GE GDT665SGNBB Error Code C6

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• Source: Official GE service manual
• Reviewed by: Geo Technical Editorial
• Published: March 1, 2026
• Updated: March 15, 2026
• DIY scope: Basic user checks are possible.

Error C6 on GE : Water temperature too low — incoming water temperature is below the minimum requ. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to diagnose and fix this dishwasher issue. ## What Error Code C6 Means on a GE GDT665SGNBB Water temperature too low — incoming water temperature is below the minimum required for effective washing ## What This Error Means Error code C6 on your GE dishwasher indicates the incoming water temperature is below the minimum required for effective washing — typically 120°F (49°C). GE dishwashers have an internal water heater that boosts temperature, but they require the incoming supply water to be at least 120°F to operate correctly. If the incoming water is too cold, the heater takes longer to reach the target temperature, and if it cannot reach the required temperature within the cycle time limit, C6 is triggered. Common causes: the household water heater is set too low (below 120°F), the hot water supply line runs a long distance and cools significantly before reaching the kitchen (running the faucet before starting the dishwasher preheats the line), or the dishwasher’s internal water heater has failed. The internal heating element should measure approximately 15–30 ohms. An OL reading indicates a burned-out element that cannot raise water temperature. ## Quick Diagnostic Summary | Detail | Value | |--------|-------| | Error Code | C6 | | Severity | Medium | | Appliance | GE GDT665SGNBB GE Dishwasher | | User-Fixable | Yes | | Applicable Models | GDT665SGNBB, GDT695SSJSS, PDT715SYNFS | ## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting | Step | Action | What To Do | Expected Result | |------|--------|------------|-----------------| | 1 | Run the kitchen faucet before starting the dishwasher | Turn on the kitchen sink hot water faucet and let it run for 30-60 seconds until the water is hot to the touch. This purges the cold water from the supply line between the water heater and the dishwasher, ensuring the first fill enters the dishwasher at the correct temperature. | Hot water is running from the kitchen faucet before starting the dishwasher. First dishwasher fill uses hot water. | | 2 | Check and adjust water heater thermostat setting | GE dishwashers require incoming water at minimum 120°F. Check your home’s water heater thermostat (typically a dial or setting on the water heater tank). The setting should be at 120°F or higher. Note: settings above 140°F create scalding risk — 120-125°F is the recommended range. | Water heater thermostat is set to 120°F or higher. Hot water at the kitchen faucet reaches 120°F within 60 seconds. | | 3 | Check internal heater if C6 persists with hot supply water | If the kitchen faucet delivers water above 120°F but C6 still appears, the internal dishwasher heating element may have failed. Turn off the dishwasher circuit breaker. Access the heating element (a visible metal loop around the bottom of the tub). Disconnect the heater wires at the bottom of the dishwasher and test resistance with a multimeter. | Heating element reads approximately 15–30 ohms (within spec). OL confirms burned-out element. | | 4 | Test heating element terminals for ground fault | With the heater wires disconnected and power off, test between each heater terminal and the dishwasher chassis ground. Should show no continuity (OL) — any continuity reading indicates a grounded element that is also losing current to the chassis and must be replaced. | No continuity between heater terminals and ground. Element is properly insulated. | | 5 | Replace heating element if failed | Order the replacement heating element for your specific GE dishwasher model. The element is accessed from underneath the dishwasher after pulling it out and removing the access panel. Disconnect wiring, loosen the element mounting nut, and replace the element with a fresh seal. Reconnect wiring, reinstall, and run a test cycle. | New heating element installed. Dishwasher reaches required wash temperature. C6 does not return during test cycle. | ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What temperature does a GE dishwasher need to wash effectively? GE dishwashers require a minimum incoming water temperature of 120°F (49°C) for the main wash cycle. The internal heater then boosts water to 130-140°F for normal washing and up to 155-160°F for sanitize cycles. Below 120°F incoming, the heater cannot reliably reach the sanitize temperature within the cycle time limit. ### C6 appears only in winter — why? In cold climates, hot water supply lines that run through unheated spaces (garages, crawl spaces, exterior walls) lose heat as the pipes cool in winter. The faucet-running trick (running hot water at the kitchen sink for 60 seconds before starting the dishwasher) is especially important in winter to preheat the supply line. ### Can I use the dishwasher with C6 for non-sanitize cycles? Some GE dishwashers allow standard wash cycles to continue at reduced performance with C6 active. However, the sanitize cycle and high-temperature wash options cannot complete their temperature requirements. For food safety, resolve C6 before relying on the sanitize function. ### What is the GE dishwasher heating element resistance specification? GE dishwasher heating elements (the circular metal tube visible on the tub floor) measure approximately 15–30 ohms at room temperature, depending on the specific model. An open-circuit (OL) reading means the element has burned out and must be replaced. A reading near zero or with continuity to the chassis ground indicates a short circuit. --- Last Updated: March 2026 · GE GE Dishwasher · Error Code C6 ### Is it safe to keep using my GE with error C6? If error C6 does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the dishwasher with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician. ### How much does it cost to fix error C6 on a GE ? Repair costs for error C6 on the GE dishwasher depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a GE-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation. ### What does error code C6 mean on a GE dishwasher? Error code C6 on GE dishwasher models indicates Water temperature too low — incoming water temperature is below the minimum required for effective w. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue. ### Is it safe to keep using my GE with error C6? If error C6 does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the dishwasher with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician. ### How much does it cost to fix error C6 on a GE ? Repair costs for error C6 on the GE dishwasher depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a GE-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation. ### What does error code C6 mean on a GE dishwasher? Error code C6 on GE dishwasher models indicates Water temperature too low — incoming water temperature is below the minimum required for effective w. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue.