How to do a hard reset on a GE dishwasher?
For a GE CDT805P2N5S1 dishwasher, a hard reset is done by removing power long enough to reboot the control, then restarting the cycle. Turn the dishwasher off at the breaker (or unplug it) for about 1 to 5 minutes, restore power, then press and hold Start (or Start/Reset) for about 3 to 5 seconds.
Hard reset steps (recommended)
- Press Cancel/Start (if your model has it) to stop the current cycle.
- Turn OFF power at the house breaker (preferred) or unplug the dishwasher.
- Wait 1 to 5 minutes.
- Turn power back ON.
- Press and hold Start (or Start/Reset) for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Select a cycle and start it; listen for the drain pump to run briefly.
If it still will not reset or start
These checks fix the most common “stuck control” and “won’t run” situations.
- Make sure the door closes firmly and latches; a weak latch can prevent a reset from completing.
- Check for a paused cycle or control lock (if enabled).
- If the unit drains but will not wash, the wash system may not be circulating water.
- If the unit will not drain after reset, the drain path or pump may be the issue.
| Symptom after reset | Most likely area to check | Related part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| No response, dead panel | Power supply, wiring, control | Dishwasher wire harness and thermal fuse WD21X27402 |
| Won’t start, door feels “loose” | Door latch/lock | GE dishwasher door latch lock WD21X10490 |
| Won’t drain or leaves water | Drain hose, drain pump | Dishwasher drain pump WD19X25461 |
Why it matters
A hard reset clears temporary control-board glitches (after a power flicker, interrupted cycle, or error condition) and forces the dishwasher to reinitialize. If the problem returns quickly, the issue is usually a door-latch signal, draining problem, or a control/wiring fault.
Helpful troubleshooting resources
- Use GE electronic dishwasher error codes to identify what the control is detecting.
- If the dishwasher has power but will not run, follow dishwasher wont start video for step-by-step checks.
Last updated: January 2026
Can a clogged drain cause an FTD error?
Yes. On the GE CDT805P2N5S1 dishwasher, an FTD (fail to drain) error commonly happens when water cannot leave the tub fast enough due to a clog in the filter area, drain hose, air gap, or the sink disposal inlet.
What to check first (fast, no-parts steps)
- Cancel the cycle and let the unit attempt to drain; listen for the drain pump running.
- Remove standing water (cup or wet/dry vac) so you can inspect the sump area.
- Clean debris from the filter and sump area (labels, glass, food, twist ties).
- Check the sink drain/disposal connection; clear the dishwasher inlet port.
- Inspect the drain hose for kinks, crushing, or a low spot that traps water.
- If you have an air gap, remove the cap and clear any blockage.
Parts that commonly relate to an FTD (fail to drain)
If the drain path is clear but the dishwasher still will not drain, the issue is usually the pump, hose, or a restriction at the outlet.
| Symptom during drain | Most likely area | Common fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hums but little or no water moves | Drain pump or blockage at pump inlet | Clear obstruction; replace pump if damaged |
| Drains slowly, then errors | Partial clog in hose/air gap/disposal | Clear restriction; reroute hose high loop |
| No drain sound at all | Electrical/control issue or pump failure | Check wiring; test/replace pump |
Helpful model-matched parts to consider:
- Dishwasher drain pump WD19X25461 (moves water out during drain)
- Dishwasher drain hose WD24X10062 (carries drain water to the sink/disposal)
Why it matters
A clogged drain keeps dirty water in the tub, can trigger repeated FTD errors, and can lead to odors and poor cleaning. Restoring proper drain flow protects the wash pump, sump, and control logic from repeated drain timeouts.
Related troubleshooting
If your display shows an error code along with draining problems, use GE electronic dishwasher error codes to match the code to the most likely drain-related checks.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the most common problems with GE dishwashers?
The most common problems we see on GE dishwashers like model CDT805P2N5S1 are not draining, not filling, poor cleaning, leaks, and not starting. Many issues trace back to airflow and water flow restrictions (clogs), door-latch problems, or a failed pump, valve, sensor, or control.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Won’t drain: clogged drain path, kinked drain hose, failed drain pump
- Won’t fill or fills slowly: closed water supply, clogged inlet screen, failed inlet valve
- Not cleaning well: blocked spray arms, low water level, sump issues, wash pump problems
- Leaks: tub gasket wear, loose hose connections, door sealing issues
- Won’t start: door not latching, control or wiring/fuse problem
Quick checks we recommend first (no parts yet)
- Cancel the cycle and restart; then listen for fill, wash, and drain sounds.
- Confirm the water shutoff valve under the sink is fully open.
- Check the sink drain or garbage disposal for a blockage that can back up the dishwasher.
- Inspect the drain hose for kinks and make sure the high loop/air gap is set up correctly.
- Clean the filter area and look for broken glass, labels, or food debris around the sump.
Parts that commonly fix these problems on CDT805P2N5S1
If the basic checks do not help, these model-matched parts are frequent solutions:
| Symptom | Common part to check/replace | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Not draining | Dishwasher drain pump WD19X25461 | Pushes water out to the drain |
| Not filling | Dishwasher water inlet valve WD15X26078 | Opens to let water into the tub |
| Poor cleaning or weak spray | Wash pump main asm WD19X25700 | Circulates wash water through spray arms |
| Won’t start or stops mid-cycle | GE dishwasher door latch lock WD21X10490 | Confirms the door is closed and safe to run |
| Odd fill behavior or level-related errors | GE dishwasher pressure sensor WD21X25468 | Helps the control manage water level/pressure |
Error codes can speed up the diagnosis
If your display shows an error code, match it to the symptom before replacing parts. Use our GE electronic dishwasher error codes reference to narrow the likely failure to the drain system, fill system, heater circuit, or controls.
Why it matters
Dishwasher problems often cascade: a small restriction in the drain hose can cause standing water, odors, and poor cleaning; a weak fill can cause the wash pump to cavitate and leave dishes dirty. Fixing the root cause protects the pump, heater, and control board.
Last updated: January 2026





