Written by Daniel Reviewed by Angela

GE Dishwasher IH Code? (1H): Here’s why & what to do

GE dishwashers identify problems using error codes. Understanding these error codes can help to identify where the problem is situated as well as help to go straight to the defective part.

If your GE dishwasher is displaying the IH error code, keep reading. In this article we take a close look at the IH error code and explain what it stands for and how to fix it.

Table of Contents

What Does Error Code IH Mean On A GE Dishwasher?

There are 2 things wrong with this question which are;

IH is actually 1H
IH is actually 1H, the I is actually not a letter but the number 1.
1H isn’t an error code
If you see 1H displayed on your GE dishwasher’s display screen it isn’t indicating an error, it is notifying you that the delay timer has been set for 1 hour.

How To Clear The 1H Message

If the 1H message is displayed on your GE dishwasher, your appliance will not start for 1 hour.

Remove The Delay Timer

If you want to use your dishwasher immediately and the 1H message is displayed you can press the delay start button a few times to see if you can clear the display.

If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to wait for the hour to pass and see if it starts the dishwasher. In some cases, it might simply reset the delay function.

Energy Smart Function

If this is the case, check to see if your appliance has the energy smart mode. If it does, try turning the energy smart mode off which should remove the 1H message and allow you to use your appliance as normal.

Defective Control Board

However, if the 1H message still remains and the dishwasher will not function, it could be a control board error.

Resetting The Dishwasher

This can sometimes be fixed by pressing the start/reset button and waiting around 2 minutes for the appliance to reset. If this doesn’t work, try disconnecting the power supply for 10 to 15 minutes to allow any residual power to dissipate.

Once the power supply is reconnected, the 1H message should be cleared and you can use your dishwasher as normal. However, if the 1H message remains, or returns shortly afterwards, you will need to contact a technician to investigate the control board and probably replace it.

We recommend getting a technician to investigate and replace the control board because it is an expensive and delicate part which can easily be damaged if handled incorrectly.

What Is The Delay Start Function For?

The delay start function is used to delay the start of the wash cycle. This is handy if you have certain times of the day or night when your electricity is supplied at a cheaper rate.

You can load the dishwasher when it suits you and set it to start once the cheaper power is supplied. It is also handy to prevent your shower from having a lack of water pressure because the dishwasher is running at the same time.

You will need to consult your handbook for model specific information on the delay start or delay hours feature.

GE Dishwashers With Touchpads

person pressing a button on dishwasher control panel

Models with touchpads have a digital time display or LED light that indicates that the delay start option has been activated. The display will show;

1H to indicate the start has been delayed for 1 hour
2H to show the start has been delayed for 2 hours
And on up to 14H for a 14 hour delayed start

To set the delayed start simply touch the delay start pad once for each hour of delay you require. This time varies from model to model but is typically from 1 hour up to 14 hours.

The number of hours delayed will be displayed using the 1H, 2H, and so on as mentioned above. The control board will automatically count down and display the remaining hours until the wash cycle will start.

GE Dishwashers With Mechanical Controls

For GE dishwashers that don’t have touchpad controls, all you need to do is turn the dial to the number of hours required for the delay start. The timer will automatically advance until the delay has completed and the cycle will then commence.

Please note; Opening the dishwasher door will not cause the delay timer to abort or cancel the delay timer at all. This can be handy if you have extra dishes to add before the timer has completed.

How To Cancel The Delay Start Option

Simply opening the dishwasher door will not cancel the delay start function on your GE dishwasher. You will need to press the delay start pad until the hours of delay indicator goes off.

On most GE models, pressing the start or start/reset pad for around 3 seconds will cancel any cycle including the delay start function. However, the delay hours pad doesn’t have an off option.

You will need to scroll through the delay start hours by pressing and releasing the delay hours pad until no hours number shows on the display screen.

On models with a delay hours pad there is also the option to press and hold the start pad for 3 seconds to cancel the complete wash cycle including any delay hours that have been set.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IH indicate on a GE dishwasher?

If your GE dishwasher is displaying IH it is actually 1H which indicates that the delay start option has been activated and there is 1 hour remaining until the wash cycle will start.

How can I clear the 1H delay start on my GE dishwasher?

You can clear the 1H delay on your GE dishwasher by pressing the start/reset pad for around 3 seconds. This will cancel any cycle including the delay start function.

Why is my GE dishwasher stuck on 1H?

If your GE dishwasher is stuck on 1H it means the delay start function has been activated and the dishwasher will not start until the remaining time indicated on the display screen has passed. 1H indicates that the delay timer has 1 hour until the cycle will start. This can be cleared by pressing the start/reset pad for around 3 seconds. This will cancel any cycle including the delay start function.