GE Dishwasher Force Drain Cycle Troubleshooting: Easy Fix

If your GE dishwasher is not draining properly, it can be really frustrating. I’ve been there—water just sitting inside after a wash, making you wonder what’s wrong. Luckily, the force drain cycle is a special feature on GE dishwashers that helps clear out water fast. In this article, I’ll share easy ways to start the force drain cycle and troubleshoot common problems so your dishwasher works like new again.

How to Start the Force Drain Cycle on a GE Dishwasher

If your dishwasher is stuck with water inside, the force drain cycle is the quickest fix. This cycle forces the dishwasher to pump out all water immediately. To start it, first make sure the dishwasher door is closed properly.

Then, press and hold the “Heated Dry” button for about 3 seconds until the dishwasher beeps. This tells the machine to start the force drain. You might also see the water draining from the bottom through the drain hose or hear the pump running.

This cycle usually runs for 2 to 3 minutes. After that, open the door and check if all water is gone. If the water stays, you might need to check the drain hose or filter for clogs. Starting the force drain cycle this way is a quick trick that can save you time and keep your dishes clean and dry.

• Make sure dishwasher door is closed fully
• Press and hold “Heated Dry” button for 3 seconds
• Listen for beep and water pumping sounds
• Wait 2 to 3 minutes for cycle to finish
• Check if water is fully drained

What to Do If the Force Drain Cycle Does Not Work

Sometimes pressing the button won’t make the dishwasher drain. This happens when something blocks the drain or the pump has issues. First, unplug the dishwasher or turn off power to be safe. Next, remove the bottom rack and look inside the dishwasher floor. You’ll find a filter and drain area that can get blocked with food, dirt, or broken glass.

Clean the filter by taking it out and rinsing under water. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove stuck particles. Check the drain hole for any clogs. Also, look under the sink where the dishwasher hose connects. Make sure the hose is not bent or clogged. If you see water backed up in the hose, try to clear it with a long flexible brush or run water through it.

If these fixes don’t work, the drain pump itself might be broken. In this case, you’ll need to call a technician or buy a new pump part. Trying these steps first often solves the problem without a big repair.

• Turn off power to dishwasher for safety
• Remove bottom rack and locate filter
• Clean filter and drain area carefully
• Check and clear drain hose under sink
• Consider pump repair if problem continues

How to Check the Drain Pump and Motor in Your GE Dishwasher

The drain pump is what moves water out of your dishwasher during the drain cycle. If the force drain doesn’t work, the pump or motor could be faulty. To check the pump, unplug your dishwasher and pull it out from under the counter carefully. Locate the drain pump at the bottom of the dishwasher near the drain hose.

You may need to remove a panel to see the pump and motor. Look for any signs of damage like cracks, corrosion, or loose wires. Use a multimeter (if you have one) to check if the pump motor has electric continuity. If the motor does not show continuity, it’s probably broken and needs replacing.

Also, spin the pump impeller (the little fan inside) by hand. If it’s stuck or hard to turn, debris might be blocking it. Clear out any dirt or broken pieces. Remember to put everything back safely after checking. Testing the drain pump can be tricky, but it’s important to know if it’s the cause of your drainage problems.

• Unplug and pull out dishwasher carefully
• Find drain pump near drain hose
• Remove panels if needed to see pump
• Check for visible damage or loose wires
• Use multimeter to test motor continuity
• Spin impeller by hand to check for blockages

How to Clear the Dishwasher Drain Hose to Fix Drain Problems

The drain hose is a long tube that carries water from your dishwasher to the sink drain or garbage disposal. If this hose is clogged or bent, your dishwasher can’t drain properly, even with a force drain cycle. To fix this, first turn off power and water supply.

Find where the hose connects under your sink. It usually hooks to the garbage disposal or sink drain pipe. Disconnect the hose by loosening the clamp or screws. Use a flashlight to look inside the hose for blockages like food pieces or grease buildup.

You can try to push a long flexible brush or a wire hanger gently through the hose to clear clogs. Be careful not to damage the hose. After cleaning, reconnect the hose tightly to avoid leaks. Run a short drain cycle or force drain again to check if water flows out smoothly. Cleaning the drain hose regularly helps keep your dishwasher working well.

• Turn off power and water
• Find and disconnect drain hose under sink
• Inspect hose for clogs or bends
• Use flexible brush or wire to clear hose gently
• Reattach hose tightly to avoid leaks
• Run drain cycle to test water flow

What to Do If the Dishwasher Filter Is Dirty or Blocked

The dishwasher filter catches food and dirt so it does not clog the drain pump or hose. If the filter is dirty or blocked, your dishwasher may fill with water or fail to drain during a force drain cycle. To fix this, open the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack.

Locate the filter at the bottom center or back of the dishwasher tub. Take it out carefully and rinse it under running water. Use a soft brush to scrub away stuck food or grease. Check the filter housing for any debris as well.

After cleaning, put the filter back in place securely. A clean filter lets water flow easily, improving dishwasher draining. You should clean the filter every month or more if you use the dishwasher often. This simple step prevents many drain problems and keeps dishes clean.

• Remove bottom rack to access filter
• Take out filter carefully
• Rinse and scrub filter with brush
• Clean filter housing area
• Replace filter securely
• Clean filter regularly to avoid problems

How to Reset the Dishwasher Control Board for Drain Issues

Sometimes, the dishwasher control board can get stuck or confused, stopping the drain cycle from working. Resetting the control board can fix this problem. To reset, first turn off the dishwasher power by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker.

Wait about 5 minutes. This pause lets the dishwasher’s electronics reset. After waiting, turn the power back on and close the dishwasher door firmly. Then, try starting the force drain cycle again by holding the “Heated Dry” button.

If the dishwasher drains after the reset, the problem was likely a temporary glitch. If not, you may need professional help to check the control board or other electrical parts. Resetting is a simple first step to try when your dishwasher won’t drain.

• Turn off dishwasher power (unplug or breaker)
• Wait 5 minutes to reset electronics
• Turn power back on
• Close door firmly
• Start force drain cycle again
• Call technician if problem stays

Final Thoughts

Fixing a GE dishwasher that won’t drain using the force drain cycle is easier than you think. By learning how to start the cycle, check for clogs, clean filters and hoses, and reset the control board, you can save time and money. Many problems come from simple blockages or small glitches that you can fix at home. If you try all these steps and your dishwasher still won’t drain, it might be time to call a professional. Remember, keeping your dishwasher clean and regularly maintained helps prevent future troubles and keeps your dishes sparkling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for the dishwasher to have water after a cycle?

Yes, it’s normal for a small amount of water to stay at the bottom after a cycle. This water helps keep the pump sealed and stops odors. However, if you see a lot of water pooling, this means your dishwasher is not draining properly, and you should check filters, hoses, or run the force drain cycle.

Can a clogged filter cause the dishwasher not to drain?

Absolutely. The filter catches food and debris to keep them from reaching the drain pump. When the filter is clogged, water can’t flow out, causing drainage problems. Cleaning the filter regularly ensures water drains well and dishes get cleaned properly.

Do I need to unplug the dishwasher before cleaning the drain hose?

Yes, always unplug your dishwasher or turn off power at the breaker before working on any parts. This prevents electrical shock and makes sure the dishwasher doesn’t accidentally start while you’re working on it.

Is it safe to use a wire hanger to clean the drain hose?

You can use a wire hanger carefully, but be gentle to avoid puncturing or damaging the hose. A flexible brush made for cleaning hoses is better because it’s safer and designed for this use.

Can resetting the control board fix drain problems?

Yes, resetting the control board can fix minor electronic glitches that stop the dishwasher from draining. It’s a quick and easy first step before calling a repair person.

Do I need to check the drain pump if the force drain doesn’t work?

Yes, the pump is what moves the water out. If the force drain doesn’t work, the pump could be stuck or broken. Checking the pump visually and testing with a multimeter can help find this problem.

Is it okay to run the dishwasher with the filter removed?

No, running the dishwasher without the filter can let food particles enter the drain pump and hose, causing clogs or damage. Always replace the filter before starting the dishwasher.

Can food scraps cause the dishwasher to stop draining?

Yes, food scraps can block the filter, drain pump, or hose, stopping water from draining. Scraping dishes before loading and cleaning the filter helps prevent this.