GE Dishwasher Beeps 3 Times And Shows Code 815 (Solved!)

If your GE dishwasher has been beeping three times and is not starting, it’s a clear sign that it perceives the door as still being open. This common issue often corresponds with the GE dishwasher displaying an error code “815”, a troubling but often fixable situation.

How To Fix A GE Dishwasher That Beeps 3 Times And Isn’t Starting?

There are four possible solutions for a GE dishwasher that is beeping three times and showing the error code 815:

1. Reset the GE Dishwasher
2. Check if the door latch is working properly
3. Replace the Door Latch
4. Replace the Control Board

Let’s dive deeper into how to do this below:

Reset The GE Dishwasher

The first thing you want to try is resetting the dishwasher. This can sometimes clear temporary faults or glitches, in much the same way as rebooting a computer, can sometimes resolve software issues.

Here is how to reset your GE dishwasher:

1. Locate the electrical breaker that supplies power to the dishwasher. This is typically found in your home’s electrical panel or breaker box. The breakers are usually labeled, so you should be able to find the one that’s connected to your dishwasher.
2. Once you’ve located the correct breaker, switch it to the “off” position. This will cut the power supply to your dishwasher.
3. Leave the breaker in the “off” position for around five minutes. This gives the dishwasher’s control board time to fully discharge and reset.
4. After five minutes, switch the breaker back to the “on” position to restore power to the dishwasher.

The dishwasher will now have been through a hard reset. If the issue was caused by a temporary glitch in the control system, this may resolve it.

However, if the hard reset didn’t do anything the problem is probably caused by a hardware issue, like a faulty door latch, or broken control panel. Let’s check the hardware:

Check If The Door Latch Is Working Properly

Before you disassemble and replace anything, you want to check if the door latch is still working:

1. Locate the Cycle Select and Start buttons on your dishwasher. These are typically found on the top edge of the dishwasher door or on the front of the appliance, depending on your model.
2. Press and hold both buttons simultaneously. Make sure you do this for approximately 5 seconds.
3. Close the dishwasher door. After you release the buttons and close the door, pay attention to the LED lights on the control panel.
4. Observe the LED lights. If the control panel recognizes the door as closed, all the LED lights should remain solidly lit for 10 seconds. On the other hand, if the control panel interprets the door as still open, the LEDs will blink for 10 seconds.

So, if the LEDs stay solid when the door is closed, it indicates that the door latch switch is functioning correctly. But if they’re still blinking, then the door latch needs to be replaced:

The Door Latch Needs To Be Replaced

The latch assembly ensures that the door is securely closed during a wash cycle, and also communicates with the control panel to relay this information.

If it fails or malfunctions, it could lead to the dishwasher not starting, accompanied by the series of beeps you’ve been hearing and the error code 815.

This problem can often be solved by replacing the latch assembly, a relatively simple task that you can do by yourself with the right tools and guidance. Before you proceed, you’ll need to purchase a new Door Latch Assembly. Please look on the Amazon listing for your specific GE dishwasher model number.

Now that you have your replacement latch, the next step is to replace the faulty one on your dishwasher. Here’s a helpful video tutorial that will guide you through the process step-by-step:

The Control Board Needs Replacing

If your GE dishwasher continues to beep three times despite going through all the troubleshooting methods above, the last thing you could try is replacing the control board.

The control board is essentially the brain of your dishwasher and a malfunctioning one can cause the machine to behave erratically, including it thinking the door latch is not working (although you’ve just replaced it with a new one).

In this case, replacing the control board is often the most effective solution. You can purchase the replacement control board for your GE dishwasher on Amazon.

To guide you through this process, I’ve included a detailed instructional video. The video, created by Drew, provides step-by-step instructions on diagnosing the issue and replacing the control board to resolve the “beeping three times” and “Error code 815” problem.

Remember to ensure that the electricity to your dishwasher is turned off before beginning the repair. If you’re uncomfortable performing these steps, it’s always advisable to hire a professional.

Conclusion

In this guide, I’ve outlined the steps to resolve a common issue with a GE dishwasher that beeps three times and doesn’t start, typically displaying an open door error (code “815”).

From resetting the dishwasher to potentially replacing the door latch or control board, each step aims to restore your appliance’s functionality.

This guide is a part of my larger effort to help you troubleshoot and resolve common dishwasher issues.

Should you encounter different error codes on your GE dishwasher such as the “FTD error code” or the “FED error code”, I have dedicated articles that tackle these specific issues. My goal is to provide you with comprehensive solutions to keep your dishwasher running efficiently.

Thanks for reading!