GE Dishwasher H2O Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Low water: the dishwasher did not get enough water during the fill.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Also shown as
- H20
- Seen on
- GE Appliances dishwashers with a code display. Not all codes appear on all models.
H2O on a GE dishwasher means a low water situation: the tub did not get enough water during fill. Start with the inlet water hose and make sure it isn’t kinked behind the dishwasher. If H2O shows up only on the 1-Hour Wash cycle, GE says to schedule service and keep using the other cycles.
Try this first
- Make sure the hot water shutoff valve for the dishwasher, usually under the sink, is fully open.
- Check the inlet water hose for kinks or pinches behind and under the dishwasher.
- Note which cycle shows H2O. If it is only the 1-Hour Wash, use other cycles and schedule service.
- Run a sink tap to confirm the house has normal water pressure, then start a new cycle.
What causes H2O
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Kinked inlet water hose | H2O on AutoSense, Heavy, Normal or Light cycles | Hose path behind the dishwasher, especially after it was pushed back in |
| Water supply valve closed or partly closed | H2O after plumbing work, little or no water in the tub | Shutoff valve under the sink |
| Fault on the 1-Hour Wash cycle | H2O only on 1-Hour Wash, other cycles fine | Needs service |
| Fill system fault | H2O on every cycle with the hose and valve OK | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Check the water supply
Find the dishwasher's shutoff valve, usually under the sink, and make sure it is turned fully open.
Safety: If you need to look at the hose connection under the dishwasher, switch off the dishwasher's breaker first. Water and the 120 V supply share that space.
-
Straighten the inlet hose
GE's first check for H2O on AutoSense, Heavy, Normal or Light cycles is a kinked inlet water hose. A hose often kinks when the dishwasher is pushed back into the cabinet.
-
Run another cycle
Start a Normal cycle and listen for water entering the tub in the first minutes.
-
If only 1-Hour Wash shows H2O
GE says to schedule service, and you can run other cycles in the meantime.
-
Call for service
If the hose isn't kinked and H2O still appears on the regular cycles, GE says to call for service.
Safety: Inlet valve and wiring repairs mean working near the mains supply and the water line. Leave them to a technician.
When to call a technician
If H2O appears only on the 1-Hour Wash cycle, or keeps appearing on other cycles after you have checked the inlet hose, GE says to schedule service.
Questions people ask
Is GE H2O the same as FTD?
No. H2O means low water during fill. FTD, also shown as F56, means failure to drain.
Can I still use my GE dishwasher with H2O?
If the code shows only on the 1-Hour Wash cycle, GE says you can run other cycles until service. If it shows on all cycles, the dishwasher isn't filling properly.
Is it H2O or H20?
The display reads H2O, as in water. Many people type it with a zero, H20. It is the same code.