GE Dishwasher Error Code E5 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

E5 on a GE dishwasher means too much water got into the tub — or the sensor thinks it did. The dishwasher stopped to prevent flooding. Check the float switch inside the tub first — it is often just stuck.

Affected Models

GE Built-In Dishwasher
GE Profile Dishwasher
GE Stainless Steel Dishwasher
GE Top Control Dishwasher

Common Causes

The float switch is stuck in the raised position, triggering a false overflow alert
Food debris is holding the float up and preventing it from dropping down
The water inlet valve has failed and is letting water in continuously
There is actual water leaking into the base pan under the dishwasher

How to Fix It

Cancel the current cycle. Do not restart the dishwasher until you have checked the float.

Running the dishwasher while E5 is active could cause an actual overflow onto your kitchen floor.
Open the door and find the float — a small plastic cap or dome near the front corner of the tub floor. Lift it up and let it drop. It should fall freely on its own.

If it stays up, debris is holding it. Clean the area around the float base with a damp cloth.
Check the floor around and under the dishwasher for any water. Pull the bottom kick plate off and look for moisture in the base pan.

Water in the base pan means you have a real internal leak — do not run the dishwasher again until it is repaired.
If the float is free and no water is visible, reset the dishwasher by flipping the circuit breaker off for 5 minutes. Restore power and run a short cycle.

A sensor glitch or stuck float that you freed may have been the only issue.
If E5 returns, the water inlet valve is likely not shutting off correctly. Call a technician to test and replace it.

GE inlet valves cost $20 to $50 for the part. A technician can replace it in about an hour.

When to Call a Professional

If the float is free and the floor is dry but E5 keeps appearing, the inlet valve may be failing. A valve stuck open lets water in non-stop. This is a water damage risk — call a technician promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E5 dangerous?

It can be. If the inlet valve is truly stuck open, the tub will keep filling until it overflows. Do not ignore E5 — water damage to floors and cabinets is expensive to fix.

Why would a float get stuck?

Food particles, broken glass, or mineral scale can build up under the float cap. Even a small piece of debris is enough to hold it in the raised position. Cleaning the float area every few months prevents this.

My GE dishwasher shows E5 but the floor is completely dry. What now?

This is most likely a stuck float causing a false alarm. Free the float, reset the dishwasher, and run a test cycle. If it happens again, replace the float switch — it is a $10 to $20 part.