GE Profile Dishwasher F6 Error Code Fix (No-Nonsense Guide)

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What This Error Means

F6 on a GE Profile dishwasher means water fill fault.

The control board does not see the tub reaching the correct water level in time, so it locks out the cycle and throws F6.

Typical signs:

  • The machine runs but you never hear a strong rush of water.
  • Spray arms barely move or dishes come out mostly dry and dirty.
  • F6 pops up a minute or two after you start a cycle.

Official Fix

Do this in order before you spend money or call GE.

  • Kill power first.
    Turn the dishwasher off. Flip the breaker off for at least 1 minute. You do not want the valve opening while you are handling hoses.
  • Confirm the water supply is actually on.
    • Find the small shutoff valve on the hot water line under the sink.
    • Turn it fully counterclockwise until it stops. Half open can be enough to trigger F6.
    • Make sure no one shut off the main house water or the hot supply to the dishwasher.
  • Check the supply hose for a kink or crush.
    • Slide the dishwasher out just enough to see the braided or copper line.
    • Look for sharp bends, squashed spots, or anything pinched behind the cabinet.
    • Straighten it. If it is flattened or cracked, plan to replace the line.
  • Clean the inlet screen at the dishwasher valve.
    • Shut the under sink water valve back off.
    • Put a towel or pan under the connection.
    • Disconnect the water line where it screws onto the dishwasher inlet.
    • Look inside the dishwasher inlet fitting for a tiny metal or plastic screen.
    • If it is packed with grit, clean it with water and a soft brush or old toothbrush. Do not stab it with a pick or nail.
    • Reconnect the line snug, not over tightened.
  • Make sure the float is not stuck.
    • Open the door and find the small plastic dome or tower in the tub floor, usually near a front corner.
    • Lift it up and let it drop a few times. You should feel free movement and often a small click.
    • If it is jammed with food bits, glass, or hard water crust, clean around it until it moves smoothly.
  • Run a fresh test cycle.
    • Turn the breaker back on.
    • Start a normal cycle with the dishwasher empty.
    • Listen in the first 2 to 3 minutes. You should hear a strong fill, then spraying.
    • If F6 does not return, you are done. If it comes back, the official next step is to replace the water inlet valve or call for service.

If you have done all that and the code still returns, GE documentation points to a failed inlet valve, float switch, or control board and recommends a technician.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Dishwasher under about 8 to 10 years old, cabinet and racks in good shape, and you only need a valve or float switch. Parts and labor usually land in the 150 to 300 dollar range.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Unit around 10 to 12 years old, already has rusting racks or other issues, and F6 looks like it needs both a valve and control board. Add up the quote; if it is over 300 to 400 dollars, think hard.
  • ❌ Replace: Older than 12 years, tub or door is leaking, or the repair estimate is over half the cost of a decent new dishwasher. Put that money into a replacement instead.

Parts You Might Need

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See also

Other appliances flashing cryptic codes at you? These guides break them down the same no nonsense way: