On the covered GE dishwasher platform, C1, C2 means GE defines C1 as the pump out during drain exceeding 2 minutes. First, inspect the air gap, the hose and the disposer. Lift off the chrome cover, unscrew the plastic cap, remove debris and check the hose to the drain or disposer.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE dishwasher code C1, C2”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A clogged air gap
What separates it Water backs up at the sink air gap or drains slowly
How to confirm Lift off the chrome cover, unscrew the plastic cap, remove debris and check the hose to the drain or disposer
- 2
A disposer that has not been run
What separates it Food waste sits in the disposer or drain line
How to confirm Run the garbage disposer to clear the drain system before running the dishwasher
- 3
A kinked or worn drain hose
What separates it The hose below the sink is bent or an old hose was reused
How to confirm GE says new dishwashers come with a white corrugated hose that should be used, since old worn hoses promote kinking
- 4
A disposer drain plug left in place
What separates it The disposer was recently installed or replaced, which points to a disposer drain plug left in place
How to confirm Make sure the drain plug inside the disposer was removed
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters shown on the display: C1 or C2
- Note whether the sink drains freely before you start troubleshooting
- Whether an air gap is installed
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleInspect the air gap, the hose and the disposer.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleGE's solution: clean the air gap, replace or reposition the hose, and run the disposer to clean it out. If the problem persists, contact service.
Understand the codes
ReversibleGE says C1 means the pump out during drain has exceeded 2 minutes and C2 means the total pump out cycle exceeds 7 minutes; press Reset to stop the beep.
Clean the air gap
ReversibleRemove the chrome cover, unscrew the plastic cap, remove accumulated material, rinse the cap and check the hose from the air gap to the drain or disposer.
Clear the drain
ReversibleTurn the garbage disposer on to clear food and debris from the drain system, then check the drain hose for kinks or a blockage.
Check the installation
ReversibleWithout an air gap the drain hose needs a high drain loop attached under the counter; measure its height against the installation instructions.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- C1, C2.
- Parts named
- Air gap; drain hose; disposer; high drain loop.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Do not put your hands into the garbage disposer to check it, as serious injury could occur
- !Do not use chemical drain cleaner in the dishwasher
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The 2 minute and 7 minute thresholds are GE's own.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does C1, C2 mean on a GE dishwasher?+
GE defines C1 as the pump out during drain exceeding 2 minutes.
Can I use drain cleaner?+
No; GE says chemical drain cleaners can damage the rubber parts.
What is an air gap?+
A chrome cylinder on the sink that stops a clogged drain backing up into the dishwasher.