SmartDispense Top-Control Dishwasher Leaking or Sudsing

If you are experiencing leaking and/or sudsing on your SmartDispenseTM dishwasher with Top Controls, it may be caused by using the incorrect detergent or soap. Do not use dishwashing detergent intended for the sink. If the wrong type of detergent or soap has been used in the bulk dispenser, it will need to be purged.The purge routine operates the bulk dispenser pump continuously to drain the bulk dispenser tank when an incorrect liquid was poured in the tank. The process consists of setting up the dishwasher to run the purge mode, running the purge mode and then cleaning up the purged detergent. Follow the steps below carefully to have a successful purge run.

How to Purge Incorrect Liquid Detergent from the Bulk Dispenser - Models with Up & Down Arrows on the Display:

  1. Make sure all options are turned off, such as Pre-wash, Added Heat, Heated Dry, and Delay Start (will vary by model).
  2. Press the Heated Dry and Down Arrow buttons together for 3 seconds. All LEDs will illuminate.
  3. Press the Added Heat (or TempBoost) and Up Arrow buttons together for 3 seconds. The Anti Bacteria LED will illuminate.
  4. Press the Start button one time.
  5. Select Normal and again make sure all options are turned off.
  6. Press the Start button again; the dishwasher will run a complete cycle without the main motor running. The cycle is complete when the Clean LED illuminates.
  7. Open the door and wipe up purged detergent from the door and tub. Flush remaining detergent off by pouring water on the door and tub where there is detergent residue.
  8. Remove the SmartDispense cap and fill the tank with water; replace the cap.
  9. Repeat Steps 1 through 8.
  10. Then, repeat Steps 1 through 6. When the Clean LED illuminates, the system is purged and ready to be refilled with the correct detergent.

Note: If a gelatinous material has already formed, service may be needed. For service, please schedule an appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.

How to Purge Incorrect Liquid Detergent from the Bulk Dispenser - Models without Up & Down Arrows on the Display:

  1. Make sure all options are turned off, such as Pre-wash, Added Heat, Heated Dry, and Delay Start (will vary by model).
  2. Press and hold the Select Cycle and Heated Dry buttons together for 3 seconds. All LEDs will illuminate.
  3. Press the Select Cycle and Added Heat buttons together for 3 seconds.
  4. Press the Start button one time.
  5. Select Auto and again make sure all options are turned off.
  6. Press the Start button again; the dishwasher will run a complete cycle without the main motor running. The cycle is complete when the Clean LED illuminates.
  7. Open the door and wipe up purged detergent from the door and tub. Flush remaining detergent off by pouring water on the door and tub where there is detergent residue.
  8. Remove the SmartDispense cap and fill the tank with water; replace the cap.
  9. Repeat Steps 1 through 8.
  10. Then, repeat Steps 1 through 6. When the Clean LED illuminates, the system is purged and ready to be refilled with the correct detergent.

Note: If a gelatinous material has already formed, service may be needed. For service, please schedule an appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.

For Front Control models, see: SmartDispense Front-Control Dishwasher Leaking or Sudsing