ApplianceErrors.com

GE Appliances Dishwasher Error Code C2

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Drain failure — total pump-out cycle exceeded ~7 minutes

💰 DIY cost: $0–$120 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$300 Save $150+ by doing it yourself
GE Appliances Dishwasher error code C2 on the display panel
How the C2 code appears on a GE Appliances dishwasher display

What Does Error Code C2 Mean on a GE Appliances Dishwasher?

Drain failure — total pump-out cycle exceeded ~7 minutes.

The dishwasher ran the drain pump past its maximum total pump-out window (about 7 minutes) without clearing the water, so the cycle stops with water still in the tub. This is a more severe escalation of a slow-drain condition.

What Causes Error Code C2?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Drain hose or air gap clogged 35% of cases
  2. 2
    Drain filter or sump blocked 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Disposal blocked / knockout plug in place 20% of cases
  4. 4
    Drain pump failed 15% of cases

How to Fix GE Appliances Dishwasher Error Code C2

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Press RESET to stop the alarm

    Press RESET to silence the beep before troubleshooting.

  2. 2

    Clear hose, air gap, and disposal

    Inspect the full drain path for blockages.

  3. 3

    Clean filter and sump

    Check the sump area at the tub bottom for debris.

  4. 4

    Test and replace drain pump

    If the path is clear, the pump is the likely failure.

    🔩 GE dishwasher drain pump ($50–$100)

How to Reset Error Code C2

Clear the blockage, press RESET, then start a Rinse cycle to confirm drainage.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If the drain path is fully clear and water still won't pump out, replace the drain pump.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$300

Related Error Codes

C1
Slow drain — pump-out during drain exceeded ~2 minutes
⚠ Medium Severity
C3
Control board failure
⚠ High Severity
C5
Drain failure — dishwasher not draining
⚠ High Severity
OE
Drain error — not draining properly
⚠ High Severity

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your GE Appliances Dishwasher:

🔩
Search PartSelect
GE Appliances Dishwasher repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More GE Appliances Dishwasher Error Codes

FL Flood switch activated — water in base tray C4 Wash motor failure — circulation pump not running PF Power failure — cycle interrupted by power outage C7 OWI sensor failure — optical water indicator fault HO Water not hot enough — incoming water temperature too low PrS Pressure sensor fault — water level sensing issue

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my GE Appliances Dishwasher when error C2 appears? +
It is not advisable. The dishwasher may still power on, but running it while C2 is active can worsen the drainage fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes C2 on a GE Appliances Dishwasher? +
Across reported GE Appliances dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is drain hose or air gap clogged (35% of cases), drain filter or sump blocked (30%), then disposal blocked / knockout plug in place (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
C2 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored C2 fault; if it returns, the drainage problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — press RESET to stop the alarm, then clear hose, air gap, and disposal — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix GE Appliances Dishwasher error C2? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$120 in parts, versus $150–$300 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $150. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

← All GE Appliances Dishwasher Error Codes ← All GE Appliances Error Codes