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GE Dishwasher SR — Stuck Relay on Main Control

GE Dishwasher · Error code SR

What SR Means

SR indicates the main control detected a relay (typically the heater or wash-motor relay) stuck closed. This is a board-level fault and a safety concern because the heater can stay energized.

Symptoms

  • SR on display
  • Excessive heat in tub
  • Cycle aborts
  • Burning plastic smell (severe cases)

Common Causes

1
Welded relay contacts on main control

Overcurrent event or end-of-life relay welded closed.

2
Shorted heating element

Shorted element drew enough current to weld the relay.

How to Fix It

  1. Stop using the dishwasher and shut off the breaker — a stuck heater relay is a fire risk.
  2. Disconnect power for 5 minutes and restore; if SR returns immediately, do not run the unit.
  3. Ohm the heating element to chassis ground; any continuity to ground means the element is shorted — replace it.
  4. Replace the main control board.
  5. If the original failure was a shorted element, replace the element and the control together — running a new board into a shorted element will re-weld the relay.

Parts You May Need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Common replacement GE dishwasher main control board View on Amazon→ Common replacement GE dishwasher heating element View on Amazon→

More GE Dishwasher Codes

1h 1h — Delay Start Active 888 888 — Display Self-Test / Demo C1 C1 Error — Slow Drain (Over 2 Minutes) C2 C2 Error — Drain Cycle Too Long (Over 7 Minutes) C4 C4 — Turbidity / Wash Pump Fault C5 C5 — Heater / Heat Fault

All GE codes → All dishwasher codes →

Verified against manufacturer documentation: geappliances.com

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.