GE Washer Error E8 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

E8 on a GE washer means the water temperature sensor, also called the NTC thermistor, is not working correctly. The washer cannot verify the water temperature and stops the cycle to avoid damage. Replacing the sensor is a common fix.

Affected Models

GE Top Load Washer
GE Front Load Washer
GE Profile Washer
GE UltraFresh Front Load Washer

Common Causes

The NTC thermistor has failed due to age or exposure to extreme temperatures
The sensor connector is loose or corroded at the control board
Mineral scale or rust has built up on the sensor, affecting its readings
A wiring fault between the thermistor and control board
The control board has a fault causing it to misread the sensor signal

How to Fix It

Unplug the washer and wait 5 minutes, then restart and try the cycle again.

A brief power reset can clear a temporary sensor reading error. If E8 does not return, no further action is needed.
Run a tub clean cycle with hot water to remove mineral deposits inside the drum.

Hard water scale can coat the thermistor and skew its readings. A descaling wash may restore accurate temperature sensing.
Check that the washer water inlet temperature is not extreme — water that is excessively hot or ice cold can push the sensor out of range.

GE washers expect inlet water between about 50°F and 120°F. Water outside this range can trigger E8 even with a good sensor.
Inspect the wiring connector at the thermistor if you are comfortable with light appliance repair.

A loose or corroded connector can cause intermittent E8 errors. Disconnect, clean with electrical contact cleaner, and reseat firmly.
If E8 persists after resets and cleaning, the thermistor needs replacing.

Call a technician or order the thermistor for your model number. This is one of the simpler washer repairs.

When to Call a Professional

The NTC thermistor is a small, low-cost part but accessing it requires disassembling part of the machine. A technician can test and replace it quickly — typical labor and parts cost under $150.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an NTC thermistor?

NTC stands for Negative Temperature Coefficient — it is a type of resistor whose electrical resistance changes with temperature. The washer's control board reads this resistance to calculate the water temperature. When the resistance reading falls outside the expected range, the board flags E8.

Can E8 affect the quality of my wash?

Yes — without temperature data, the washer cannot properly heat water for warm or hot cycles. Your clothes may not be washed at the right temperature, leaving detergent less effective. Always fix E8 before running delicate or heavily soiled loads.

How long does a thermistor replacement take?

For an experienced appliance technician, replacing a thermistor typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. The part itself is inexpensive — usually under $30. The bulk of the cost is the technician's labor for disassembly and reassembly.