GE Profile Dishwasher F33 Fix (Straight-Up Error Code Guide)

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What This Error Means

F33 on a GE Profile dishwasher means circulation pump / wash motor fault.

The control board thinks the wash pump isn’t moving water (or the motor circuit looks bad), so it kills the cycle and flashes F33.

Official Fix

GE’s playbook is simple: clear any blockages, then test and replace the bad parts.

  • Kill the power first. Flip the breaker or unplug the dishwasher. No fingers in there with live power.
  • Open the door and check the tub. If there’s standing water, scoop it out so you can see the sump area clearly.
  • Pull the lower rack, filter, and sump screen. Look straight down into the sump: remove glass, seeds, twist ties, or anything that could jam the pump inlet.
  • Check the spray arms. Make sure they spin freely and aren’t packed with debris; they’re the first clue if water movement has been weak.
  • Access the bottom. Remove the toe-kick/kick plate. Find the circulation pump – it’s the larger motor assembly on the side or center of the sump, usually with two hoses or a big plastic housing.
  • Inspect wiring to the pump. Look for burnt connectors, melted plastic, or corroded terminals. Any heat damage = repair the connector or replace the harness section.
  • Test the pump coil (if you own a meter). With power still off, pull the connector and ohm the pump between its two terminals. Compare to the spec on the tech sheet (usually taped behind the toe panel). Open circuit or dead-short = bad pump.
  • Restore power and test. Turn the breaker back on, start a normal or rinse cycle, and listen. If the unit fills but you don’t hear a strong, steady spray sound before F33 comes back, the circulation pump is not doing its job.
  • Replace the circulation pump assembly if it fails tests. That’s GE’s official remedy for F33 on most Profile models.
  • If the pump ohms good but never gets voltage during wash (tech sheet will show which pins and when): the main control board is the next suspect and is replaced as a unit.

Bottom line: Official route is clean the sump, verify wiring, then swap the circulation pump. Control board only if the pump checks out but never gets commanded on.

The Technician’s Trick

Here’s what we actually try before ordering a new $150+ pump.

  • Power off at the breaker. Don’t skip this.
  • Free the impeller from above. Pull the lower rack, filter, and sump screen. Shine a light down into the sump. On many GE Profile units, you can see or feel the plastic impeller blades. Gently nudge them with a plastic tool or your finger (watch for sharp glass) to break loose any crud that’s wedged the pump.
  • Free the impeller from below (if needed). With the kick plate off, locate the circulation pump body. Some models have a small opening or back cap you can remove to spin the motor shaft with a screwdriver. A few turns by hand can unstick a pump that’s been sitting or jammed by something soft.
  • Hot water shock treatment. Before reassembling fully, pour a kettle or two of very hot (not boiling) water mixed with a little dishwasher detergent or citric acid into the tub. Let it sit 10–15 minutes to soften grease in the pump and sump.
  • Reassemble and hard-reset. Filters and screens back in. Close the door. Turn the breaker back on. On many GE Profile models, hold the Start button for 3–5 seconds to cancel/reset, then start a short cycle.
  • Listen carefully. If the pump roars back to life and F33 stays gone, it was a seized impeller, not a dead motor. If it just hums or stays silent and F33 pops again, the pump is toast.

This trick saves a lot of pumps that are just stuck with junk, not electrically dead. If you smell burnt electrical odor from the bottom, don’t bother – go straight to replacement.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Dishwasher under ~8–10 years old, tub and racks in good shape, no other issues, and you’re okay with ~$150–$300 in parts for a pump (maybe a board).
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Around 10–12 years old, racks rusting or wheels broken, plus you’re already eyeing other repairs (leaks, noisy bearings).
  • ❌ Replace: 12+ years old, multiple problems, or pump + board quote comes close to half the price of a new mid-range dishwasher.

Parts You Might Need

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See also

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