GE PDT715SYNFS Error Code C3

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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 C3 on GE : Drain failure — dishwasher cannot drain — pump ran but water remains in the tub. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to diagnose and fix this dishwasher issue. ## What Error Code C3 Means on a GE PDT715SYNFS Drain failure — dishwasher cannot drain — pump ran but water remains in the tub ## What This Error Means Error code C3 on your GE dishwasher indicates a complete drain failure. The drain pump ran for the maximum allowed time but the dishwasher could not drain the tub. When C3 appears, standing water will be present in the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Causes range from a completely clogged drain path (blocked filter, hose, air gap, or garbage disposal) to a completely failed drain pump motor. Unlike C1 and C2, C3 indicates total drainage failure — no water moved out of the tub. Important: disconnect power at the circuit breaker before manually bailing out or servicing the dishwasher. Standing water in a dishwasher should not be touched while power is on. C3 also requires cleaning the filter and drain path before concluding the pump has failed. ## Quick Diagnostic Summary | Detail | Value | |--------|-------| | Error Code | C3 | | Severity | High | | Appliance | GE PDT715SYNFS GE Profile Dishwasher | | User-Fixable | Yes | | Applicable Models | GDT665SGNBB, GDT695SSJSS, PDT715SYNFS | ## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting | Step | Action | What To Do | Expected Result | |------|--------|------------|-----------------| | 1 | Disconnect power before servicing | Turn off the dishwasher circuit breaker before bailing out water or accessing the sump. Do not reach into standing water in an electrical appliance with power on. | Circuit breaker for the dishwasher circuit is OFF. Dishwasher is confirmed de-energized. | | 2 | Remove standing water by hand | Using a turkey baster, cup, or towels, remove as much standing water from the tub as possible. This allows access to the drain filter and sump. Remove the bottom rack first. | Tub is cleared of standing water. Bottom of the tub and filter area are accessible. | | 3 | Clean the drain filter and sump | Remove and clean both the cylindrical coarse filter and the flat fine-mesh filter (both in the tub floor). Inspect and clear the sump area beneath the filters. A completely clogged filter can cause total drainage failure — this is the most common cause of C3. | Both filters are fully cleaned. Sump area is clear of all debris and grease. | | 4 | Check the drain hose for a complete blockage | Disconnect the drain hose from the garbage disposal or sink drain connection. Hold the end of the hose in a bucket and restore power briefly (at the breaker) to run the drain pump. If water flows out of the hose, the blockage is downstream (disposal or drain pipe). If no water flows, the pump may have failed. | Water flows from the drain hose when the pump runs. Blockage confirmed downstream, not in the pump. | | 5 | Replace drain pump if pump does not operate | If no water exits the hose and you can hear the pump humming but not flowing, the pump impeller is seized or the pump motor has failed. Order the replacement drain pump for your specific GE dishwasher model. Replacement requires removing the lower spray arm, filter assembly, and sump cover to access the pump. | New drain pump installed. Drain cycle completes fully during the first test cycle. C3 does not return. | ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is it safe to open a GE dishwasher with C3 and standing water? It is safe to open the door — GE dishwashers do not lock their doors. However, do not reach into the standing water to service the dishwasher without first turning off the circuit breaker at the service panel. Water and electricity are dangerous together. ### Why does the drain pump hum but not drain on GE dishwashers? A humming drain pump that does not move water indicates the pump motor is receiving power but the impeller is mechanically blocked or seized. A foreign object (broken glass shard, seed, toothpick) lodged in the impeller is the most common cause. Access the impeller through the sump (after removing the filter and sump cover) and remove the obstruction. ### Can C3 be caused by a frozen drain line? In rare cases — such as a dishwasher installed in an unheated space or against an exterior wall in freezing temperatures — the drain line can freeze and block completely. If C3 appears only in cold weather and the dishwasher is near an exterior wall, check for frozen drain pipes. ### How long can I leave standing water in the dishwasher after C3? Standing water in a dishwasher becomes a hygiene problem within 24 hours — food particles and detergent residue in the water will begin to breed bacteria and mold. Address C3 promptly. If you cannot repair the dishwasher immediately, bail out the standing water by hand and leave the door slightly ajar to allow the tub to dry out. --- Last Updated: March 2026 · GE GE Profile Dishwasher · Error Code C3 ### Is it safe to keep using my GE with error C3? If error C3 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 C3 on a GE ? Repair costs for error C3 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 C3 mean on a GE dishwasher? Error code C3 on GE dishwasher models indicates Drain failure — dishwasher cannot drain — pump ran but water remains in the tub. 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 C3? If error C3 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 C3 on a GE ? Repair costs for error C3 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 C3 mean on a GE dishwasher? Error code C3 on GE dishwasher models indicates Drain failure — dishwasher cannot drain — pump ran but water remains in the tub. 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.