Step 01
Signs
• Washer stops mid-cycle and displays E42 on the control panel
• Washer will not start or respond to button presses
• Drum does not spin or fill with water
• Control panel lights flicker or display becomes unresponsive
• Washer may beep repeatedly when E42 appears
• Previous cycle settings are not retained after power loss
Step 02
Possible Causes
• Faulty main control board or circuit board failure
• Loose or corroded electrical connections between control board and components
• Damaged wiring harness connections inside the washer
• Power supply fluctuations or voltage irregularities common in some USA home electrical systems
• Failed communication between main board and user interface board
• Water damage or moisture intrusion affecting circuit board components
• Failed relay switches on the control board
• Defective door latch sensor not communicating with main board
Step 03
Safety Checks You Can Do
• Check your home's circuit breaker panel to ensure the breaker for the washer has not tripped; reset if needed by switching fully OFF then back ON
• Perform a complete power reset by turning off the washer's circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then turning it back on to allow the control board to reinitialize
• Verify the washer door or lid is fully closed and latching properly, as a faulty latch sensor can trigger control board errors
• Check that the washer is not overloaded with clothes, as this can cause communication errors between sensors and the control board
• Ensure the drain hose is not kinked or blocked, and that water is draining properly from the tub
• Review all control panel settings and attempt to select a simple cycle like Normal Wash to see if the error clears
• Wait 5-10 minutes without power to allow any residual charge to dissipate from the control board
• Check that all external power connections to the washer outlet are secure and not loose
• If the error persists after these checks, contact a certified GE service technician in your area, as internal control board replacement typically requires professional diagnosis