GE Washer Error Code 31

Error code 31 on a GE washer means the machine experienced an Out of Balance Fallback during the final spin. The washer detected that the basket could not reach its target spin speed due to an unbalanced load, so it completed the cycle at a reduced spin speed instead of stopping entirely. This typically results in clothes being wetter than normal at the end of the cycle. Running a Drain and Spin cycle is the recommended first step to confirm whether the basket can reach full speed.

Error code 31 is not a safety-critical fault, and the washer is designed to complete the cycle at a lower spin speed rather than stopping abruptly. However, continued use with a persistent imbalance can accelerate wear on the suspension components, bearings, and tub. It is best to identify and correct the cause before running additional loads, especially if the machine is producing excessive vibration or noise during spin.

If the cause is simply an unbalanced load, there is no repair cost involved. If worn shock absorbers are the culprit, parts typically range from $30 to $80 depending on the model, plus labor if a technician is hired. Suspension spring replacement is generally in a similar cost range. A full diagnostic service call from a technician typically runs between $80 and $150 before any parts are factored in.

Start by opening the washer and redistributing the load so items are spread evenly around the drum, then run a Drain and Spin cycle to see if the basket reaches full speed without the Spin LED blinking. If the error clears, the issue was load-related and no repair is needed. If the error persists with a balanced or empty load, inspect the shock absorbers and suspension springs for wear or damage, as these components are the most common mechanical causes of recurring OOB conditions.

A reset may clear the stored error code, but it will not fix the underlying cause. If the load imbalance or mechanical issue that triggered code 31 is still present, the condition will recur during the next spin cycle. The recommended approach is to run a Drain and Spin cycle with a properly balanced load after any reset to confirm the washer is operating correctly before resuming normal use.