GE Dishwasher CFE Code (SOLVED!)

Facing unexpected beeping from your General Electric dishwasher and greeted by the ‘CFE’ code?

This guide provides insights and solutions to get your appliance back on track swiftly.

How To Fix The CFE Code On A GE Dishwasher?

The ‘CFE’ code on your GE dishwasher indicates that there’s too much water inside. To fix the CFE code on a GE dishwasher:

  1. Reset the display by pressing the ‘Start’ and ‘Cycle Select’ buttons together.
  2. Clean the drain filter by removing and washing the ultra-fine and fine filters located at the bottom of the dishwasher.
  3. The water valve is stuck open, this can be fixed by either replacing the control board or water inlet valve.
  4. If the dishwasher is under a year old, contact General Electric for potential repairs or replacements under warranty.

Let’s dive into some more detail on how to do this below!

ge dishwasher cfe error code

Reset The Display

Occasionally, issues with the display can be resolved with a straightforward reset.

To do this:

  1. Locate both the ‘Start’ button and the ‘Cycle Select’ button on the device.
  2. Press and hold both buttons simultaneously for a few seconds.
  3. Release the buttons and check if the display has reset and is functioning correctly.

Clean The Drain Filter

Over time, old food residue can accumulate in the garbage disposal of your GE dishwasher. This buildup can slow water drainage, causing the dishwasher to beep and display the ‘CFE’ code.

Here’s how to clean the drain/garbage disposal:

  1. Open the GE dishwasher door.
  2. Remove the lower dish rack.
  3. In the center of the dishwasher bottom, you’ll see the ultra-fine filter, a round component.
  4. To remove the ultra-fine filter, twist it counterclockwise.
  5. Once the ultra-fine filter is removed, you can easily lift out the fine filter beneath it.
  6. Clean both filters with soap and a sponge in your sink.
  7. After cleaning, place the fine filter back in its spot.
  8. Place the ultra-fine filter on top and twist it clockwise to secure it.

After cleaning the filter, reset your dishwasher as previously instructed.

For optimal performance, clean the drain filter every 1-2 months, depending on your dishwasher usage.

A Faulty Water Inlet Valve Or Control Board

As I mentioned earlier, the CFE error code means there’s too much water in the dishwasher. If you’ve already cleaned the drain filters and water drains out without issues, then the problem might be with the water inlet valve.

If you open the dishwasher while it’s on and see water spilling from the left side, the valve is probably the issue.

There are two potential problems with the valve:

  1. The water valve is faulty and stuck open.
  2. The control board is faulty and is constantly energizing the water valve causing it to be stuck open.

To diagnose, first turn off the power at the breaker.

  1. If the water flow stops after shutting off the power, the main board is faulty and needs replacing.
  2. If water flow continues even with the power off, the water inlet valve is stuck open and needs to be replaced.

How To Replace The Ge Dishwasher 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 valve needs to be open and then displaying the CFE code.

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 for replacing the control board.

The video provides instructions on replacing the control board when you encounter the 815 code. However, you can also use it as a guide to replace it when faced with the ‘CFE’ code.

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.

How To Replace The Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is a pivotal component that regulates the flow of water into your dishwasher. When it malfunctions and is stuck open, it can lead to issues such as the dishwasher overfilling and potentially displaying the CFE code.

In situations where the water inlet valve is defective. A suitable replacement water inlet valve for your GE dishwasher is available on Amazon.

For a comprehensive guide on how to go about this, I recommend checking out this video tutorial. “Manly Moments” on YouTube has an excellent step-by-step video that elaborates on how to replace the water inlet valve.

The Last Thing You Could Try

If your dishwasher is under a year old, it’s still under the manufacturer’s warranty.

You can reach out to General Electric’s customer service. They’ll either repair or replace your dishwasher for you.

Other GE Dishwasher Error Codes

While the ‘CFE’ code is one of the more common issues faced by GE dishwasher owners, it’s not the only one. Here are some other error codes you might come across, and links to articles providing detailed solutions for each:

Stay informed and keep your dishwasher running smoothly by familiarizing yourself with these codes and their respective solutions.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, the ‘CFE’ code on your GE dishwasher signals an issue with water accumulation.

Whether it’s a simple reset, cleaning the drain filter, addressing the water inlet valve, or even considering a replacement under warranty, it’s essential to act promptly.

By following the provided steps and recommendations, you can ensure your dishwasher remains an efficient and reliable part of your kitchen.

Thanks for reading