On the covered GE dishwasher platform, FTD, F56 means GE lists FTD and F56 as a failure to drain: the dishwasher could not empty its wash water. First, check the drain hose under the sink for a kink and look for anything covering the sump at the back of the tub.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE dishwasher code FTD, F56”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A kinked or blocked drain hose
What separates it FTD shows and water stays in the tub
How to confirm Look under the sink at the hose for a kink or clog
- 2
The sump is covered or clogged
What separates it Paper or food sits at the back of the tub
How to confirm Clear large pieces from the bottom of the tub
- 3
A disposer knockout plug or air gap clog
What separates it FTD follows a new disposer or a clogged air gap
How to confirm Remove the plug and clean the air gap
- 4
A garbage disposer drain plug that was never knocked out
What separates it FTD on a dishwasher connected to a brand-new disposer
How to confirm The plug blocks the dishwasher inlet and nothing drains
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether water stands in the tub
- Whether a disposer was recently installed
- Whether an air gap is fitted
- The model number
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleCheck the drain hose under the sink for a kink and look for anything covering the sump at the back of the tub.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleClear the hose, the sump or the air gap, and remove the disposer knockout plug on a new disposer; if the code returns after a breaker reset, the drain pump or its wiring needs service.
Clear the tub
ReversibleRemove large food pieces, paper or anything covering the sump.
Check the hose and air gap
ReversibleLook for kinks and clean the air gap.
Check the disposer
ReversibleMake sure the drain plug inside a new disposer was removed.
Look at the disposer inlet
ReversibleOn a new disposer the dishwasher inlet has a knockout plug. Disconnect the hose and push the plug out with a screwdriver, then reconnect.
Clean the air gap
ReversibleIf an air gap is on the sink, unscrew its cap and clean out the debris. A clogged air gap is a frequent cause of slow draining.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Shown as
- FTD or F56.
- Parts named
- Drain hose, sump, drain pump.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Disconnect power before reaching into the tub
- !Book service if FTD returns after cleaning
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does FTD, F56 mean on a GE dishwasher?+
GE lists FTD and F56 as a failure to drain: the dishwasher could not empty its wash water.
Is FTD the same as C3?+
GE lists C3 as not draining; FTD and F56 are the failure to drain codes on other controls.
Do I need a new pump?+
Only after hose, sump and air gap are clear.
Will running the disposer help?+
Yes. Run the disposer with water before starting the dishwasher, since a full disposer can back up into the tub.