GE Washer Error Code E31

The E31 error code on a GE washer indicates that the pressure sensor is failing to communicate with the main control board. The pressure sensor, also called a water level sensor, monitors the amount of water inside the wash tub and sends that data to the control board so it can regulate fill cycles, wash cycles, and drain operations. When communication between these two components breaks down, the control board cannot accurately determine the water level, triggering the E31 fault and halting normal operation.

This communication failure can stem from several sources. The most common cause is a wiring problem between the pressure sensor and the control board, which is why the first diagnostic step is to inspect that wiring harness (Test 5 in the diagnostic procedure). Loose connectors, corroded terminals, pinched wires, or broken wire leads can all interrupt the signal. Beyond wiring, a failed pressure sensor itself can be responsible, as internal component degradation can prevent it from generating or transmitting a proper signal.

In better-model GE washers equipped with this diagnostic capability, the control board actively monitors the integrity of the pressure sensor circuit and flags E31 when the signal falls outside expected parameters or disappears entirely. Technicians should begin with a thorough visual and continuity inspection of the harness before condemning the sensor or the control board, as wiring faults are far more common and less costly to resolve.