E30 error on a GE front-load washer: A troubleshooting guide (2024)

One common error message that might show up on your GE washing machine is the E30 drain code, which means there’s probably an issue with the drain pump or drain system.

Depending on what you find out during the troubleshooting process, you may need to replace the drain pump assembly. You can find a replacement by entering your model number in the search bar at AppliancePartsPros.com.

Let’s cover the steps for diagnosing and resolving the E30 error on your GE washer so it can drain correctly again.

Disclaimer: The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does the E30 code mean?

An E30 error code signifies a “drain pump not present” condition on GE front load washers. It means that you either have a water level pressure sensor that’s not communicating with the electronic control board, that you have a water overfill condition, or that it doesn’t register that the level is dropping during the drain part of the cycle.

When an E30 code shows up, the washer won’t progress through the cycles and drain water as it normally would. You need to find the source of the issue and repair it to make the error code disappear.

Here are a few causes behind an E30 error:

• Clogged drain pump or impeller
• Faulty drain pump
• The drain pump isn’t receiving power
• There’s a bad connection between the water level control and the control board or the water level control is bad
• A malfunctioning control board (rare)

How to troubleshoot the E30 error code

Step 1 – Check the pump for restrictions

In some cases, an E30 code may display if the pump is obstructed and unable to turn. Even though electrical power is present, the motor may not be able to physically rotate so it can generate voltage feedback.

To check the pump impeller and housing for jams:

1. Turn off the washer and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Remove the pump filter.
3. Try to rotate the impeller by hand. It should spin with minimal resistance. If the impeller is very loose and has no resistance at all when spinning – or if it’s completely locked up and won’t turn even after clearing debris – you need to replace the pump.
4. Reach inside the pump housing and make sure no debris like coins, hair or clothing is obstructing the impeller. Remove any debris you find.
5. Check the drain hoses for any kinks, clogs, or obstructions preventing water flow.
6. Once it’s clear, plug the washer back in and turn it on.
7. Test the pump’s operation by running a full-timed cycle.
8. Run a short test cycle to check that the washer properly fills, agitates, and drains all water before returning to normal use.

If the E30 code still shows up, it means there’s an electrical problem.

WATCH: How to replace GE Washer Drain Pump WH23X28418

Step 2 – Test the drain pump motor for resistance

To check the resistance of the drain pump motor windings:

1. Unplug the washer from its electrical outlet. This keeps the pump from running during testing.
2. Access the pump wires, which are typically located behind the lower service panel.
3. Use a multimeter set to the ohms setting to test the resistance between the two pump wires.

On GE washers, the acceptable resistance across the drain pump winding is about 10.6 ohms. Significantly higher resistance, infinite resistance, or 0 resistance all indicate a bad pump motor winding.

If the measured ohms reading is far off from 10.6, you may need to replace the drain pump assembly.

Step 3 – Test for power to the drain pump

If the drain pump motor checks out OK, you’ll need to check the power supply.

When testing live voltage, please be extra careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which could potentially cause serious injuries. Never test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Reconnect the washer to power and turn it on.
2. Enter diagnostics mode and select a spin or drain cycle. This energizes the drain pump circuit.
3. Use a multimeter set to AC volts to measure between the two pump wires. It should read about 120 VAC when the pump circuit is energized.

If you get 120 VAC at the control board pump terminals, then the power supply and wiring to the pump are good. The issue lies with the pump.

If you get 0 or low AC voltage at the pump wires, that means there’s a problem with the power supply, the control, or the wiring. You can then:

• Turn off the washer and check the pump wire harness connections at the control board and pump. Make sure to firmly reseat any loose plugs.
• Turn off the washer and check the wire harness for damage. If any sections are pinched, cut, or frayed, the harness will need to be replaced.
• Turn the washer on and use the multimeter probes to verify that there’s 120V going to the control board. If you don’t get 120V, trace the wiring back to find out if there’s a break in the supply voltage wiring from the terminal block. Then if you have power in the control board but not out of the control board, the control board is bad and would need to be replaced.

After you make any repairs or part replacements related to the E30 code and no other faults are found during testing, you can resume your normal washing routine.

How to prevent the E30 error code

• Inspect the drain pump once a year to check for any debris.
• Regularly clean the drain pump strainer and housing. Don’t let coins, buttons, or other debris enter the pump system.
• Keep drain lines securely attached and prevent hoses from sagging, which can cause water to be siphoned back to the washer.
• Only use manufacturer-recommended replacement parts.
• When installing the drain pump, make sure the wire harness connections are firmly seated.

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this article helped you get your washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our thousands of free videos and troubleshooting guides available. If you need replacement parts or some extra help, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, order parts, read our DIY blog, and more.

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