GE Dishwasher IH Code: Causes & 5 Ways To Fix It Now

When using your GE dishwasher, you may encounter some error codes; the dishwasher uses the errors to alert you that there is something wrong with the dishwasher system.

Some error codes can cause the washer to stop working, which can be frustrating, especially if you need to use your dishwasher. However, if you know the meaning and the cause of the error code, you can quickly solve it without needing a technician.

In this article, I will discuss all the possible causes of the GE dishwasher IH code and the solution to each cause. In addition, I will help you avoid and prevent the HI code in the future.

Causes of GE Dishwasher IH Code

The GE dishwasher IH error code stands for an issue with the heating system of the washer. As a result, the water inside the dishwasher doesn’t reach the required temperature.

There are multiple consequences for the IH error code, such as the time of the wash cycle becoming longer or the dishes are not cleaned properly after the wash cycle. Sometimes, the IH error code prevents the dishwasher from starting, which can be a severe problem.

The causes of the IH error code will be related to the heating systems component, like the heating element, thermal fuse, thermostat, or the water inlet valve. I will discuss each part in the following points.

1- Defective Heating Element

The heating element is the component that heats the water to the required temperature; the heating element can be faulty due to several reasons, like electrical issues, age, or wear and tear.

If the heating element becomes defective, it will cause the IH error code; in this case, you will need to replace it.

2- Faulty Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is the safety barrier of the dishwasher; the fuse prevents the washer from overheating. The fuse senses if the appliance goes above the temperature limit and cuts off the power to protect the machine and its components.

If the thermal fuse is malfunctioning, it will cause the IH code, electrical issues, age or tear, and wear can cause the thermal fuse to be defective. The solution here is to replace the fuse.

3- Faulty Thermostat

The regulation of the water temperature inside the dishwasher is the responsibility of the thermostat. If the thermostat is faulty, it will fail to regulate the water, which will cause the IH error code.

The thermostat can go faulty due to the same reasons as the other components: electric issues, age, tear, and wear.

4- Clogged Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is responsible for supplying the water to the dishwasher; if the valve gets clogged, there will be no water supply.

As a result, the IH error code will be displayed to alert you of a problem. The valve can get clogged for several reasons, like debris blocking the passage of water or a damaged valve.

How to Fix GE Dishwasher IH Code

After discussing the possible reasons for the GE dishwasher IH code, like the heating element, thermal fuse, thermostat, or the water inlet valve, I will help you solve each cause to fix the IH error code.

1- Reset the Dishwasher

The first step in fixing the GE dishwasher IH error code is to reset the dishwasher to ensure it’s not an electronic glitch causing the code. First, you will need to power off the dishwasher and then unplug it from the electrical outlet.

After unplugging the appliance, press the power button three to four times; this will ensure that there is no remaining electrical charge inside the washing machine. Next, let the dishwasher rest for two to three minutes, then plug it back into the electrical socket.

Power on the dishwasher and press the start button to complete the resetting process; if there is an electronic glitch, the IH code will disappear. If the IH code persists, you will need to move to the following points to solve the issue.

2- How to Replace a Faulty Heating Element?

1. Power off the dishwasher and unplug it.
2. Toggle off the water inlet valve.
3. Remove the mounting screws of the lower access panel.
4. Remove the water supply line.
5. Unthread the junction box screws.
6. Take an image of the wires for future reference.
7. Disconnect the wires.
8. Disconnect the strain relief.
9. Remove the drain hose from the garbage disposer or the sink.
10. Disconnect the old heating element.
11. Rotate the lower wash arm retaining to remove the heating element.
12. Place the new heating element and connect it.
13. Reinstall everything like it was.

3- How to Replace a Damaged Thermal Fuse?

1. Power off the dishwasher and unplug it.
2. Unthread the screws holding the control panel to the dishwasher front.
3. Move the control panel forward and down to access the thermal fuse.
4. Remove the fuse by pressing the main release tab.
5. Place the new fuse.
6. Reinstall everything like it was.

4- How to Replace a Malfunctioning Thermostat?

1. Power off the dishwasher and unplug it.
2. Unthread the screws from the inner door panel.
3. Disconnect the wire harness of the user interface from the control panel.
4. Remove the toe panel forward and the access panel.
5. Disconnect the thermostat wires.
6. Remove the thermostat from the mounting brackets.
7. Place the new thermostat.
8. Reinstall everything like it was.

5- How to Fix a Clogged Water Inlet Valve?

You will need to remove the water inlet valve and clear any debris or buildup blocking the water valve or the flow of water; however, if the valve is damaged, you will need to replace it to ensure adequate water flow.

Preventing GE Dishwasher IH Error Code

After discussing the possible reasons and the solution to each cause, I will help you avoid and prevent the GE dishwasher IH error message in the future.

1- Regular Maintenance

The GE IH dishwasher is an integral part of your household’s convenient appliances. However, the continuous usage of the appliance can wear some components and parts over time.

Therefore, if you want to avoid any errors like the IH error in the future, you will need to perform regular maintenance of your GE dishwasher.

The maintenance should include inspecting the parts of the dishwasher for any electrical issues or physical damage, in addition to checking the electrical connections for any frayed or loose wires.

FAQs

The following questions are asked frequently when a user faces the GE dishwasher IH error code.

1- How to Turn Off the Delay on GE Dishwasher?

Press the button with the clock icon, the “Delay Start” button, and press the button one more time to navigate through the delay options. Release the button when you reach the dishwasher delay option you want to choose.

You can turn off the delay option by holding the “Delay Start” button until the “Delay Start” is no longer available on the dishwasher control panel.

2- What Are the Symptoms of GE Dishwasher IH Code?

If you suspect that your dishwasher has a hardware issue, not an electronic glitch, you can look for the following symptoms to confirm.

• The water is not heated; if the dishwasher has an issue heating the water, this can be the first sign of an issue with the heating system in your dishwasher. As a result, the washing cycle will take longer, and the dishes will not be adequately cleaned after the washing cycle.
• The time of the wash cycle, if you notice that the dishwasher takes to complete a wash cycle, is longer than usual. Then this can be your second sign that the heating system in your dishwasher is malfunctioning.
• If the dishwasher fails to start, this should confirm that there is a hardware issue, like a faulty or damaged thermal fuse. An electronic glitch will be solved after a reset but will not prevent the dishwasher from starting.