If the GE Profile PDT785 won't run, GE's table lists five causes: a blown fuse or tripped breaker (remove any other appliances from the circuit), power turned off at the wall switch that in some installations feeds the dishwasher, Control Lock on, a leak detected (LEAK DETECTED on the display, contact GE), and the proper start sequence not followed. The start sequence matters: press Start and close the door within 4 seconds, and if the Start status light flashes the door was opened or the cycle interrupted, so press Start once and close the door within 4 seconds.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE dishwasher will not start or respond”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A blown fuse or a tripped breaker
What separates it The display is dark and nothing responds because of a blown fuse or a tripped breaker
How to confirm Replace the fuse or reset the breaker and remove other appliances from the circuit
- 2
The wall switch is off
What separates it No power in an installation where a switch controls the dishwasher
How to confirm Turn on the wall switch, often next to the disposer switch
- 3
Lock Controls is on
What separates it The Lock Controls light is lit and pads do nothing
How to confirm Unlock as the Getting Started section shows, and try again
- 4
The start sequence was not followed
What separates it The Start light flashes and the cycle does not begin
How to confirm Press Start and close the door within 4 seconds
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the display lights and what it shows
- Whether the Start light is flashing and whether LEAK DETECTED is shown
- Whether the breaker and the wall switch are on
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck the circuit
ReversibleReplace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker and remove any other appliances from the circuit.
Check the wall switch
ReversibleIn some installations, power to the dishwasher is provided through a wall switch, often next to the disposer switch. Make sure it is on.
Unlock the controls
ReversiblePress and hold the Dry Boost pad, or the Steam-Sani, Presoak-Sani or Sanitize pads together, for 3 seconds if the Lock Controls light is on.
Follow the start sequence
ReversibleSelect a cycle, press Start and close the door within 4 seconds. If the Start light flashes, press Start once and close the door within 4 seconds.
Read the display
ReversibleLEAK DETECTED means the cycle was cancelled; contact GE for service. Touch pads within 30 seconds of each other when setting controls, or the lights go off.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Start and delay
- Delay Hours delays the start by up to 8 to 12 hours depending on model: press Delay Hours to choose the hours, press Start once and close the door to begin the countdown, and the cycle starts once the time has expired. The cycle may be selected with the door open, and will not start until Start is pressed and the door is closed within 4 seconds.
- Parts for this problem on the PDT785 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- pressure switch, part number WD21X25468, at $29.68; 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 will not run after the circuit, wall switch, lock and start sequence are checked, contact GE Appliances service
- !If LEAK DETECTED shows, contact GE for service and do not restart
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 will my GE dishwasher not run?+
GE lists a blown fuse or tripped breaker, power off at the wall switch, a locked panel, a detected leak and not following the start sequence.
What does the flashing Start light mean?+
The door was opened or the cycle interrupted. Press Start once and close the door within 4 seconds.
Why does it beep every minute?+
The door was left open during operation. Press Start and close the door.
Is there a wall switch?+
In some installations the dishwasher is powered through a wall switch next to the disposer switch.
What is LEAK DETECTED?+
The cycle was cancelled because a leak was sensed; contact GE service.
Do I need to pre-rinse to start?+
No. It is a start-sequence issue, not a load issue.
Why do the panel lights go out?+
A pad was not touched within 30 seconds of the last.