GE Dishwasher FTD Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Failure to drain: the dishwasher did not drain the water from the tub.
- Can I fix it?
- Yes, usually a DIY fix
- Also shown as
- F56
- Seen on
- GE Appliances dishwashers with a code display. Some models show F56 instead of FTD. Not all codes appear on all models.
FTD on a GE dishwasher stands for failure to drain: the water didn’t pump out at the end of the cycle. GE lists the same fault as F56 on some models. Start with the filters at the bottom of the tub, then the air gap, the garbage disposer and the drain hose under the sink.
Try this first
- Remove and clean the Fine and Ultra Fine filters at the bottom of the tub.
- Take the cap off the air gap on the sink and clear out debris.
- Run the garbage disposer to clear the shared drain.
- Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks or clogs.
- Disconnect power for a minute or two to reset the control, then run a cycle.
What causes FTD
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged filters or sump | Water covers the tub floor after the cycle | Fine and Ultra Fine filters, rear sump for paper or bones |
| Blocked air gap | Water spills from the air gap or drains slowly | Remove the cap and clear grit |
| Disposer clogged or drain plug not removed | FTD after a new disposer was installed | The plug inside the disposer inlet must be knocked out |
| Kinked hose or no high drain loop | Slow or no drain, sometimes water backing up | The hose under the sink and its loop height |
| Wrong or too much detergent | Suds in the tub | Use automatic dishwasher detergent only |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Turn the dishwasher off
Switch off power at the breaker before you work in the tub or under the sink.
Safety: Never put your hands into the garbage disposer to check it. Use the disposer's own tools and keep its power off.
-
Clean the filters and sump
Remove the Fine and Ultra Fine filters from the bottom of the tub, rinse them and check the rear sump for paper, noodles, lettuce or bones. On models with an Ultra Fine filter, some water in the sump is normal, but it shouldn't cover the tub floor.
-
Clear the air gap and disposer
Lift the chrome cover off the air gap, unscrew the plastic cap and clear the grit with a toothpick. Run the disposer before the dishwasher. If the disposer is new, make sure its drain plug was removed as its installation instructions describe.
-
Check the drain hose
Look under the sink for a kinked or clogged hose. Without an air gap, the hose needs a high loop under the counter at the height the installation instructions give. Make sure the kitchen sink itself drains well.
Safety: Don't pour drain cleaner into the dishwasher.
-
Reset and test
Restore power after a minute or two and run a short cycle. Check that the water pumps out at the end.
When to call a technician
If the filters, air gap, disposer and hose are clear and FTD comes back, the drain pump or the control may be at fault. GE says to schedule service if a power reset doesn't clear the code.
Questions people ask
Is FTD the same as F56 on a GE dishwasher?
Yes. GE's code list gives FTD or F56 as failure to drain. Which one you see depends on the model.
How do I reset a GE dishwasher with FTD?
Clear the drain problem first, then disconnect power for a minute or two and turn it back on. If the code returns, GE recommends scheduling service.
Why does my new GE dishwasher show FTD?
On a new install, the most common cause is a garbage disposer whose drain plug was never removed. A kinked hose or a missing high drain loop can also stop it draining.