GE Washer Error Code E46

E46 indicates that the drive motor or the inverter heat sink has exceeded safe operating temperatures. The inverter controls the motor speed and generates heat during operation, and this code triggers when that heat reaches a critical level. The washer shuts down to protect the motor and inverter electronics from damage.

No, you should not continue running the washer while E46 is active. The code indicates the motor or inverter is overheating, and running the machine in this condition risks damaging the inverter board or drive motor further. Allow the unit to cool completely before attempting the recommended reset and retry procedure.

If the issue is a failing drive motor, parts and labor typically range from around $150 to $400 or more depending on the specific model and local labor rates. If the inverter board is the cause, costs can be similar or higher. A diagnostic visit from a technician to confirm the fault before ordering parts is usually recommended.

You can start by powering down the washer, waiting 30 seconds, and retrying with the Whites cycle at sanitize temperature. If the error clears and does not return, no repair may be needed. If E46 reoccurs, replacing the drive motor is the indicated fix, which is a more involved repair that may be best handled by a technician depending on your comfort level with appliance disassembly.

A power-down reset of 30 seconds may clear E46 if the overheating was caused by a temporary condition such as a heavy load or brief airflow restriction. However, if the underlying cause is a failing drive motor, the error will return during the retry cycle. A reset alone does not fix the root cause when a component is at fault.