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HomeRepair HelpGE Dishwasher RepairGE Dishwasher overheating Repair
GE Dishwasher overheating
If your GE dishwasher is overheating, the most likely cause is a shorted heating element or heating element assembly that keeps driving water temperature higher than normal. After that, check the high-limit thermostat, make sure the thermostat is seated correctly against the tub and support bracket, and then test the thermostat itself for continuity. It is also worth checking your home hot water supply, since water entering the dishwasher above the recommended 120°F can make a dishwasher get too hot and affect normal operation. For a GE dishwasher overheating problem, start with the parts most likely to fail and use a multimeter to check for a short or loss of continuity before replacing anything. If your dishwasher heating element is shorted or the high-limit thermostat is not sensing temperature correctly, the unit can overheat during the cycle. RepairClinic.com makes it easier to match the right fix to your machine. Enter your model number to find the exact GE heating element, heating element assembly, high-limit thermostat, or thermostat that fits your specific dishwasher.
01 - GE Dishwasher Heating Element
A shorted heating element may be raising the temperature of the water beyond what is normal for proper operation and causing the dishwasher to overheat. You can use a multimeter to test the heating element for a short to help determine if the component should be replaced.
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Top Solution
02 - GE Dishwasher Heating Element Assembly
A shorted heating element assembly may be raising the temperature of the water beyond what is normal for proper operation and causing the dishwasher to overheat. You can use a multimeter to test the assembly for a short to help determine if the component should be replaced.
Top Solution
03 - GE Dishwasher High Limit Thermostat
The high-limit thermostat monitors the dishwasher internal temperature and shuts off the heating element if the dishwasher overheats. If the high-limit thermostat is malfunctioning, it may shut off the voltage to the heating element circuit. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the high limit thermostat check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, test the thermostat by using a multimeter to test it for continuity.
Highly Likely
04 - Thermostat out of position
The thermostat should be firmly pressed against the tub. If the thermostat is loose or is not in the support bracket correctly, it will not sense the water and air temperature properly, and can cause the dishwasher to overheat.
Highly Likely
05 - GE Dishwasher Thermostat
The thermostat monitors the dishwasher internal temperature and shuts off the heating element if the dishwasher overheats. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may shut off the voltage to the heating element circuit. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the thermostat check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, test the thermostat by using a multimeter to check it for continuity.
Highly Likely
06 - Water supply temperature too hot
The water supply temperature may be too hot. The recommended water supply temperature for a dishwasher to clean properly is 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). If your hot water temperature is higher, it should be turned lower for safety reasons.
Highly Likely
07 - GE Dishwasher Temperature Sensor
A defective dishwasher temperature sensor can allow the water being circulated to become too hot and overheat the appliance. You can use a multimeter to test the sensor to help determine if the component has shorted or is defective.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my GE dishwasher overheating?
How do I test a GE dishwasher heating element for an overheating problem?
Can a thermostat cause a GE dishwasher to overheat?
What water temperature is too hot for a GE dishwasher?
How do I find the right GE dishwasher heating element or thermostat part?