GE Washing Machine Reset Button – How to Guide

Hey there! Looks like you might need to reset your GE washing machine and need help figuring out how to go about it. Not to worry, I’ve got you covered. Resetting these machines is pretty straightforward once you know what to do with the GE washing machine reset button.

First off, what exactly does it mean to reset a washing machine? We’re restoring the machine to its original factory settings. This can help resolve a lot of minor glitches, get rid of error codes, and just give your washer a fresh start if it’s been acting up.

Now when it comes to GE models specifically, there are a couple of different reset methods depending on the age of your machine.

Most modern GE washers have a dedicated reset button somewhere on the control panel, but some older models require a power cycle instead.

GE Washing Machine Reset Button

I’ll walk you through both below. But before we dive in, let me outline the basics real quick:

• Goal: Restore factory settings
• Helps: Clear error codes, resolve glitches
• Modern GE models: Use the reset button
• Older GE models: Power cycle instead

Pretty straightforward right? Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

GE Washing Machine Reset Button Method (For Newer GE Models)

If your GE washer was manufactured in let’s say, the last 5-7 years, chances are it has a dedicated “Reset” button somewhere on the control panel. Here’s a quick step-by-step for using it:

1. Start by unplugging the washer from the electrical outlet. This is an important safety step any time you’re doing maintenance on an appliance.
2. While unplugged, find the reset button on the control panel. It may be labeled as just “Reset”, or possibly “Factory Reset”, “Default”, or something along those lines. It’s usually a small push button.
3. Press and hold the reset button for 3 seconds. You may need a paper clip or something similar to access the button.
4. Still holding the button, plug the power cord back in.
5. Keep holding the reset button for 10 more seconds once power is restored.
6. Finally, release the button. The washing machine should now reset back to factory defaults.

And that’s it! Pretty painless right? To confirm it worked, you can check for any error codes clearing or just run a test cycle. Things should be reset and ready for washing.

Now again, this reset button method only applies to newer GE machines from around the last 5-7 years or so. If yours is older than that, you’ll probably need to go the power cycle route instead.

Power Cycling Method (For Older GE Models)

Alright, now what if your GE washer is from let’s say 2010 or earlier? No worries, you can still reset it by power cycling the unit instead. Here’s how:

1. Start by unplugging the washer completely from the wall outlet.
2. Leave it unplugged for 1 full minute. This gives things a chance to clear out internally.
3. After a minute has passed, plug the power cord back in.
4. If your machine has a display, allow it to power back up and initialize fully. This usually takes 30-60 seconds once plugged in.
5. Next, open and close the washer door 6 times in a row, fairly quickly. Kind of random I know! But this signals the internal computer to reset.
6. Finally, let the washer sit idle for 5 minutes. Don’t touch any buttons or knobs during this time.

After those 5 minutes, your older-style GE washing machine should now be reset back to factory default settings. It may seem a little complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy.

The key things to remember are:

• Unplug completely for 1 minute
• Plug back in and let power up
• Open/close the door 6 times fast
• Leave idle for 5 minutes

Give those steps a try the next time your old GE washer acts up or displays an error code. And that about does it!

I know that was a lot of information, so let me give a quick recap. Resetting your GE washing machine essentially restores the original factory settings, which can fix a variety of issues. Newer GE models have a dedicated reset button you hold down to trigger it. Older washers require manual power cycling instead.

Either way, the process only takes a few minutes and doesn’t require any tools or technical skills. So don’t be afraid to give it a shot yourself the next time something seems off.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues

Alright, so you went through the whole reset process but your GE washer still isn’t functioning right. Not to worry – there are a few quick things we can check.

First up, double-check that the reset was completed properly. Depending on your model, you may get a confirmation message or light when it’s done. If not, run through the steps again from the beginning to make sure you didn’t miss anything.

If you’re positive a full reset was completed, here are a few other things that can sometimes trip people up:

• Not unplugging for long enough – Remember that older GE models need a full 1 minute with power disconnected before resetting. This clears any latent power left in the internal capacitors. So even if you think the washer is unplugged, give it a little extra time just to be safe.
• Control lock is on – Many GE machines won’t let you reset them if the control lock feature is enabled. This locks out the buttons on the panel. Check your manual on how to deactivate it if needed.
• Wrong reset method – I know, I threw a lot of reset info at you earlier! However, using the reset button on newer GE washers versus manually power cycling older units is important. Mixing those up can lead to trouble.
• Underlying mechanical issue – On very rare occasions, there may be an actual mechanical problem preventing a proper reset. If you’ve triple-checked everything else, it’s possible something like a faulty door lock, bad control board, or stuck relay could be at play. At that point, it’s best left to a professional.

Related Issues and Error Codes

Before we wrap up, here’s a quick rundown of some common GE washer error codes and issues that can often be resolved with a good reset:

• F7 – Stuck relay error – Indicates a mechanical control relay has jammed, preventing operation. Resetting will clear it out.
• Sud/SudF – Drain pump problems – “Sud” means the internal drain pump isn’t functioning right. Resetting can get it back on track.
• E45 – Unit overloaded – This code means you’ve packed too many clothes or unbalanced items into the washer tub. Reset and reload.
• LOC, LOcL – Control lock is on – As mentioned earlier, you can’t reset a GE machine if the control lock feature is enabled. Be sure to toggle off lock mode first.
• LE or LEr – Motor issue – These point to a motor controller error within the drive system. Resetting should do the trick.
• Lid switch error – If the washer thinks the door/lid is open when it’s shut, a reset will sort it out.

Those are just a few examples – there are dozens more obscure codes a good reset can fix. So keep that in your back pocket as issues pop up down the road.

Resetting HE Washers: Do’s and Don’ts

GE’s high-efficiency (HE) washers are pretty amazing, utilizing less water and getting clothes cleaner with less wear and tear. But to keep that peak performance going, you still may need to reset your HE washer periodically as coding and mechanical issues pop up.

When it comes time for that reset ritual, keep these do’s and don’ts with HE models in mind so you don’t accidentally damage your machine or erase permanent calibration data.

• DO lightly clean around the loading door and soap dispenser areas before resetting your GE HE washer. This prevents any dirt or grime from getting places it shouldn’t during the hard reboot.

• DON’T force open the door or reach inside the drum while your HE washer is actively going through a reset sequence. The internal components may still be partially energized and water remnants may splash or leak out unexpectedly.

• DO give your machine enough spin cycles after resetting for any residual water to fully drain out before pulling clothes. Opening a very damp washer can lead to mold and mildew growth over time.

• DON’T reset right after pouring bleach or chemical cleaners into the unit. Make sure it goes through a full rinse cycle first so caustic liquid isn’t left pooled inside after it restores factory presets.

• DO check around all the rubber and plastic door seals for abnormal cracking or damage when doing resets. Those parts can dry out and wear over time. Early replacement saves headaches down the road.

• DON’T stack loads of heavy bath towels or items that may weigh down or throw off the drum axis. The turbo drum and internal bearings in HE washers are precisely calibrated. Resetting can lead to imbalances.

See what I mean? Just be smart about what you load and how you grab it immediately after restoring factory defaults. And give your HE machine the occasional scrub before and after resets so gunk doesn’t build up in places it shouldn’t!

Handling Drain Pump Issues

Clogged or faulty drain pumps are pretty common with GE washers. The result is usually a “Sud” or “SudF” error, meaning the internal pump and filtering system aren’t draining properly. How do you tackle it?

1. First, reset your washer! Hey, you’re a reset pro at this point, right? In many cases, power cycling and restoring factory defaults will get the pump going again. Even mechanical jams can sometimes be shaken free this way.
2. But if you complete the reset process and the Sud error persists, the next step is manually cleaning out your drain pump to clear any debris. Locate the small access panel along the front bottom of your GE washer. Carefully loosen or unscrew the covering and have a look inside. You should see a round blobby component—that’s your pump.
3. Grab some rubber gloves and a bucket. Slowly remove any built-up lint, stray socks, coins, you name it. Be very careful not to dislodge any small plastic tubes or wiring running to the pump, as those control water flow. If it’s packed solid, you can try unlocking and removing the whole pump assembly to clean in a sink or with a hose outside.
4. Reinstall everything carefully, double-check your connections, close up the access hatch, and test your GE washer again. The Sud or SudF error should disappear if you successfully unclogged the backed-up pump! Pretty satisfying DIY repair.
5. You can avoid a repeat by wiping around the inner washer tub before use to keep lint and debris minimal, as well as occasionally pouring drain cleaner into the empty drum.

FAQs on GE Washing Machine Reset Button:

I get a lot of repeat questions on resetting GE washing machines, so here’s a quick FAQ section to help address some common queries:

• Why does my GE washer need to be reset at all?

Resetting can help resolve error codes, glitches, and strange behavior by restoring factory presets. Think of it as a “soft reboot”. GE washers rely on computer controls that can sometimes get scrambled over years of use. Resetting gets things back on track.

• Will resetting delete any of my saved cycles or settings?

Yes, resetting deletes any customizations you’ve set up on your GE washer. That includes cycle options, saved favorites, WiFi configurations, and more. Everything is restored to default. So run resets cautiously if you don’t want to lose your presets.

• Do I need to re-calibrate anything after resetting?

Nope! GE washers are designed to self-calibrate during the first cycle run after resetting. So you shouldn’t need to manually calibrate or balance the unit unless issues pop up later on. Just run an empty “dummy” cycle first.

• How often should I be resetting my washer?

Only reset your GE machine when trouble arises! Doing it preemptively or “just because” isn’t necessary for these units and will erase your custom options each time. Resets are purely a troubleshooting tool, not general maintenance.

Also Check:

• Hisense Washing Machine Reset Button
• Logik Washing Machine Reset Button
• Haier Washing Machine Reset Button

Conclusion:

And with that, you should now be a bonafide expert on resetting GE washing machines! We covered the ins and outs of newer electronic models versus older mechanical units, troubleshooting tips, special notes for HE washers, curing drain pump problems, and more.

Thanks for following along! Feel free to bookmark or share this if you find it handy. No home should be without a functioning reliable washing machine. And an occasional reset can get yours back up and running if it starts misbehaving.

And there you have it – hopefully, now you feel like a GE washing machine reset expert! Let me know if any other questions come about. Happy washing!