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Error code reference

GE Dishwasher Error Code Super Wash LED flashing

Over Temperature fault

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Over Temperature fault - water temperature sensed exceeds 176°F (180°F threshold noted in fault table).

First step from the service manual

Check thermistor and power control board (PCB). Program operation continues but over temperature warning is indicated.

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

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What Super Wash LED flashing means on a GE dishwasher

The Super Wash LED flashing on a GE dishwasher indicates an over temperature fault, meaning the control system has detected water temperature exceeding 176°F during operation. The fault table references a threshold of 180°F, so the warning activates when sensed temperatures approach or exceed this range. Importantly, the appliance does not halt the wash cycle when this fault occurs. Program operation continues, but the flashing LED serves as a warning that thermal conditions inside the tub are outside normal parameters.

The thermistor is the primary component responsible for monitoring water temperature throughout the wash cycle. If the thermistor has drifted out of calibration, developed an internal fault, or is providing inaccurate resistance readings to the power control board (PCB), the board may interpret normal temperatures as dangerously high, or it may correctly detect a genuine overheating condition. The PCB itself can also be the source of the fault if its input circuitry is misreading thermistor signals.

Genuine overheating can result from a malfunctioning heating element that stays energized too long, a PCB relay stuck in the closed position supplying continuous power to the heater, or extremely hot incoming water from a water heater set well above the recommended 120°F supply temperature. Diagnosing this fault requires checking the thermistor resistance values against specification at a known temperature, inspecting the PCB for visible damage, and confirming that the heating element is not energizing outside its intended cycle phase.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Super Wash LED flashing

  1. 01

    Faulty thermistor

    Part replacement

    A thermistor that has failed or drifted out of spec can report falsely elevated temperatures to the PCB, triggering the over temperature warning even when actual water temp is normal. Testing the thermistor resistance against known temperature values will confirm whether it is reading accurately.

  2. 02

    Heating element not cycling off

    Part replacement

    If the heating element remains energized beyond its intended cycle phase, water temperature can genuinely climb above 176°F. This is often caused by a relay on the PCB sticking in the closed position, which keeps power supplied to the element continuously.

  3. 03

    PCB fault or input circuit failure

    Part replacement

    The power control board processes the thermistor signal to determine water temperature. A fault in the PCB input circuitry can cause misinterpretation of normal thermistor readings, resulting in a false over temperature condition being flagged.

  4. 04

    Incoming water supply too hot

    Wiring / connection

    If the household water heater is set significantly above 120°F, the incoming hot water supply can introduce water that is already near or above the fault threshold before the dishwasher heater even activates. Check the water heater thermostat setting.

  5. 05

    Wiring or connector issue between thermistor and PCB

    Wiring / connection

    Corroded, loose, or damaged wiring between the thermistor and the control board can introduce resistance into the signal circuit, causing the board to receive an inaccurate temperature reading. Inspect the connector pins and harness for damage or oxidation.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Super Wash LED flashing

What does Super Wash LED flashing mean on a GE dishwasher?
The Super Wash LED flashing indicates an over temperature fault, meaning the dishwasher's control system has detected water temperature exceeding 176°F, with a fault threshold of approximately 180°F. The warning is generated by the power control board based on input from the thermistor. The dishwasher will continue running its cycle, but the flashing LED signals that the temperature condition needs to be investigated. The two primary components to inspect are the thermistor and the PCB.
How do I fix the Super Wash LED flashing error on my GE dishwasher?
Start by checking the thermistor for accurate resistance readings at a known water temperature to confirm whether it is reporting correctly. If the thermistor tests within spec, inspect the power control board for signs of relay failure or visible damage. Also verify that your home's water heater is not set above the recommended supply temperature, and check the wiring harness between the thermistor and PCB for corrosion or loose connections. Replacing the faulty component, either the thermistor or the PCB, is typically required to resolve the fault.
Is it safe to keep using my GE dishwasher when the Super Wash LED is flashing?
The dishwasher is designed to continue its wash cycle even when this fault is active, so it does not immediately shut down. However, running the appliance while a genuine overheating condition exists could indicate a heating element or relay problem that should not be ignored long term. It is advisable to investigate the cause promptly, particularly if you suspect the heating element is not cycling off correctly.
Will resetting my GE dishwasher clear the Super Wash LED flashing fault?
A reset may temporarily clear the fault indication, but if the underlying cause, such as a failed thermistor, a PCB fault, or a heating element that is not cycling off, has not been corrected, the Super Wash LED will begin flashing again once the conditions that triggered it are repeated. Resetting without diagnosis and repair is not a long-term solution.
How much does it cost to repair the Super Wash LED flashing fault on a GE dishwasher?
Repair costs depend on which component is at fault. A replacement thermistor is generally an inexpensive part, with total repair costs including labor typically ranging from around $75 to $200. If the power control board requires replacement, costs can range from approximately $150 to $400 or more depending on labor rates and part pricing in your area. Getting a diagnostic inspection first will help narrow down which component actually needs to be replaced.

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