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Error code reference

GE Dryer Error Codes: What They Mean and What to Do

When your GE dryer shows a code, it is pointing at the part of the cycle that failed. This page lists the 9 codes we could confirm in GE's own owner's manuals and support articles: what each one means, the checks that are safe to do yourself, and the point where a technician should take over.

Compiled by the Appliance Surgeon team from GE documentation · Last checked

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At a glance

GE dryer codes and what to do

Covers US GE and GE Profile electric and gas dryers: full-size front-load style (GFD/PFD/GFV), top-load style (GTD) and 24-inch compacts (GFD14 vented, GFT14 ventless). GE does not publish numbered fault codes for dryer owners; these models report problems through indicator lights and short display messages.

Alerts appear as panel lights (Check Vent, Check Filter) or short text in the display. GE's dryer manuals and support articles list no numbered error codes, so an unexplained number on the display (other than 1 or 2) should go to a technician.

CodeMeaningWhat to do
Check VentAirflow is restricted; vent or lint filter may be blockedCheck, then call if it returns
Check FilterReminder to clean the lint filterUsually a quick fix
Low AirAirflow has dropped; lint may be building in the ductsCheck, then call if it returns
Empty TankCondensed water tank is fullUsually a quick fix
1Electric/gas setting needs to be selectedCheck, then call if it returns
Controls LockedControl panel is locked against button pressesUsually a quick fix
00Wrinkle Care tumbling, or Steam Refresh is finishedUsually a quick fix
PauseCycle is pausedUsually a quick fix
ENDNormal: Extended Tumble is keeping clothes movingUsually a quick fix

Safety first. Switch the appliance off at its power button and unplug it or turn off the breaker before you clean a filter or check a hose. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility from outside. If there is a burning smell, smoke, sparking or water near wiring, stop using it and keep it off until it has been checked.

Code by code

What each GE dryer code means

Check VentAirflow is restricted; vent or lint filter may be blocked

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Models with a vent sensor (most current full-size GE and GE Profile dryers)

Common causes

  • Full lint filter
  • Crushed, kinked or overly long vent duct
  • Lint buildup in the duct or outside vent hood
  • Outside flap blocked by a nest, debris or snow

What you can safely check

  • Clean the lint filter, then dry a load on an automatic cycle
  • Check the duct behind the dryer is not crushed or kinked
  • Make sure the outside vent flap opens freely and is not blocked
  • If the light returns, have the full vent duct cleaned

Call a technician if: Light stays on after cleaning the filter and clearing the outside vent

Source: [1], [2], [3]

Check FilterReminder to clean the lint filter

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: Clean Lint Filter, Clean Filter

Applies to: Check Filter on PFD/GFD models; Clean Lint Filter light on GTD models; Clean Filter text on 24-inch compacts

Common causes

  • Normal reminder at the end of a cycle
  • Compact models: power button pressed before starting a cycle

What you can safely check

  • Pull out and clean the lint filter before or after every load
  • Compact models: press Start/Pause to begin a cycle and clear the message

Call a technician if: Drying times keep getting longer even with a clean filter

Source: [2], [3], [4], [5]

Low AirAirflow has dropped; lint may be building in the ducts

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: 24-inch compact vented dryer (GFD14)

Common causes

  • Clogged lint filter
  • Blocked or kinked exhaust duct or vent hood

What you can safely check

  • Clean the lint filter
  • Check the exhaust duct is not crushed and the outside vent is clear
  • Have the vent duct cleaned if the message keeps returning

Call a technician if: Message returns after the filter and outside vent are cleared

Source: [4]

Empty TankCondensed water tank is full

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: 24-inch compact ventless dryer (GFT14)

Common causes

  • Normal: the tank collects water removed from the clothes

What you can safely check

  • Empty the water tank and slide it fully back in
  • Restart the cycle; the dryer will not run until the tank is emptied

Call a technician if: Message stays on right after emptying the tank

Source: [5]

1Electric/gas setting needs to be selected

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: 2

Applies to: Some 2019 and newer models; dryer may not start or tumble while shown

Common causes

  • Control needs its electric or gas setting (called personality) chosen

What you can safely check

  • Press Start to switch the display between 1 and 2
  • Choose 1 for an electric dryer or 2 for a gas dryer

Call a technician if: Dryer still will not start or tumble, or the number keeps coming back

Source: [6]

Controls LockedControl panel is locked against button presses

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: Lock icon

Applies to: Unlock pad varies: Light pad on PFD/GFD models; Less Time + Wrinkle Care on GTD models

Common causes

  • Lock feature turned on, often by accident

What you can safely check

  • Press and hold the lock pad(s) marked on your panel for 3 seconds

Call a technician if: Panel stays unresponsive after unlocking

Source: [2], [3]

00Wrinkle Care tumbling, or Steam Refresh is finished

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Wrinkle Care option selected
  • Steam Refresh cycle complete

What you can safely check

  • Remove the clothes to stop tumbling, or let Wrinkle Care finish

Call a technician if: Not needed; this is normal operation

Source: [3]

PauseCycle is paused

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Start/Pause pressed during the cycle

What you can safely check

  • Close the door and press Start/Pause to continue

Call a technician if: Dryer will not resume with the door shut and Start pressed

Source: [2], [3]

ENDNormal: Extended Tumble is keeping clothes moving

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: 24-inch compact dryer (GFD14)

Common causes

  • Extended Tumble option selected

What you can safely check

  • Remove the clothes any time; no action needed

Call a technician if: Not needed; this is normal operation

Source: [4]

Still showing the code?

When to call a technician

If a code comes back after the safe checks, or the table says it needs a technician, the fault is usually a sensor, valve, pump, motor or control board, and diagnosing it means opening the dryer. Our technicians repair GE appliances across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland, seven days a week until 10 PM. Tell us the code when you book and we bring the parts that code usually points to.

Book GE dryer repair $75 diagnostic, credited toward the repair.

Sources

Where these meanings come from

Every code on this page was checked against GE's own documentation: owner's manuals, use and care guides, support articles or GE technical sheets. Codes we could only find on third-party sites are left out. Meanings are paraphrased; your model's manual is the final word.

  1. Dryer - Check Vent Sensor Alert (support article) — GE Appliances. products.geappliances.com
  2. Dryers Owner's Manual & Installation Instructions, pub. 49-3000415 Rev 1 (PFD95/PFD87/GFD65/GFD55/GFV55/GFD35) — GE Appliances. images.salsify.com
  3. Dryers Owner's Manual, pub. 49-3000198-1 (linked from GTD72EBPNDG support page) — GE Appliances. images.salsify.com
  4. 24" Compact Dryer Owner's Manual, pub. 49-3000440 Rev 0 (GFD14) — GE Appliances. images.salsify.com
  5. 24" Compact Ventless Dryer Owner's Manual, pub. 49-3000311 Rev 5 (GFT14) — GE Appliances. images.salsify.com
  6. Dryer - Will Not Run or Start (support article) — GE Appliances. products.geappliances.com

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