FL
What code FL means on a GE dishwashers, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: HIGH
GE FL means: Flood protection activated — water detected in the base pan. The documented cause is: Pump seal leak(common) — The shaft seal on the wash or drain pump is leaking, allowing water to drip into the base pan where the float switch triggers a safety shutoff.
What FL means
Flood protection activated — water detected in the base pan
The display shows FL and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.
What the technical documentation says
Causes documented in the technical source published by easybear-appliancerepair.com
| DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK |
|---|
| Pump seal leak(common) — The shaft seal on the wash or drain pump is leaking, allowing water to drip into the base pan where the float switch triggers a safety shutoff |
| Door gasket leak at bottom corner(occasional) — Water sprays past the bottom of the door gasket during wash cycles, particularly if the gasket has stiffened or been displaced |
| Tub-to-pump hose failure(rare) — The hose connecting the tub sump to the pump has developed a crack or loose clamp |
| Professional Repair |
| Estimated Cost |
| Repair Time |
Replacement parts
Tools you'll need
Before you open anything
Unplug the machine and close the water tap before removing any panel. The heating element and the wash water can stay hot long after the cycle ends.
What to check, in order
From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.
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Frequently asked questions
What does FL mean on a GE?
Flood protection activated — water detected in the base pan The documented cause is: Pump seal leak(common) — The shaft seal on the wash or drain pump is leaking, allowing water to drip into the base pan where the float switch triggers a safety shutoff. · Door gasket leak at bottom corner(occasional) — Water sprays past the bottom of the door gasket during wash cycles, particularly if the gasket has stiffened or been displaced. · Tub-to-pump hose failure(rare) — The hose connecting the tub sump to the pump has developed a crack or loose clamp. · Professional Repair · Estimated Cost · Repair Time
Can I fix FL myself?
It depends on the part involved: Pump seal leak(common) — The shaft seal on the wash or drain pump is leaking, allowing water to drip into the base pan where the float switch triggers a safety shutoff. · Door gasket leak at bottom corner(occasional) — Water sprays past the bottom of the door gasket during wash cycles, particularly if the gasket has stiffened or been displaced. · Tub-to-pump hose failure(rare) — The hose connecting the tub sump to the pump has developed a crack or loose clamp. · Professional Repair · Estimated Cost · Repair Time Clearing a filter or straightening a hose is within reach of anyone; anything behind a panel means mains electricity and water together — that is a job for a technician.
Does GE use other codes on this appliance?
Yes: we document 30 other codes for GE on this dishwashers. They are listed at the bottom of this page, each with its own meaning.
Does the same code mean the same thing on other brands?
Often not. The same two characters can point to completely different faults depending on the manufacturer — always check the page for your own brand.