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GE Washer Won’t Fill/Keeping Filling Problems

Washing machines make laundry a walkover, but the real hassle starts when they fail to work optimally. A general electric washer that won’t fill is one of the most common problems with these machines.

If your GE washer doesn’t fill, first confirm if the household water supply is on, then inspect the cold and hot faucets to ensure they are both fully functional. Low water pressure, failed inlet valves, temperature selector switch issues, and water-level pressure switch may be some perpetrators.

Washing machine tub filling with water

This guide will highlight the causes and avail some quick-fix solutions to GE washers that won’t fill and some extra handy tips too for your washer, so read on.

GE Washer Won’t Fill: Causes / How To Fix

Handyman fixing washing machine

If your GE washer is not filling with water, there could be several reasons why. Some common causes include a clogged water inlet valve, a faulty water level sensor, or a malfunctioning control board.

To fix the issue, try cleaning the water inlet valve screen, checking the water level sensor for any visible damage, or resetting the control board.

If none of these solutions work, try troubleshooting the following areas, or you may need to contact a professional repair service to diagnose and fix the problem.

A Clogged Inlet Filter

The cold and hot water hoses connected to your machine require a filter screen to remove any large particles present in the water. However, these filters may get clogged, thus hindering consistent water flow. This is a pretty common problem, but it is straightforward to fix. You only need to turn off the water supply to the washer, unscrew the hoses, and remove any debris on the screen. The washer should then start filling again.

Faulty Faucets

Before doing anything, make sure that the faucets for cold and hot water are turned on and that the hoses are not kinked. At times, that is the only issue, and the solution is as easy as turning the faucets on or straightening the hose. With time, faucets start to break down, and rust hinders the flow of water. In this case, a plumber comes in handy.

Faulty Water Inlet Valve

Water inlet valves allow or stop water from flowing in and out of the washer. The valve may malfunction hence hindering water from filling in the washer. Fixing this part is somewhat easy, but it often needs the skills of an expert. If you do it yourself, you should ensure what you do is specific and suited to your washing machine’s parts and procedure.

Faulty Water Level Switch

Modern washers have an in-built pressure switch sensor that stops water when it gets to a certain level. When the sensors are faulty, they instruct the hoses to stop filling even when the washer is still empty. This prevents the washer from filling until the sensor is replaced or repaired. I would recommend the New WH12X10412 Pressure Switch for GE Washers from Amazon.com because it guarantees a year without the need for replacement or repair.

GE Washer Only Fills and Drains: Causes / How To Fix

Hand with a wrench and a washing machine in the background

A faulty inlet valve could cause the issue of a washer filling and draining. A laundry machine’s valve/faucet is controlled by a timer or microcircuit/motherboard and a pressure switch. To verify that a faucet is faulty, unplug the laundry machine as the problem occurs. If your machine keeps filling, then the inlet faucet is flawed. If it stops filling, the issue is because of a defective electrical structure controlling the valve.

You should also make sure that the drain connected to your house is about 30 inches (76.2 cm) high. If it is not, an anti-siphon clip is included in its installation package. The drain hose should not be placed too far down the drain, but if it is, pull it out two inches to solve the problem.

GE Washer Won’t Fill Up All the Way: Causes / How To Fix

Top load washing machine

If your GE washer won’t go past fill, it all boils down to a malfunctioning valve, broken wire, faulty pressure switch, or reduced water flow. Electronic washers display an error code if the washer does not fill.

GE Washer Won’t Fill for Rinse Cycle: Causes / How To Fix

Top load washing machine full of clothes in rinse cycle

Factors that influence water level in your washer during the rinse cycle are the main electronic control board, washer lid switch, electronic temperature control board, and the door lock assembly. A machine may not fill up all the way if controls detect an open or unlocked door. Ensure the door is well locked if your washer won’t fill or wash. The door may remain unlocked when the latch fails electrically or mechanically.

GE Washers Won’t Fill With Cold Water: Causes / How To Fix

Hand dropping clothes into top load washing machine

Each GE washing machine comes with a cold and hot water inlet. If the cold water inlet is not working, try troubleshooting it before calling an expert. Here’s what to do:

  1. Verify that there is water available from the main tap.
  2. Confirm if the cold water tap connected to the washer is turned on.
  3. Unplug the water hose and brush the water filter to remove debris or mineral deposits.
  4. Run water through the disconnected hose to remove any clogs.
  5. Replace the hose if you have to.

GE Washer Stuck on Sensing Fill: Causes / How To Fix

Hand adjusting washing machine knob

The sensing function is meant to automate the washing process and conserve water. When a GE washer keeps saying fill, it is often an error message that means the washer is not draining. Other reasons may be a malfunctioned control board whose function is to power the motor, a failed water inlet valve, or the shift actuator not changing positions. All parts should be double-checked to confirm if they are at fault and then changed with caution.

GE Washer Keeps Filling Up With Water: Causes / How To Fix

Washing machine in spin cycle

Water flows into the machine for either wash or rinsing cycles through a water inlet valve. Therefore, if the machine won’t stop filling, the water inlet valve may have malfunctioned.

A simple test can help determine if it is the actual cause of excess water. Observe and troubleshoot your washer’s fill cycle. After there is sufficient water in the container, disconnect the washer. If it keeps filling, the problem is with the water inlet valve, and it should be replaced.

GE Washer Fills but Won’t Agitate: Causes / How To Fix

Woman kneeling on ground adjusting washing machine settings

If the washer spins but does not agitate, the reason may be a broken agitator. Some agitator parts may wear and tear, but that usually leads to a lack of agitation in the machine. There are more reasons why the washers will not agitate, but if the washer senses a power spike, unbalanced load, or power disruption, it will send an error code to the motor that may require it to be reset.

GE Washer Fills With Water but Won’t Wash: Causes / How To Fix

Man reaching into washing machine and pulling clothes out

There are several parts linked to the failure of a GE washer to wash, including:

  • Faulty drive belt If it is broken or loose, replace it.
  • Motor coupling – It can fail due to normal wear or to protect the motor and transmission.
  • Lid switch assembly – It prevents the washer from agitating if the lid is open.
  • Drive motor – A defective drive motor, though rare to find, also prevents agitation.
  • Rotor assembly – If the rotor magnets are damaged, the GE washer machine may not agitate or rotate the tubs.
  • Door latch – A door latch aids in securing the machine’s door during operation; once the door is locked, the machine starts operating.
  • Faulty motor control board – If defective or burnt, the machine may not wash. If the control board does not provide power to the motor, change it.
  • Transmission – The machine’s transmission may either be worn out or faulty, making the machine fail to wash.

Final Word

When troubleshooting a GE washer that won’t fill, scan through various symptoms first by checking error codes and then inspect the parts associated with each error code. Once you know where the problem is, it is easy to fix.

However, our appliances are usually damaged beyond repair at times, and the cost of repair may exceed that of purchasing a new one. If you’re tight on budget, consider replacing the 15-year old machine with a new and functional one.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on March 23, 2021.

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