GE Dishwasher Not Draining? Why It Could Be Your Turbidity Sensor
Is Your GE Dishwasher Showing an FTD Error? Here's What Might Really Be Going On
Many homeowners panic when their dishwasher starts flashing “FTD” (Failure to Drain) during the wash cycle. A clogged hose? A blocked filter? Maybe. But sometimes, the issue lies deeper.
We recently completed a same-day repair in San Tan Valley for a customer experiencing just this. Despite vacuuming out the drain hose and cleaning the filters — the FTD error kept returning. That’s when they gave Phoenix Appliance Repair a call.
Here’s how we solved it:
Using our GE SmartHQ diagnostic tool, a powerful device that connects directly to modern GE dishwashers, we pulled the appliance’s stored error codes. Alongside the drain error, we found:
F63: Tub Flood Detected
F56: Failure to Drain
F52: Turbidity Sensor Calibration Failure
That last code was key. The turbidity sensor measures how dirty the water is during a cycle and helps the dishwasher decide how long to wash. If it fails, it can confuse the machine into stopping the drain cycle — thinking it's still in use.
We had the turbidity sensor in stock, replaced it on the spot, and confirmed proper function — no more error codes, and a fully operational dishwasher in under an hour.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Assume It’s a Drain Blockage
🧠 Modern dishwashers rely on a network of sensors and logic. A turbidity sensor failure might present as a drain issue, even when the physical drainage is fine. If you’ve already cleaned the filter and hose and still have issues, it’s time to get a pro involved.
What Makes Our Team Different?
✅ Smart Tools: Our GE diagnostic equipment tells us what your dishwasher can’t say out loud.
✅ Stocked Vans: Many parts like sensors are already on our trucks — so we can fix it fast.
✅ Local Expertise: Based in Gilbert, we serve San Tan, Queen Creek, Mesa, Chandler, and beyond.
✅ Friendly Techs: People (and pets!) love us.
Need help with a dishwasher that won’t drain?
Skip the guesswork. Call Phoenix Appliance Repair and get it fixed right — the first time.