damaged

    Wiring / connection

    Heavy mineral scale buildup or physical impact can impair sensor function to the point that the circuit reads as open or shorted. Inspect the sensor lens and housing for visible damage or thick scale deposits.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about SENSING LED not lit

What does SENSING LED not lit mean on a GE dishwasher?
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.
Can I still use my GE dishwasher when the SENSING LED is not lit?
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.
Will resetting my GE dishwasher clear the SENSING LED not lit condition?
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.
Is it safe to ignore the SENSING LED not lit fault on my GE dishwasher?
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.
How much does it cost to fix the SENSING LED not lit error on a GE dishwasher?
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.

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