If the GE Profile PDT785's control panel responds but the dishwasher never fills, GE's table gives three causes: the door may not be completely closed (make sure it is firmly closed, and remember the Start pad must be pressed and the door closed within 4 seconds), the water valve under the sink may be turned off, or the flood float may be stuck. The float is the piece under the Ultra-Fine Filter that looks like a salt shaker: remove the Ultra-Fine filter, lightly tap the float and replace the filter. Also check that normal water pressure is 20 to 120 psi.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE dishwasher will not fill with water”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The door is not completely closed
What separates it The panel responds but no water enters because the door is not completely closed
How to confirm Close the door firmly and press Start, closing the door within 4 seconds
- 2
The water valve is turned off
What separates it No water enters and the fill is silent because the water valve is turned off
How to confirm Turn on the valve, usually under the sink
- 3
The flood float is stuck
What separates it The dishwasher never fills although the valve is open
How to confirm Remove the Ultra-Fine filter and lightly tap the float shaped like a salt shaker
- 4
Low water pressure
What separates it Water comes from other taps more slowly than usual
How to confirm Wait until pressure is normal; normal is 20 to 120 psi
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the display responds and shows a cycle
- Whether the valve is open and other faucets are strong
- Whether the float moves freely when tapped
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedClose the door and press Start
ReversiblePress Start and close the door within 4 seconds to begin. GE says the display turns off if the door stays open two minutes; close and open the door or press any pad to reactivate.
Turn on the water valve
ReversibleTurn on the water valve, and make sure that the water valve, usually under the sink, is on.
Free the flood float
ReversibleTake out the bottom rack, remove the Ultra-Fine Filter, lightly tap the piece under it that looks like a salt shaker and replace the filter.
Check water pressure
ReversibleTurn on a faucet; if water is slower than usual, wait until pressure is normal. Normal pressure to the dishwasher is 20 to 120 psi.
Check for suds
ReversibleCheck for suds, since suds can interfere with filling, so use only automatic dishwasher detergent and let the suds dissipate.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Interrupt and resume
- To pause a cycle, slowly open the door; the dishwasher will beep every minute to remind you to close it. To restart, press Start and close the door within 4 seconds. To cancel a cycle press and hold the Start pad for 3 seconds and close the door; the dishwasher will drain, beep and turn the wash cycle light off.
- Parts for this problem on the PDT785 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- water valve, part number WD15X27703, at $30.94; pressure switch, part number WD21X25468, at $29.68; high loop drain hose from pump to drain hose ext, part number WD24X27778, at $16.47; configured machine control board, part number WD21X34778, at $200.58.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models PDT755, GDP665, GDT670, GDT650, GDF650, GDF510.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the dishwasher still will not fill with the valve open, the door latched and the float free, contact GE Appliances service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
GE Appliances' own support articles for dishwashers; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
GE's own page for the Profile PDT785 with its installation guide and specifications.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does the panel respond but no water enters?+
The door may not be closed, the valve may be off or the flood float may be stuck.
Where is the flood float?+
Under the Ultra-Fine Filter; it looks like a salt shaker.
How do I free the float?+
Remove the Ultra-Fine filter, lightly tap the float and replace the filter.
How fast must I close the door after Start?+
You must close the door within 4 seconds after Start.
What if the start light flashes?+
The door was opened or the cycle interrupted; press Start once and close the door within 4 seconds.
What does a beep every minute mean?+
The door was left open during operation; press Start and close the door.
Can the display timing matter?+
The display turns off if the door stays open two minutes; close and open the door to wake it.