Are you worried because of the Ge dishwasher FTD code? Well, you don’t have to worry now.
FTD code on GE dishwashers is a common issue faced by many owners. However, you can quickly solve this error with some correct information and steps.
In this article, you will get to know the causes and proper solutions for FTD error codes on your dishwasher. Additionally, I will also give you some tips to prevent the future occurrence of FTD errors.
What Does the FTD Code Mean on My GE Dishwasher?
The word FTD actually stands for Failure to drain. The dishwasher needs to remove the dirty water after every wash cycle. If the dishwasher cannot pump out the dirty water due to any physical or technical issues with the draining system, the control board will show the FTD or F56 code on the screen.
Note that you will be unable to operate another cycle until the error code is cleared.
What Causes FTD Code Errors on GE Dishwashers?
As I previously said, there can be any physical or technical issue that is blocking the drainage on your GE dishwasher.
However, I have researched for some weeks and found the most common causes of the GE dishwasher FTD code. Here are those common causes:
Incorrect Detergent selection
You may wonder why detergent selection matters. Well, the answer is, if you clean your dishes using the wrong type of detergent, it will create too many suds in the dishwasher. Too much suds can obstruct the proper flow of water and drainage passage, leading to the FTD code on a GE dishwasher.
Dirty Filter
Every dishwasher has a built-in filter by which they remove obstacles from the dirty water. But what will happen when the filter itself is full of debris and dirt? It will block the water from passing through it, and you will see an error code FTD displaying on the screen.
Blocked Sump
The sump area of your dishwasher collects and gives all the drain wastewater to the drain pump. If the sump area of your dishwasher is blocked due to large food particles or some debris, the drainage will be blocked, resulting in an FTD error code on the control panel.
Clogged Drain hose
If your drain hose get clogged it can cause the FTD code on your GE dishwasher. The drain hose is a part of your dishwasher which connects to the garbage disposal. If the drain hose is blocked by debris , your dishwasher will fail to drain.
Also, ensure that your dishwasher’s drain hose is not kinked or bent to avoid the FTD error code on the display.
Broken Drain impeller
The pump impeller regulates and directs the wastewater and increases the efficiency of the drain pump. When the impeller is damaged, the pump fails to drain properly, and the control board will show the FTD code on the screen.
Faulty Drain pump
It is the most common reason for FTD code. The drain pump is responsible for draining out the dirty water from the dishwasher. If the drain pump fails to pump out the stagnant water properly, the dirty water will be blocked in the dishwasher, resulting in drainage issues and FTD error code on the display.
Blocked Chopper blade
If the chopper blade of your dishwasher is blocked by too much dirt and food particles, it can cause FTD errors. I am saying this because a chopper blade helps to break down the foreign items on the dishes, and if the chopper blade is clogged, the foreign objects will reach the drainage path, resulting in a clog.
To avoid this issue, you should remove the debris from the dishware before putting it inside the dishwasher and keep checking the chopper blade periodically.
Clogged Air gap
The Air gap is a tool installed at the top of your sink used to prevent the drainage from coming back into the dishwasher. If it is clogged or not working, the dirty water will return to the dishwasher, causing FTD or F56 code errors.
When the water doesn’t get out, you will find the standing water in the bottom of your appliance.
Corrupt Software of the Control Board
It is possible that your dishwasher’s control board software has been disrupted due to some glitches. As the control board is the main component of the dishwasher, any fault in it can cause any possible issue, including FTD code issues.
Malfunctioning Pressure Sensor
The pressure sensor in the dishwasher is used to detect whether your appliance has drained or not. For any reason, if the sensor becomes defective, the dishwasher will be unable to find whether the drainage has passed or not, and as a result, you will find a code FTD on your screen.
Issues With Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal shreds the large food waste particles into small particles so that they will not block the drainage system. If it stops working due to some blockages, the food waste will clog the drain and trigger the FTD code.
To resolve the issue, refer to the fixing guide below.
How to Troubleshoot the Ftd Error Code on the GE Dishwasher?
Troubleshooting FTD code is similar to FED code. You can easily solve it in no time. Just follow the steps given below and find out which method works in your case.
Reset the Control board
To fix the issue, you should try resetting your control board. Resetting will flush out all the glitches from the control board. Follow the given steps to reset your control board.
- Disconnect the power plug from the power board or turn off the circuit breaker of your dishwasher.
- After that, leave your dishwasher for 3 to 5 minutes and let the glitches clear.
- Now, plug it back into the power board or turn on the circuit breaker.
- Try to run a test cycle to see whether the FTD code is cleared or not.
If the FTD error is not cleared even after resetting the dishwasher, it means the FTD code on your dishwasher is because of some other reasons. Follow the next steps and check which one of them is working for your case.
Examine the Drain hose
The wastewater of your dishwasher travels through the Drain hose. You should inspect the drain hose for any large debris or food particles that are causing the blockage and drainage issues. If you have no idea about how to check the drain hose, I am here to guide you.
- First, detach the one end of the drain hose and put that in a bucket.
- Now, put a good amount of water in your dishwasher and let it drain into the bucket.
- Keep doing it until the clog comes out of the drain hose.
- If the dishwasher is not draining, pull out the second end of the hose and check it manually.
- Remove any type of blockage, including debris or food waste, and reconnect it to resolve the issue.
Replace the Drain Pump Impeller.
For your convenience, a drain Pump Impeller is a plastic or steel-made device attached to the drain pump of your dishwasher.
It is the second most common reason for FTD error code on a GE dishwashers. Inspect the pump carefully and replace it if necessary.
If you want to replace the drain pump, you can follow my instructions given below.
- First of all, you should cut off the power supply and water supply of your appliance.
- Now, open the door and remove the bottom rack along with spray arms.
- Next, take a screwdriver and remove the screws of the pump cover.
- Now remove the filter and the backwash arm, which is located inside the pump cover.
- Open the washer’s discharge cover by removing its screws. There, you will find your drain pump impeller.
- Check the impeller properly for any cracks or damage. If it is damaged, then follow the next step and replace it.
- Detach the damaged Pump impeller from its place and replace it with a new pump impeller, which you can get online or in local stores.
- After completing the replacement, reinstall all the removed parts of your dishwasher the way you removed them before.
Check the Filter and Sump Area.
The Sump collects the water, and the filter removes all the debris and food waste from it. Both are located closely in the bottom area of your dishwasher. Blockage in any of them can cause FTD errors.
Check the filter and sump area for any debris or build-up in it. If you find any blockage, then remove it immediately to resolve the issue. You can also wash the filter in warm water or use the pipe cleaner for better cleaning.
Unclog the Air Gap
The Air gap is a device that prevents the backflow of the wastewater into the dishwasher. A clogged Air gap can cause FTD error, so we should check and remove the obstruction from it.
To unclog it, you will just need to follow the steps that are given below.
- Start with removing the cap that covers the Air gap.
- Now, check and remove any kind of debris or build-up inside the device.
- Replace the cap if it is damaged. You can also check the pipe connected to it for detailed inspection.
Check the Water Inlet Valve.
Every dishwasher has a water inlet valve at its back by which it fills up the water. If somehow the water inlet valve is damaged or blocked, it will disturb the water flow and cause the dishwasher to show an FTD error code.
If you wish to check your water inlet valve, then follow the steps that are given below.
- Disconnect your dishwasher from the power source.
- Then, remove the lower access panel and identify the water supply valve.
- Now, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage like cracks or leaks.
- If it is damaged, you will have to replace your water Inlet valve.
Fix the Faulty Drain Pump.
This component is in charge of pumping out the dirty water out of the dishwasher. A faulty drain pump can prevent the drain water from going out when it is damaged or clogged. You should check the drain pump manually, for which you will need help with the steps below.
- Remember to unclog your dishwasher from the power source before starting the repair.
- Start the repair by removing the bottom access panel of your dishwasher.
- Now, identify the drain pump and check it carefully for any cracks or leaks.
- If the drain pump is leaking or if it is cracked, you should purchase a new drain pump and replace the old one with it.
- If it looks good from the outside, use a multimeter to check the electrical continuity in it.
- If the multimeter doesn’t show any reading, proceed to replace it with a new one.
Check the Garbage Disposal
If your dishwasher is still showing an FTD code error even after trying the above troubleshooting tips, you must check your garbage disposal at once.
If there is any kind of built-up or debris that is creating a clog, it can easily hamper or slow down the draining process of your dishwasher. So, you should fix your Garbage disposal. Here are the steps you will need to check and fix it.
- The first step is to turn off the garbage disposal.
- Then, take some baking soda and vinegar and put it into it.
- Leave the mixture in it for at least 10 to 20 minutes.
- Now, take a toilet plunger and push the drain. Don’t put much pressure on it, as it can damage your garbage disposal.
- Repeat the process until the drain is unclogged. After that, you can clean the disposal unit properly.
Contact a Professional Repairman.
If the FTD error is still persisting on your dishwasher, you should call a professional repairman. They are well-trained to tackle these types of problems.
They will help you to fix the FTD code on your dishwasher. Also, if you want, you can schedule a service for your appliance.
When Should You Seek Professional Help for the FTD Error Code?
If you encounter an FTD error code on your dishwasher, it’s important to know when to seek professional help. Here are some situations where contacting a professional is advisable:
- Persistent Issues: If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting like cleaning the filters, checking for hose kinks or clogs, and ensuring the drain pump works, yet the error still appears, it’s time to call a professional.
- Complex Repairs: When the problem involves replacing parts like the control panel or other complex components, getting professional assistance is wise. These repairs can be intricate and may need specific tools and expertise.
- Lack of Improvement: If cleaning and maintenance don’t resolve the issue and the dishwasher keeps showing the FTD error code, a technician can provide a more thorough diagnosis and repair.
- Warranty Considerations: If your dishwasher is under warranty, it’s best to contact GE customer support or an authorized service provider. This approach helps prevent voiding the warranty and ensures the appliance is serviced correctly.
Professional technicians have the training to handle these problems and can ensure that the dishwasher is repaired efficiently and correctly. This approach not only helps in resolving the current issue but also prevents future problems.
Will the FTD Error Code Affect the Performance of My GE Dishwasher?
The FTD error code on a GE dishwasher signals a “Failure to Drain” issue, which can impact the dishwasher’s performance in several ways:
- Incomplete Wash Cycles: When the dishwasher cannot drain water properly, it may stop mid-cycle. This interruption can prevent dishes from being cleaned thoroughly, leaving food residues and stains.
- Water Accumulation: You might notice standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher. This buildup can lead to unpleasant odors and increase the risk of mold or mildew growth, which may eventually damage the machine.
- Error Messages: The persistent appearance of the FTD error code can be frustrating. If the error remains unresolved, it can disrupt the normal operation of the dishwasher, requiring troubleshooting or professional intervention.
Addressing the FTD error promptly is crucial to maintaining optimal dishwasher performance. Ignoring the issue can lead to more significant problems, potentially affecting the appliance’s longevity and efficiency.
How Can I Prevent Ftd Code Errors From Recurring?
Now, after facing this issue, you must realize how frustrating these error codes are. However, you can secure yourself from encountering these types of error codes.
I am mentioning below some points that you can follow to prevent the FTD code from occurring on your dishwasher again.
Always use recommended Detergent: You should always use the detergent recommended by the manufacturer. Every dishwasher is built differently, so it will be best to use your recommended detergent.
Regular cleaning: This point applies to all of the regularly used kitchen appliances, including the dishwasher. You should clean your kitchen appliance at least once a month. Perioding cleaning will prevent the FTD code from occurring and ensure your dishwasher’s long life.
Proper Loading: You should always avoid overloading your dishwasher. Incorrect loading can hamper the wash cycle; moreover, it can create more significant issues: blocked Dispensers, Unlatched doors, inoperative spray arms, etc.
Infographic: Meaning and Solution of GE Dishwasher FTD Code Error
FAQs
Can I continue using my dishwasher when the FTD error code appears?
Unfortunately, you cannot operate your dishwasher when the FTD code is displayed on your dishwasher. You should first fix the error code and then move on to using your dishwasher.
Where can I find a technician to fix the FTD error?
You can call a professional technician either from local repair stores or from GE customer support. I recommend contacting GE customer support as their technicians are specially trained to work on GE dishwashers.
What does a dishwasher pressure sensor do?
The pressure sensor of your dishwasher detects the water level of your dishwasher and transmits signals to the main control board. The dishwasher fills up or drains the water according to the information sent by the pressure sensor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the (Failure to drain) FTD code on the GE dishwasher means that your dishwasher has not drained properly. There can be multiple reasons for FTD errors. Some of its most common reasons are clogged Filters, broken pump impellers, software glitches, damaged drain pumps, blocked drain hoses, and sensor issues.
To fix the GE dishwasher FTD error code, you can head over to the troubleshooting methods. If you are confused, you can always call a professional for some assistance. They will surely help you out. Error codes like FTD are really a headache, and it’s best to follow some tips so that you can avoid such issues from recurring.
This was all about the error code FTD on the GE dishwasher. I hope you found the information that you were looking for. If you have any queries or questions, you can always ask me in the comment section below. I would be happy to answer you.
