GE · Dishwasher
GE Dishwasher C1 Error Code
Drain exceeded 2 minutes
What this error means
C1 means pump-out during drain exceeded two minutes per GE factory definition.
How C1 is detected
When C1 appears on a GE dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On GE GDT655SSJSS, GE GDF630PSMSS, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most C1 calls are resolved without parts: clean sump filter. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If C1 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Clogged filter
- Kinked drain hose
- Blocked air gap
- Disposal plug not removed
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Clean sump filter
- 2Verify high loop or air gap
- 3Run disposal
- 4Press Start/Reset after clearing
When to call a technician
C1 with clear path and humming pump needs drain pump.
Affected models
- GE GDT655SSJSS
- GE GDF630PSMSS
- GE GDT225SSLSS
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent C1 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when C1 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your GE dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for C1; GE uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting C1; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.