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GE Washer Light (Rinse, Spin, Full, Sensing, etc.) Flashing

Washing machine control lights

A washing machine is an appliance that we expect to work without issue, and most of the time, they do, especially if it is from a reputable brand such as GE. But as we all know, nothing is perfect, and things don’t always according to plan with products that have multiple parts. If you are here, you have probably seen abnormal light indicators coming from your washer, but what do they mean, and what can you do about it?

If the rinse, spin, and wash function lights of your GE washer are all flashing simultaneously, this often indicates a blockage in the drain/waste pipe or the filter. The manual that comes with your washer will tell you where you can access these locations (some GE washers differentiate).

The last thing you need is to be prevented from having clean clothes, and so in this article, we will be going over the various “error light” related issues that a GE washing machine can have and how to troubleshoot them. Read further if you’d like to learn more.

GE Washer Rinse Light Flashing: Causes / What It Means / How To Fix

A couple pulling out clean laundry from the washing machine

The rinse cycle in a washer is there to clean off leftover laundry detergent so that the clothes are ready to be placed in the drier. It may seem very odd that a washer can function just fine during the wash phase but stops and gives an error light when it gets to the rinse cycle, but the issue often has to do with electrical circuits or water flow. But in total, three potential problems are happening here.

Timer Issue

The timer controls when a washing machine’s cycles engage; without it, the washer would simply remain on the previous step indefinitely. Because of this, washers will simply refuse to go to the next step if the timer isn’t functioning properly. But before running out and buying a new timer, read the next section to get a better idea of what your specific washer is going through.

Drain Control Issues

The drain control mechanism is what allows water to be drained out of a washer. If your GE washer is experiencing problems with this, such as clogging, then the water cannot be drained, and thus the washer cannot move onto the rinse cycle. You can either clean, adjust, or replace the drain control components to get the system functioning again.

How do you know if you have a drain control problem? You’ll either hear water sloshing around, frequent pauses that are around 3 minutes apart, or if your washer is particularly old (older than 1994), the lid will stay up.

Electrical Problems

Faulty wiring can cause a washer to malfunction and go through its cycles properly; if this is the case, we recommend resorting to professional help to avoid hurting yourself if you aren’t used to working with electrical wiring. You might be able to tell if this is the issue if the washer shuts down entirely.

GE Washer Spin Light Blinking: Causes / What It Means / How To Fix

Washing machine control panel that is off

If your GE washer’s spin light is blinking, it could indicate a problem with the machine’s motor or control board. Try resetting the machine by unplugging it for a few minutes, then plugging it back in. If the problem persists, you may need to call a technician to diagnose and repair the issue. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the lint filter and checking for loose wires, can also help prevent future problems.

GE Washer Sensing Light Blinking: Causes / What It Means / How To Fix

Washing machine door that is open

If the sensing light is blinking, then the positioning sensor cannot give the washer the go-ahead to engage. The shifter may have failed, or something has made its way between the inner and outer tub. Also, a damaged hub bearing can cause this issue. To troubleshoot this issue, the basket will have to be removed.

GE Washer Fill Lights Blinking and Beeping: Causes / What It Means / How To Fix

Washing machine knob and green light on

When the fill lights are flashing and hear an audible beeping noise, the washer is having trouble filling. Even if it’s unlikely, the first thing to check is if the house water supply to the washer is switched off or not.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on February 18, 2021.

If the washer isn’t filling despite the water supply being connected and on, the inlet valves could have failed; if it fills only partially, then the water-level pressure switch or the temperature selector switch are the problems.

How to access these components will depend wildly on what model your GE washer is. It can be frustrating and time-consuming if you don’t have experience working with washers or DIY fixing in general, so don’t be afraid to call a professional if you aren’t confident.

GE Washer All Lights Flashing: Causes / What It Means / How To Fix

Washing machine control with timer countdown

If all the lights are flashing, then the washer is rendered completely inoperable. In many cases, this indicates an issue with the pump filter or drain pipe is clogged. In this case, you can first inspect the filter in your GE washer and give it a cleaning if it’s loaded with debris.

If this fixes the issue, then you are good to go! If not, inspect the drainpipe, which is located in the back. Disconnect power to the washer and unhook it. Next, inspect the inside of the pipe for clogging; the chances are that if this is the issue, then the clog is severe enough to the point that getting a new drain pipe might be for the best. They are very inexpensive; however, just ensure you are getting the right type and size for your washer.

GE Washer Red Light Flashing on Motor: Causes / What It Means / How To Fix

Washing machine control settings

A flashing red light on the motor means that the washer is either having trouble spinning or isn’t spinning. You might be able to solve this issue by resetting the motor. Unplug the washer for 1 minute, hook it back up and open and close the lid rapidly for 15 seconds.

If this doesn’t get your washer up and running again, the belt drive might need to be readjusted or replaced.

GE Washer Green Light Flashing: Causes / What It Means / How To Fix

Washing machine knob with settings light on

A green flashing light can mean no communication between the timer/control board and the motor. In this instance, the control board may need to be replaced. If you are going to do this yourself, ensure you are buying the right one and disconnect the washer’s power during the replacement. Luckily, GE themselves uploaded a video showcasing exactly how to do this if you are new to doing this:

If the washer is flashing green and stuck on a particular cycle (it’s often SPIN), you can try holding the CANCEL button for 5 seconds to reset. However, if the issue persists, you may need to refer to the sections regarding the motor/belt drive, fill lights, or the timer.

When Is It Not Worth It To Repair a Washer?

A girl that is thinking and has a lot of question mark images floating above her head

It’s worth noting that washing machines have a life expectancy of 10 years before problems start popping up. This isn’t always the case, and you can keep a washer for longer than that; in fact, many people do. But if your washer is particularly old and new problems arise when you fix the old ones, it’s maybe time to consider a new washer. Otherwise, you might be sinking a lot of money into a washer that isn’t reliable.

How much do washing machines cost these days? It depends on how big and “fancy” you want it to be. A basic GE washer costs under $350 and will get the job done; even better, if you are reading this near-black Friday or another time where appliances go on sale, consider holding out and snagging a deal!

Final Thoughts

If you are still having trouble diagnosing what the blinking lights are indicating, consider calling a professional. But remember to keep the above section in mind as you almost always pay a steep fee for labor when going this route.

Related Article

GE Washer Won’t Spin Correctly

GE Washer Won’t Work/Start/Turn On/Off

GE Washer Won’t Wash Cycle Properly

GE Washer Won’t Fill/Keeping Filling Problems

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on February 18, 2021.

GE Washer Keeps Tripping Breaker/Beeping/Balancing