GE Dishwasher Starts Then Stops: 5 Reasons & Their Solutions

GE dishwashers are quite popular among the users but just like any other dishwasher, this can also suffer from some problems. One such complaint is that GE dishwasher starts then stops.

If you notice your GE dishwasher is suddenly stopping in the middle of cycle it can be due to many reasons like a damaged motor which prevents power flow for the operation, it can be also due to overheating which will turn the dishwasher off.

Not to worry as this issue is easily fixable and you will need to check a few different things to fix this completely.

Is it Normal For GE Dishwashers To Start Then Stop?

It’s entirely common for GE dishwashers to start and stop a few times while they drain the water. This improves the effectiveness of the removal of food particles.

So, don’t panic if you see these little start and stop pauses throughout the emptying process as the machine is designed to work in this way to increase its effectiveness.

However if your dishwasher starts then stops but doesn’t start again automatically then it’s not normal.

Dishwashers are made to run smoothly and uninterruptedly through their cycles and this sudden pause shows there is an issue with it.

Troubleshooting And Fix for ge dishwasher starts then stops

So if your GE dishwasher starts then stops and doesn’t start again, you  will need to check a few different things to get rid of this problem completely,

1. Damaged Motor

Damaged motors are one of the main reasons for GE dishwashers to stop suddenly. Motor damage is not normal but it can happen when you don’t use your dishwasher for a long time.

So when the motor is damaged, electricity goes into your dishwasher but the motor blades do not spin causing your dishwasher to stop.

When the motor is operating, you must pay attention to the sound it makes; if it sounds stuck or buzzy, your motor is damaged.

The only solution to this problem is to replace the motor in your dishwasher.

2. Overheating

When your dishwasher overheats, it can cause lots of problems on the internals of your circuit and hence they come with sensors to detect heat.

So, when the motor or any other parts overheats the auto protective mechanism will detect and stop the dishwasher from operating. There is also a thermal fuse which opens up and cuts down power as the temperature exceeds way above the required level.

This is done to save your dishwasher from getting damaged due to circuit or motor burning.

If this happens, stop your dishwasher and give it sufficient time to cool down before using it again. Also, make sure that nothing is blocking the airflow in it. You should also avoid using water above the suggested temperature.

3. Issues with the impeller

All dishwashers come with impellers and some models even offer two of them. They help with water circulation and proper draining of the water.

If your dishwasher isn’t operating properly, a broken impeller might be to blame. The sensor in the dishwasher can tell when a part isn’t working properly so your dishwasher will stop after starting.

To check for this issue, first, see if water is flowing correctly through the dishwasher. Also, inspect the blades for any physical damage.

You must replace the blades if they are damaged. If not, try slowly spinning the blades with a screwdriver until they start to move freely once again.

4. Damaged Air Inlet Hose

The air intake hose that comes with every GE dishwasher is an essential part of the appliance’s air gap system. It helps drainage and avoids backflow.

The appropriate airflow and drainage in the dishwasher can be hampered by a blocked or jammed air inlet hose, which can result in problems like incomplete cycles or improper water drainage. As a result your dishwasher will frequently start and stop.

To fix this issue take a long metal stick, thin enough to go through the inlet and poke the air inlet with it to clear any stuck food particles.

After that pour some hot water through the inlet to remove any remaining particles as hot water will melt them down.

5. Clogged Spray Arm

The GE dishwasher uses a rotating arm with tiny spray nozzles to spread water over the dishes as it completes its cycle.

These spray nozzles can occasionally become clogged with food particles, which prevents water from reaching the dishes and causing the dishwasher to stop working quickly after starting.

In order to fix this you will need to take out the spray arm from your dishwasher and clean the arm properly. Use a soft brush and make sure there are no food particles left inside it.

Maintenance Tips To Prevent Problems On GE Dishwasher

Proper maintenance can help you prevent a lot of issues with all electric appliances, not just dishwashers. So, follow these maintenance tips below to prevent problems on your GE dishwasher.

• Avoid using water with a temperature higher than recommended.
• Clean the filters, racks, and inside of the dishwasher of any food bits or dirt. To clean small areas, use a soft bristle brush or toothbrush.
• Every few months, wash the drain filter to prevent a clogged drain and an unpleasant-smelling dishwasher.
• To prevent the growth of mold and mildew, regularly wash off the seal with a vinegar and water solution. Do not use harsh cleaning agents since they might harm the seal.
• Look for any wrinkles, twists, or leaks in the water supply line. Make sure the water supply valve is completely open and that it is connected correctly.

FAQs

GE dishwashers are quite reliable but due to improper maintenance it can suffer from sudden stop issues but you can fix this. If you still have questions, read our faqs below to have a better idea.

Final Words

Nothing can be more annoying than your dishwasher suddenly stopping in the middle of cleaning your dirty dishes. So, to avoid this you must ensure proper maintenance of your GE dishwasher.

Additionally, when you are keeping your dishwasher unused for very long, make sure to turn it on every 15 days to keep the motor running for some time.

Also, always keep your dishwasher and filters clean to ensure proper water circulation.