My GE Profile Dishwasher Is Not Washing & the Cascade Is Gelling

Low Incoming Temperature or Pressure

• As with most other dishwashers, Profile series dishwashers require hot water to clean and dry the dishes and silverware effectively. For this reason, it is important that you make sure that the dishwasher is receiving hot water as soon as the dishwasher is started. This does not mean, however, that you have to open the door and touch the water. Before turning the dishwasher on, turn on the kitchen sink’s hot water faucet and allow it run until the water temperature stops increasing. Turn the faucet off and start the dishwasher. You may be surprised at the dramatic results. If the water flows out of the faucet slower than normal, the water pressure is low, perhaps because a shower or sprinkler system is in use. Wait until the pressure returns to normal before turning the dishwasher on.

Spots and Filming

• If the glasses and flatware have spots or film after the wash cycle, the problem is most likely with the detergent. GE does suggest using only Cascade detergent, but it is important to use only fresh detergent and a Cascade product specifically designed for use in an automatic dishwasher. Detergent that is old tends to clump or gel together, particularly if it is exposed to moisture or high humidity. If the detergent is relatively new, consider storing the detergent in a different area. As with the detergent, GE also recommends using a Cascade rinse agent product. Make sure that the rinse aid dispenser contains rinse aid before every wash cycle, particularly if your home has hard water.

Error Messages

• Profile dishwashers use both visible and audible messages to indicate that a problem exists. The “START/RESET” light will flash if you pressed the corresponding button in the middle of a wash cycle. Pressing this will stop the current cycle. Restart the cycle by pressing the button a second time. The dishwasher produces a beeping sound every 30 seconds if the door is not fully closed and latched. If the “Low Detergent” light illuminates, the optional SmartDispense feature of some Profile models contains less than 10 cycles worth of detergent in its dispenser. The message will turn off when the dispenser is filled and the door is closed. Press the “ADDED HEAT” button five times within three seconds to turn the light off, if you choose not to use this option. Note that the dishwasher will beep twice at the end of a wash cycle as part of its normal operation.

Dishwasher Will Not Run

• If the dishwasher will not run, chances are good there is an electrical supply problem, the control panel is locked or the dishwasher’s computer requires a reboot. Check the fuse box first for a blown fuse or reset a tripped breaker. If a fuse repeatedly blows or the circuit still trips, try removing other appliances from that circuit, as the circuit is likely overloading. Contact a professional electrical if the problem persists. If the control panel is locked, meaning that you cannot select a cycle or start the dishwasher, a padlock symbol will light up. Unlock the control panel by pressing and holding down the “HEATED DRY” button for three seconds. To reboot the dishwasher’s computer, turn the dishwasher’s electrical supply off for 30 seconds, then restore power. Turn the power off at the circuit breaker if your dishwasher is not hooked up to a wall switch.