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Ge Dishwasher Fed Code Solution with Easy Fix

Alden Luettgen

• 4 min read
Ge Dishwasher Fed Code Solution with Easy Fix
Ge Dishwasher Fed Code Solution with Easy Fix

As a Ge Dishwasher owner, you count on your dishwasher to clean your dishes quickly and easily. But when you see an error code like FED on your GE dishwasher, it can be annoying and confusing. Don't worry, we will explain what the FED code means, how to fix it, and how to stop it from happening again.

What Does The Fed Code Mean On A GE Dishwasher?

The FED code on a GE dishwasher means "Failed to Empty Dishwasher". This error code shows that your dishwasher can't drain the water after washing. This can happen because of a clogged drain hose, a broken drain pump, or a blocked air gap.

How To Fix The FED Code?

How To Fix The FED Code?

Before trying to fix the FED code on your GE dishwasher, make sure to unplug it from the power source to stay safe. Here are the steps to resolve the FED code:

Check the drain hose


The drain hose removes water from the dishwasher after washing. If the drain hose is bent, blocked, or disconnected, water can not drain properly, causing the FED code to show up.


To check the drain hose:

  1. Find the drain hose, usually under the sink or behind the dishwasher.
  2. Look for any bent, blocks, or disconnections in the hose.
  3. If the hose is bent, straighten it to let water flow.
  4. If the hose is blocked, you can use a wire hanger or a drain snake to remove the blockage.
  5. If the hose is not connected, make sure to attach it tightly to the drain outlet.

Clean the air gap


The air gap is a small cylindrical device located on the sink or countertop near the dishwasher. It stops dirty water from the sink from flowing back into the dishwasher. If it gets blocked, water can back to up and cause the FED code.

To clean the air gap:

  1. Find the air gap on the sink or countertop near the dishwasher.
  2. Remove the air gap cover by unscrewing it or popping it off.
  3. Use a small brush or wire to remove any dirt or stuff stuck inside the air gap.
  4. Flush the air gap with hot water to make sure it is clear.
  5. Put the air gap cover back on securely.

How often should I clean the air gap?

It's a good practice to clean the air gap every 3 to 6 months, or as needed, to make sure proper drainage and prevent clogs.

Check the drain pump

The drain pump pushes water out of the dishwasher and into the drain hose. If the pump is broken or blocked, it can stop the water from draining and cause the FED code to appear.

To check the drain pump:

  1. Find the drain pump, usually at the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
  2. Remove any dirt or things blocking the drain pump area.
  3. If the drain pump does not work right, you may need to replace it. Look in your GE dishwasher manual or ask a technician for help.

Can I use a drain cleaner to unclog the drain hose?

Using drain cleaners can be effective in some cases, it is usually not a good idea. Drain cleaners can be potentially damage the hose or other parts of the dishwasher. It is better to use a drain snake or wire hanger to clear clogs by manually.

Reset the dishwasher

Here are the steps to reset the dishwasher after attempting to fix the FED code:

Hard Reset a GE Dishwasher

  1. Unplug the dishwasher from the power source.
  2. Wait for at least 5 minutes before plugging it back in. This allows the dishwasher's control board to fully reset and clear any temporary errors or glitches.
  3. After 5 minutes, plug the dishwasher back into the power source.
  4. After plugging it in again, the dishwasher may show a different error code or start a reset process. This is normal and indicates the dishwasher is resetting itself
  5. If no error codes are displayed after the reset, you can try running a normal wash cycle to see if the FED code has been resolved.
  6. If the FED code still shows after the reset, you may need to repeat the troubleshooting steps outlined earlier, such as:
    1. Checking and cleaning the drain hose
    2. Cleaning the air gap
    3. Checking and cleaning the drain pump area
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If none of the above steps resolve the FED code, try resetting the dishwasher by unplugging it from the power source for at least 5 minutes. This can help clear any temporary glitches or errors.

How To Prevent Reoccurring From The FED code

How To Prevent Reoccurring From The FED code

To stop the FED code from happening again, you should do more than just fixing it. You should also take steps to make sure it does not happen again. Here are some tips to help prevent the FED code from coming back:

  1. Keep your dishwasher working well by doing regular maintenance. Here's what to do:
  • Clean the filters: Take out the filters and wash them often to stop dirt from building up.
  • Check the spray arms: Make sure they are not blocked so water can flow properly.
  • Clean the air gap: If it gets clogged, it can cause problems with draining, leading to the FED code.
  1. Use the correct detergent:
  • Using too much or the wrong kind of detergent can make too many bubbles. These bubbles can block the drain and make it hard for water to drain properly.
  • Follow the instructions from the company that made your dishwasher. They'll tell you the right kind and how much detergent to use.
  1. Before you start washing dishes, run hot water in the sink next to the dishwasher for a little while. This can clear out any leftover bits of food or other stuff in the drain and stop it from getting blocked.
  2. Avoid overloading the dishwasher.