GE dishwasher C3 error: what it means and how to fix it

What C3 means

The dishwasher is not pumping the water out. Water may be left standing in the tub at the end of the cycle.

The manual advises disconnecting the appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance and notes that turning the dishwasher off does not disconnect it from power; it also says other servicing should be referred to a qualified technician. (manual p4)

Safety first

Disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply before attempting any maintenance.

Stop and call for service if:

• You cannot safely disconnect power to the dishwasher (manual notes turning OFF does not disconnect power).
• You find broken glass/sharp debris you can’t safely remove.
• Water remains above the very bottom after cleaning filters and checking the drain path (may indicate a drain pump or installation issue).

Common causes

• Air gap is clogged (if your setup has an air gap).
• Drain path is clogged (general drain clog).
• Garbage disposer connection is blocked and needs to be cleared by running the disposer.
• Kitchen sink drain is slow/blocked (dishwasher can’t drain if the sink drain is backed up).
• High drain loop or air gap not installed correctly (drain line installation issue).
• Filters/sump area blocked by debris (can reduce draining/cleaning).
• Sump inlet blockage or stuck one-way rubber flap in the sump area.
• Float is stuck or not moving freely.
• Drain pump may be bad (if water remains above the very bottom after clearing filters/drain path).

How to fix it

1. Try to force a drain: Cancel the cycle by pressing and holding START for 3 seconds, then close the door. The dishwasher should drain, beep, and the wash cycle light should turn OFF.
2. Check the simple drain path items the manual calls out: if the dishwasher drains into a disposer, run the disposer clear; also check whether your kitchen sink is draining well (if not, you may need a plumber).
3. If you have an air gap, clean it (the manual says to check the air gap any time the dishwasher isn’t draining well, and that it’s easy to clean).
4. Disconnect power before maintenance, then remove the lower rack (and if needed the upper rack by releasing the plastic clips) to access filters and spray arms.
5. Clean the filters in the bottom: remove the lower spray arm and filter parts, rinse/scrub debris from the filter area (watch for glass).
6. Remove and clean additional filter/screen parts in the sump area as shown in the video (upper sprayer removal, coarse filter/screen cleaning), then clear any debris from screen holes.
7. Inspect the sump inlet area for blockages and gently check the one-way rubber flap down inside to confirm it moves.
8. Check the float: lift the float cover and confirm the float moves freely and the switch clicks when actuated.
9. Reassemble the filters and spray arms, reinstall racks, then run a cycle and confirm it drains normally.

When to call a technician

• If the kitchen sink isn’t draining well (manual notes you may need a plumber).
• If you suspect the drain line installation is wrong (high drain loop/air gap not installed properly).
• If standing water remains (beyond a little at the very bottom) after cleaning filters and checking air gap/disposer/sink drain—may need drain pump or drain hose diagnosis.
• If you’re not comfortable doing the maintenance with power disconnected or accessing internal filter/sump areas.

From the owner's manual

• GE Dishwashers Owner's Manual, page 4 (Read all instructions before using the appliance): “To minimize the possibility of electric shock, disconnect this appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance.”
• GE Dishwashers Owner's Manual, page 9 (Select Options): “To cancel a wash cycle, press and hold the Start pad for 3 seconds and close door. The dishwasher will drain, emit a beep sound, and the wash cycle light will turn OFF.”
• GE Dishwashers Owner's Manual, page 20 (Does Your Dishwasher Have an Air Gap?): “Check the air gap any time your dishwasher isn’t draining well. … The air gap is easy to clean.”
• GE Dishwashers Owner's Manual, page 4 (Read all instructions before using the appliance): “To minimize the possibility of electric shock, disconnect this appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance.”
• GE Dishwashers Owner's Manual, page 9 (Cancel): “To cancel a wash cycle, press and hold the Start pad for 3 seconds and close door. The dishwasher will drain, emit a beep sound, and the wash cycle light will turn OFF.”
• GE Dishwashers Owner's Manual, page 21 (Does Your Dishwasher Have an Air Gap?): “Check the air gap any time your dishwasher isn’t draining well. … The air gap is easy to clean.”

Repair videos

• How to repair a dishwasher, not draining / cleaning - troubleshoot GE QuietPower 3, AdamDIY (5:52)
  • 0:40 Remove lower and upper racks
  • 1:05 Remove lower arm and filter parts
  • 1:48 Remove upper sprayer and coarse filter
  • 3:23 Check sump inlet and rubber flap
  • 3:49 Check float switch movement
  • 4:12 Decide if pump or drain path
  • 4:36 Reassemble filters and spray arms
• ✨ GE DISHWASHER WON’T DRAIN - FIXED ✨, Quick and Easy - 5 Minute Appliance Fixes (10:44)
  • 0:19 Check and clean the air gap
  • 0:35 Force a drain cycle
  • 0:53 Assess drain strength at air gap
  • 3:25 Remove filter and check float
  • 4:00 Bail out water to inspect
  • 4:26 Unplug and remove drain hose
  • 5:22 Snake the hose and air gap
  • 6:50 Remove blockage and reassemble
• How To Fix FTD Failure To Drain Dishwasher Error With OUT Removing Dishwasher., Greg's DIY Garage (6:26)
  • 0:19 Access pressure sensor under toe plate
  • 1:08 Unplug and remove pressure sensor
  • 1:44 Clean sensor and plunger passages
  • 2:51 Reinstall sensor and check for leaks
  • 3:45 Remove drain pump from underneath
  • 4:24 Ohm-test the drain pump motor
  • 5:11 Inspect impeller and decide on replacement