On the covered GE washer, A problem has been detected with this unit means the Harmony washer's on-screen error. GE notes it can be caused by conditions the machine does not control — house voltage, water pressure or temperature changes — as well as by machine faults. First, before clearing it, press and hold MY CYCLES and BACK together for 3 seconds to display the recorded error codes and write them down; press MORE for additional entries, then EXIT.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE washer code A problem has been detected with this unit”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A condition the machine cannot control
What separates it The message follows a power dip or water pressure change
How to confirm GE says an error can be caused by house voltage, water pressure or temperature changes
- 2
A control that needs a reset
What separates it The message stops the machine, which points to a control that needs a reset
How to confirm GE says the control panel needs to be reset
- 3
A power flicker that upset the control
What separates it The message appeared after a storm or an outage and cleared after unplugging
How to confirm Unplug the washer for a minute, plug it in and see whether the message returns
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The message shown: A problem has been detected with this unit
- The recorded error codes listed after step one
- Whether it clears after off and on
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleBefore clearing it, press and hold MY CYCLES and BACK together for 3 seconds to display the recorded error codes and write them down; press MORE for additional entries, then EXIT.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleFollow GE's documented reset: remove power, plug back in, then clear setup mode by pressing START/STOP and POWER together at the 'Congratulations' screen. Arrange service if it does not clear.
Turn it off and on
ReversibleGE says the most common solution is turning the machine OFF and then ON.
Clear the error
ReversiblePress and hold MY CYCLES and BACK together for 3 seconds, write down the codes listed, press MORE for extras and then EXIT.
Remove power
ReversibleFollow the onscreen instructions to unplug the washer, then plug it back in at once.
Skip setup
ReversibleWhen the Congratulations setup screen appears do not press OK; press START/STOP and POWER together until the Home Screen appears.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- A problem has been detected with this unit.
- Parts named
- Control panel.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Write down any listed error codes before you remove power
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The reset sequence is GE's own for the Harmony washer.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does A problem has been detected with this unit mean on a GE washer?+
The Harmony washer's on-screen error. GE notes it can be caused by conditions the machine does not control — house voltage, water pressure or temperature changes — as well as by machine faults.
What does the Harmony problem message mean?+
The washer's electronics detected a problem, or an outside condition.
Should I use the washer while the message shows?+
Turn it off and on first; if the message stays, do not keep using it and note the cycle and the time.