Troubleshooting Tips for the GE Dishwasher Model PDW7880J01SS

Keypad Problems and Beeps

• Your dishwasher may beep or the “START/RESET” light may flash occasionally. This doesn’t usually mean there’s a problem with the dishwasher. If the door is not latched, the GE Profile PDW7880J01SS dishwasher will beep every 30 seconds until you latch the door. If the “START/RESET” button has been pushed mid-cycle this cancels the cycle and the light will flash for about 90 seconds, or until the dishwasher drains. If the control panel lights go off while you’re trying to set the controls, you may have taken too long to touch the pads. Each pad must be pressed within 30 seconds of the previous one. To relight, touch any pad or open and then close and latch the door again.

Water Not Draining

• Water remaining in the tub after the dishwasher has finished its cycle indicates a clog. If your dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposer, run some ice down the disposer drain to clear it. A clog in your sink drain will also prevent your dishwasher from draining. If your dishwasher is connected to an air gap, which prevents water from backing up into the dishwasher if a drain clogs, it may require cleaning. Remove the cover on the air gap and clean away debris. Do this regularly to prevent drain problems.

Cleaning and Detergent Issues

• Occasionally dishes don’t come out as clean as they could be. The reasons for this vary. For example, if the hot water temperature is not at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit, your dishwasher can’t clean effectively and bits of food may remain on your dishes. Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but be careful not to set it too high. Water that is too hot can cause etching, which is a cloudy film on your glasses and this is permanent. Film that is removed with washing is often caused by hard water or old detergent. Use a rinse agent to prevent this and do not use clumped or moist detergent.

  If there is still detergent left in the dispenser cup after the cycle, you may have blocked it when loading the dishwasher. Soap can become stuck in the dispenser if it is old or moist as well.

Dishwasher Won't Start

• If there appears to be no power going to your dishwasher, check that it is plugged in and that the breaker hasn’t tripped or a fuse hasn’t blown. In some built-in installations, the power to your dishwasher may be connected to a wall switch. Make sure this is in the on position. If the power is on, try rebooting the dishwasher by turning the power off for 30 seconds and then turning it back on again. If this still doesn’t provide power, your control panel may be locked. Touch and hold the “HEATED DRY” pad for several seconds. To lock it again, repeatedly press again until the “LOCK” pad lights up.