Want to start your dishwasher, but the start button just won’t work? We’ve all experienced the frustration of repeatedly pressing that start button. Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon problem. You have a bunch of dirty dishes to wash but your GE profile dishwasher start button not working.
There can be multiple reasons your GE dishwasher start button is not working. The good news is this problem can be fixed by yourself without needing professional help
In this article, we’ll walk through the common causes for a non-functioning start key of GE profile dishwasher. We’ll also provide tips on how to reset your GE dishwasher to get it working again.
With some simple DIY troubleshooting, you can get your dishwasher back to normal condition.
Why does my GE profile dishwasher start button is not working?
A not working start button of the GE dishwasher can be caused due to many reasons. Check out the table given below if you are in a hurry. Or else, I have also provided a detailed explanation of these issues with their fixing guide.
| Causes of the issue | Best possible solution |
| Power supply issues | Ensure that the power cord is plugged in and turned on. You may also need to reset the tripped breaker. |
| Water supply issues | Make sure your dishwasher is getting water by checking the turning on the supply valve. Fix any kinked supply hose and replace the water inlet valve if needed. |
| Activated child/control lock | Deactivate the child/control lock |
| Unlatched doors | Try latching the doors properly. You may need to replace the door latch or switch as needed. |
| Incorrect cycle selection | Reset your appliance by holding the start button for 3 seconds. |
| Stuck start button | Free the start button by cleaning the area around it. |
| Damaged start button | Fixing this issue needs replacing the control panel. |
| Wiring issues | Ask a verified appliance technician to fix it. |
| Malfunctioning touchpad | Replace the faulty touchpad with a new one. |
| Damaged control board | Replace the main control board with a new functioning one. |
Now, you have completed a general overview of possible culprits of a non-functioning start button of the GE dishwasher. Read on to get a detailed explanation of these culprits with a troubleshooting guide.
Your dishwasher is not getting power
Any GE dishwasher will not be able to function without the power. There are a few things that could interfere with the power supply and cause the start button to be unresponsive:
- Power outage
- Loose or unplugged power cord
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Malfunctioning electrical outlet
Fixing guide:
First, check if there is a general power outage in your home. If the lights are out too, then a blackout is likely the issue. You’ll need to wait until electricity is restored before trying to use the dishwasher.
Next, ensure the dishwasher is plugged in securely and turned on at the wall outlet. Test the power outlet with another appliance like a phone charger to make sure it is functioning. Replace the outlet if it’s not working.
The electrical circuit breaker may also have tripped, cutting power to the dishwasher. Check your electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers.
Your dishwasher is not getting water
Water supply is another essential requirement for the dishwasher to start running. Without water flowing into the unit, the start button will be non-responsive. Some of the most common reasons that cause why your dishwasher won’t get water are:
- The water supply valve is turned off
- The water supply line is kinked
- Damaged water inlet valve
Fixing guide:
First, ensure the dishwasher’s water supply valve is actually turned on. Flip the valve to the open position to restore the water flow.
Next, inspect the water supply line for any kinks or bends that may be restricting water flow. Gently straighten out the hose to remove any kinks.
There could also be a problem with the water inlet valve. Use a multimeter to check for electrical continuity through the valve’s solenoid. No continuity means the valve is defective and will need to be replaced.
The control lock is activated
The start button of your GE dishwasher will not respond if the control lock feature is enabled. This safety function disables the control panel buttons to prevent accidental touch or interference during a wash cycle.
With the control lock on, pressing the start button will have no effect. The dishwasher ignores all button presses until this lock is deactivated.
Fixing guide:
To fix this, refer to your user manual for instructions on how to turn off the control lock for your dishwasher model. Typically, you’ll need to press a combination of buttons for a few seconds.
The dishwasher doors aren’t closed
GE dishwashers have a safety mechanism that won’t let the appliance run until the doors are properly closed and latched. Even slightly open doors can prevent the dishwasher from operating. Here are the reasons for an open door:
- Unlatched doors
- Obstructions like dirt and large dishes
- Broken door or latch
Fixing guide:
First, make sure the door is fully latched and sealed. Check for any obstructions like protruding dishes that may be preventing proper door closure.
If the door still won’t close completely, inspect the door latch mechanism. Look for damage or a broken latch that needs to be replaced.
You can test the micro switch in the door latch for continuity with a multimeter. No continuity means the door switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.
You have selected the wrong cycle settings
The chosen wash cycle settings can also trigger the start button to stop responding. Some cycles are designed to either delay the start time or disable operation entirely. Here are a few examples of such settings:
- Delay start
- Demo mode
- Sabbath mode
- Sleep mode (Energy saving mode)
Fixing guide:
To fix the problem, try resetting the dishwasher to clear these cycle settings. Hold down the start or reset button for a few seconds to reset a GE dishwasher.
The start button is stuck
Sometimes, the start button itself can get stuck and fail to activate when pressed. This is caused by a buildup of dirt, grime, or grease around the button.
Over time, debris gets lodged under and around the start button. All this gunk obstructs the button from being pressed down fully.
Fixing guide:
Inspect the start button on your GE dishwasher and check for any dirt or sticky substances that may be trapping the button in place.
Clean the areas around and under the start button with a soft cloth and mild detergent to remove anything blocking it from functioning normally.
The start button is broken
Over time due to normal wear and tear the start button can become damaged. As a result, it will stop responding to your calls.
Fixing guide:
Inspect the rubber boot around the start button and the button surface for any cracks, chips, or malformations indicating physical damage. Replacement of the dishwasher’s control panel is recommended if the button Is damaged.
Faulty wiring
An issue with the internal wiring can lead to a start button malfunction. The complex web of electrical connections between components allows signals to be transmitted when buttons are pressed.
If any of these wires become damaged or disconnected, it will interrupt the circuit and prevent the start button from starting the GE dishwasher.
Fixing guide:
Call in a professional dishwasher repair technician to properly inspect and fix any faulty wiring causing the issue.
Defective touchpad
If the touchpad is defective, it can cause a non-working start button. These components can fail at any time, resulting in the failure of some or all buttons.
Specifically, if the start button and some other buttons are unresponsive, while some are working, it indicates an issue with the touchpad.
To confirm, try pressing every button on the control panel. If certain buttons are dead but others work normally, the touchpad circuit board is likely defective.
Fixing guide:
In such cases, it is recommended to replace the touchpad with a new one.
Damaged control board
If the start button plus all other control buttons are completely unresponsive, it means the main control board is at fault. This board controls the interface between the user controls and the dishwasher components.
To confirm it’s malfunctioning, try pressing every button on the panel to check if they’re responding. If none of them works, and you’re sure that there’s no power issue, the main control board is defective.
Fixing guide:
You will need to replace the main control board with a new one to fix the issue.
Conclusion
The start button not working is a common issue for GE dishwasher owners. However, fixing this issue is also an easy task to do. The most common causes for this issue are lack of power, lack of water, opened doors, wrong settings, etc.
You can head over to see the detailed overview of each cause with their best possible solution. If you are still confused or unconfident, contact a professional for help.
This was the troubleshooting guide for a non-working start button of the GE profile dishwasher. I hope you liked it and found it useful. If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below. I will be always ready to assist you further.
