On the covered GE water softener, Blue indicator light flashing means GE states a steady blue light means the softener is working correctly, and a flashing light means it needs attention. GE lists the causes as interrupted power, a Present Time setting that needs checking, controls that need reprogramming after an outage, a flashing Days to Empty (add salt), or ERR in the display (an electrical problem). First, read what else is flashing alongside the light — Days to Empty and ERR mean different things.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE water softener code Blue indicator light flashing”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The blue indicator light is flashing, which means the softener needs attention
What separates it The blue light flashes rather than staying steady
How to confirm Look at what else is flashing in the display
- 2
Power was interrupted
What separates it A storm, a trip or an unplug happened
How to confirm Reset the time and reprogram the controls
- 3
The Present Time setting needs checking
What separates it The clock is wrong or blank
How to confirm Set the time of day
- 4
Days to Empty is flashing
What separates it The display counts salt days
How to confirm Add salt to the brine tank
- 5
ERR is shown with a fast-flashing blue light
What separates it The softener's self-diagnostic found an electrical fault
How to confirm Follow GE's steps for ERR
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the light is steady or flashing
- What else is flashing in the display
- Whether power was interrupted
- Whether the softener was just installed
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleRead what else is flashing alongside the light — Days to Empty and ERR mean different things.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleAdd salt if Days to Empty is flashing; reset the time and reprogram the controls after a power outage; treat ERR as the electrical fault it is.
Read the display
ReversibleNote whether Days to Empty or ERR is flashing.
Add salt if needed
ReversibleFill the brine tank if the display asks for salt.
Set the time
ReversibleReset the present time after an outage.
Reprogram the controls
ReversibleEnter the hardness and other settings as the manual states.
After a power spike
ReversibleUnplug the transformer, wait several minutes and plug it in again.
Contact GE
ReversibleIf ERR stays.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The light on this page
- Blue, flashing.
- Parts involved
- The timer, the motor, the wiring and the transformer.
- Source
- GE's water softener blue indicator light article.
- What the blue light is for
- The blue light is the softener's status indicator. Steady blue means all is well, and flashing means it wants something from you, and the display shows what. Check the display first, because the right fix depends on whether the cause is salt, time or an electrical fault.
- After a power cut
- A softener forgets the time when power is lost. If the time is wrong, it regenerates at the wrong hour, which can leave the water hard in the morning, so set the present time as soon as power returns, and reprogram the hardness if the display asks.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Treat ERR as the electrical fault it is and call GE if it stays
- !On a new installation, ask the installer to check for loose control wiring
- !After a power spike, follow GE's disconnect-and-wait step
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does Blue indicator light flashing mean on a GE water softener?+
GE states a steady blue light means the softener is working correctly, and a flashing light means it needs attention. GE lists the causes as interrupted power, a Present Time setting that needs checking, controls that need reprogramming after an outage, a flashing Days to Empty (add salt), or ERR in the display (an electrical problem).
What causes it?+
Interrupted power, a time that needs checking, controls to reprogram, Days to Empty or ERR.
Is ERR serious?+
It means an electrical problem was found.
Does the motor run after a reset?+
It may for several minutes while the unit resets.
Do I need a plumber?+
Not for a flashing light, unless ERR stays.
How often do I add salt?+
Check the brine tank monthly and keep it at least a quarter full; the Days to Empty reading helps.
Does a flashing light mean the water is hard now?+
Not necessarily; the softener keeps softening until it needs regeneration, but a missed regeneration can let hard water through.