GE Appliances dishwasher C1: drain timeout
C1 means: Drain pump timeout: the pump ran more than 2 minutes without draining (older models: stuck key).
How to fix C1
- Remove the lower rack and clean the filter and sump; pull out food debris and glass.
- Check the drain hose under the sink for a kink and, if a disposal was fitted recently, that its knockout plug was removed.
- Cut power for 60 seconds at the breaker to reset and run a drain-only cycle.
- If it still will not drain, the drain pump impeller is jammed or the pump has failed; it is accessible from inside the tub on most models.
When to stop and call a repairer
If water is leaking under the machine, stop and find the leak first.
What it costs
Parts: Drain pump $40 to $80.
Service: A home visit from an appliance technician runs $120 to $250 for diagnosis plus the part. Boards are the expensive part; sensors and switches are cheap.
Worth repairing? Yes.
How to check the error log
On most GE dishwashers, hold Start for 5 seconds with the door open to enter the service menu; on models with a hidden display, press Select Cycle and Start together for 5 seconds. The last error shows on the display. Turn power off at the breaker for 60 seconds to reset the board.
Clear the log after a repair so you can tell whether the fault has really gone.
FAQ
What does C1 mean on the GE Appliances dishwasher?
Drain pump timeout: the pump ran more than 2 minutes without draining (older models: stuck key). The dishwasher tried to pump out and the water did not go. Clogged filter, a blocked or kinked drain hose, a new garbage disposal with the knockout plug still in, or a drain pump that has failed.
Can I fix C1 myself?
DIY difficulty: easy. Remove the lower rack and clean the filter and sump; pull out food debris and glass. Check the drain hose under the sink for a kink and, if a disposal was fitted recently, that its knockout plug was removed.
How much does it cost to fix C1?
Drain pump $40 to $80. A home visit from an appliance technician runs $120 to $250 for diagnosis plus the part. Boards are the expensive part; sensors and switches are cheap.
Is it worth repairing?
Yes.
C1 during startup or during use?
GE Appliances dishwashers report C1 any. That timing is a useful clue when narrowing the cause.
Can I keep using the machine with C1 showing?
Usually you can finish the drink you are making, but do not ignore it — the underlying fault rarely heals itself. Work through the cheap checks first.
Will C1 clear on its own?
Often, yes. The first step (remove the lower rack and clean the filter and sump; pull out food debris and glass) clears a share of cases on its own. If the code comes straight back, the part is genuinely at fault.
How long does the repair take?
Fifteen to thirty minutes with basic tools, once you have the part.
Code meanings are compiled from manufacturer service references and repair documentation for the GDT / GDF / GDP / Profile / Cafe; fixes follow documented repairs and owner reports. Model revisions can differ. If your appliance is under warranty, contact the manufacturer before opening it.