Step 01
Signs
• Dishwasher stops mid-cycle and displays C5 error code
• Wash arms do not rotate during the wash cycle
• Water remains standing in the bottom of the tub
• Unusual grinding or clicking sounds coming from beneath the tub
• Dishwasher will not start a new cycle
• Control panel lights may flicker or dim when error appears
Step 02
Possible Causes
• Wash motor has failed or burned out
• Motor thermal overload switch has tripped due to overheating
• Loose or corroded electrical connections to the motor
• Faulty motor capacitor preventing motor startup
• Clogged pump or debris blocking motor function
• Defective motor control board or electronic control unit
• Power supply issue specific to 120V North American electrical standards
• Spray arm obstruction causing motor to stall and fault
Step 03
Safety Checks You Can Do
• Check your home's circuit breaker panel—locate the breaker for your dishwasher and verify it has not tripped; if tripped, reset it and attempt to run a cycle
• Ensure the dishwasher door is fully closed and the latch engages completely with an audible click
• Open the dishwasher and inspect both spray arms (upper and lower) for clogs, debris, or mineral buildup; rinse them thoroughly under running water
• Check the filter basket at the bottom of the tub for food particles, broken glass, or foreign objects; remove and clean completely
• Verify that dishes are not blocking the spray arms or preventing them from rotating freely
• Review your dishwasher's control panel settings to ensure you selected the correct cycle and that no settings are preventing startup
• Perform a full reset: Turn off the circuit breaker for your dishwasher for 60 seconds, then switch it back on and attempt to run a test cycle
• Allow 5-10 minutes after a power fluctuation or outage before restarting the dishwasher to allow the control board to fully initialize
• If the C5 error persists after these checks, contact a certified GE service technician as the motor or control board likely requires professional repair or replacement