GE · Washing Machine
GE Washing Machine E008 Error Code
Heater relay error on main board
What this error means
E008 indicates the heater relay on the main control failed—internal heat models cannot warm water.
How E008 is detected
When E008 appears on a GE washing machine, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On GE GFW850SPNRS, GE GFW550SSNWW, 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 E008 calls are resolved without parts: confirm tub fills normally. 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 E008 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
- Relay welded on PCB
- Open heating element
- Water level too low during heat
- Thermal cutout tripped
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Confirm tub fills normally
- 2Avoid heat cycles until diagnosed
- 3Inspect heater terminals when powered off
- 4Power-cycle five minutes once
When to call a technician
E008 with good element and fill needs main control WH22X36456 or model PCB.
Affected models
- GE GFW850SPNRS
- GE GFW550SSNWW
- GE GFW650SSNWW
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use washing machines to prevent E008 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when E008 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your GE washing machine—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for E008; GE uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting E008; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.