Common GE washing machine problems and how to fix them

⚡ Fast fix

• Quick reset: Unplug the washer for 3 minutes to clear glitches.
• Lid reset trick: Lift and lower the lid 6 times in 30 seconds.
• Balance check: Uneven loads can stop spin cycles—redistribute clothes.
• Clear the filter: A clogged drain filter is a common cause of failures.

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When your General Electric washing machine won’t fill or flashes an error code instead of washing your clothes, it can throw off your day. Your to-do list goes from just doing laundry to figuring out what the problem is, fixing your machine, and then doing laundry. No one wants that.

The good news is that solving the mystery of why your washing machine isn’t working is often easier than you might expect. And with the help of Asurion’s tech experts, you may be able to solve the problem in no time. Our experts learn these machines inside and out to offer appliance repair and tips to millions of customers like you.

Try these GE® washer troubleshooting tips and solutions to get your washer working again.

Why your GE washer won’t drain or spin

If your GE washer isn’t draining, you won’t be able to get any laundry done. The top reasons why this happens include:

• Blocked drain pump: You may need to clear out or replace the pump to get your washer draining properly again.
• Clogged drain pump filter: Clean out lint and debris (expect some water spill).
• Faulty lid switch: The washer won’t drain if it thinks the door is open.
• Control board glitch: Restarting may fix the issue.

If your GE washer stops spinning, the most common cause is a broken or detached drive belt. Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply, then inspect the belt by removing the appropriate panel.

Troubleshoot shaking and loud noises

Shaking or loud noises are clear signs something’s off.

Grinding noises

Grinding often points to worn tub bearings. These parts help the drum spin smoothly, and when they fail, you’ll hear loud screeching or grinding. Replacing them may require disassembling the tub.

Unbalanced loads

Shaking is often caused by uneven laundry distribution. Pause the cycle, redistribute clothes, and restart.

Less commonly, worn suspension rods (top loaders) or shocks (front loaders) may be the issue.

There is a recall for some top-loading GE washers, so check the Consumer Product Safety Commission site to see if your model is affected.

Identify GE washer error codes and power issues

GE washers don’t always show error codes automatically—you may need to enter diagnostic mode:

• Hold Start/Pause
• Turn the control knob 180 degrees (7 clicks)
• Release the button

Flashing lights indicate diagnostic mode is active.

Common codes include:

• E22: No fill or slow fill
• E30: No drain
• E31: Slow drain
• E60: Door lock failure
• E71: Control board issue

Older models may use flashing light patterns instead. Use these codes to narrow down the issue. For example, drainage errors point to filters, hoses, or pumps.

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FAQ

Why won’t my GE washer drain or spin?

It’s usually caused by a clogged drain pump, faulty lid switch, or a broken drive belt.

How do I reset a GE washing machine?

Unplug it for a few minutes, then plug it back in and perform the lid reset (lift/lower 6 times).

Why is my washer shaking so much?

Most often, it’s due to an unbalanced load or worn suspension components.

What do GE washer error codes mean?

They indicate specific issues like filling, draining, or control board problems—use diagnostic mode to view them.