GE top-load washers have electronic control boards that can show trouble codes to let you know if something is wrong with the machine. These fault codes help users and techs figure out what the problem is and take the right steps to fix it or troubleshoot it.
Please keep in mind that the fault codes for GE top-load washers can be different based on the model and the washer’s features. GE may also change its products and error code systems from time to time, so it’s important to check the user manual or technical paperwork for your washing machine for the most up-to-date information.
GE top-load washers fault code list
| Code | Description | Possible Causes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 flash or 1 blink | Motor failure | Motor, drive belt, drive pulley, wiring |
| 2 flashes or 2 blinks | Drive belt slipping | Drive belt, drive pulley, motor |
| 3 flashes or 3 blinks | Door lock switch failed | Door lock switch, wiring |
| 4 flashes or 4 blinks | Water level sensor failed | Water level sensor, wiring |
| 5 flashes or 5 blinks | Out of balance | Load imbalance, unbalanced tub, worn out suspension springs |
| 6 flashes or 6 blinks | Lid switch failed | Lid switch, wiring |
| 7 flashes or 7 blinks | Thermistor failed | Thermistor, wiring |
| 8 flashes or 8 blinks | Drain pump failed | Drain pump, wiring |
| 9 flashes or 9 blinks | Main control board failed | Main control board |
| Error Code | Condition | DIY advice | Possible parts |
| 1 flash | Motor failure | Unplug the washer and replace the drive motor. | Drive motor |
| 2 flashes | Slipping drive belt or loose hub nut on the spin basket | Unplug the washer and replace the drive belt if loose or damaged. If the drive belt is okay, tighten the hub nut on the spin basket. Replace the drive motor if the drive belt and hub nut are okay. | Drive belt, Drive motor |
| 3 flashes | Defective inverter control | Replace the drive motor; the inverter control is part of the drive motor and isn’t sold separately. | Drive motor |
| 4 flashes | Mode shifter circuit failed | The mode shifter is a component on the drive shaft assembly. Reconnect the wire harness between the inverter control and the mode shifter if loose or disconnected. Replace the drive shaft assembly if the mode shifter is defective; the mode shifter is part of the drive shaft assembly and isn’t sold separately | Drive shaft assembly (with mode shifter) |
| 5 flashes | Motor failure | Unplug the washer and replace the drive motor. | Drive motor |
| 6 flashes | Locked rotor on the drive motor | Replace any drive system components that prevent the drive motor from rotating. If drive systems components are okay, replace the drive motor. | Drive system components, Drive motor |
| 7 flashes | Lid didn’t open for 4 consecutive cycles | The inverter control expects to see the lid switch open after every cycle. When 4 cycles are completed without the lid switch opening, the inverter control assumes that the lid switch is defective. Unplug the washer and repair or replace the lid switch wire harness. If the wire harness is okay, replace the lid switch. | Lid switch, Wire harness |
| 8 flashes | Motor overheated | Reduce the load of laundry if the washer is overloaded. Replace any drive system components that prevent the drive motor from rotating freely. If drive systems components are okay, replace the drive motor. | Drive motor, Drive system components |
| 9 flashes | Motor brake mechanism is defective | Unplug the washer and replace the drive motor. | Drive motor |