Troubleshooting a Broken Timer on a GE Dishwasher

Look at the control panel to determine which cycle you have selected. Your timer might not be broken at all. Instead, it may be advancing in normal increments. The “delay start,” “hot start,” “dry” and “normal wash” cycles all have 30-minute timer advance increments during the cycle. If the timer has not advanced for more than 30 minutes, you should troubleshoot the problem.

Stop the dishwasher, if you have not already done so. This allows you to get in the machine and do your troubleshooting.

Open the dishwasher and look for something that might be blocking the detergent cup, such as a pan that lays against it when the door is closed. If the detergent cup cannot open, the timer will not advance. Rearrange items that might be blocking and restart the dishwasher. If the timer still does not advance, continue troubleshooting.

Re-open the dishwasher, and attempt to open and close the detergent cup while trying to advance the timer. If the detergent cup is stuck for any other reason, this will fix it. Close and restart the dishwasher. If the timer still does not advance, continue troubleshooting.

Pull the timer knob gently away from the control panel if you cannot advance the timer by hand. This means that something sticky may have gotten behind it. Clean it with a damp cloth. Do not use too much force because it can damage the control panel. If the timer still does not advance when you have cleaned it, you might have an internal component failure and should consult an appliance service person.