Troubleshooting GE Quiet by Design

GE’s Quiet by Design series of washing machines are designed to produce less noise than conventional washers. Using the HydroWave system, the machine senses the size of the washer load as soon as you close the door and begins operation with a smart drive system. Quiet by Design washing machines are not entirely noise-free, however, and may experience some of the same issues as regular machines. Most problems can be resolved with a few troubleshooting steps.

Instructions

Spinning, Agitating or Draining Problems

1. Inspect the drain hose and make sure there are no kinks or bends in it. The washer will not spin or agitate if the water is not able to drain out of the washtub.

2. Reposition the drain hose so that it is not too far down the standpipe drain; or if the hose is draining into a laundry tub, it should be no more than 4 inches over the edge of the tub. To prevent back-siphoning, the drain hose requires an air gap between the hose and the water draining from the machine.

3. Clean the pump filter by accessing the door on the back of your GE washer. If the pump filter is clogged, the washer may not pump the water out properly, and this will prevent agitation.

4. Redistribute the load of clothing in the washing machine. Loads that are out of balance or too heavy will cause the washer to stop spinning.

Leaks

1. Inspect the door gasket for tears, which can be caused by items left in pockets, such as keys, pens and screws. Make sure the gasket is seated properly in the door. Some water may drip from the door when it is opened after the cycle is ended, but it should not leak while the machine is running.

2. Use less detergent if the water is leaking out the back left of the washer. Leaking in this area indicates that the problem is too much suds.

3. Check the hose connections. Make sure the hose is connected securely at the washer and that it is properly inserted and secured to the drain.

4. Clean out the soap dispenser. Sometimes powder detergent can cake up inside the dispenser and cause clogs. This can result in water leaking from the front of the dispenser.

Noise or Vibration

1. Push then pull on the back right then the back left side of the washing machine to make sure it is level. If all feet aren’t firmly on the floor, some vibration or shaking can occur.

2. Turn the leveling legs, which are located on all four corners at the base of the washing machine, to adjust their height until the washer is level.

3. Redistribute the load inside the machine. An unbalanced or heavy load may cause some vibration or thumping noises.

No Power

1. Check the electrical connection to the washer. Make sure the power cord is plugged firmly into the outlet and has no tears or damage.

2. Check the household breaker or fuse panel. Reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.

3. Turn both the hot and cold water faucets on fully. Without a water supply the machine will not run.

4. Hold the “START/PAUSE” button to begin the cycle. This resets the controls, which may have been set incorrectly.

5. Wait at least 20 seconds if this is the first time you’ve plugged in your washer. The GE Quiet by Design washing machine has an automatic self system check feature that first checks its systems before beginning operation.

References

• GE Appliances: Washers Owner’s Manual and Installation Instruction