GE · Washer Moderate

E42 — Drive Motor Instantaneous Overcurrent

The motor inverter detected an instantaneous overcurrent on the drive motor — the motor drew far more current than expected for a moment. Either the motor is mechanically bound, a winding is shorted, or the inverter board itself is misreading current. A stuck-locked door is a different fault (E61), not E42.

Keep using it?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
Moderate

How to fix it

  1. Unplug the washer.
  2. Spin the empty tub by hand — it should rotate freely with only mild resistance.
  3. If rough or grinding, the bearing has failed (often not economical to repair on lower-cost units).
  4. Shine a light between the basket and tub and remove any foreign object.
  5. Measure the motor windings for a short; replace the motor if shorted.
  6. If the mechanics and motor test good, replace the inverter board.

Why it happens

Typical signs: Trips during spin ramp-up or agitation · E42 displayed · Tub feels hard to turn by hand · Breaker may trip

  • Seized or worn tub bearing Drum bearing locked or extremely rough, overloading the motor.
  • Foreign object jammed between tub and basket A coin, bra wire, or sock wedged in stops rotation.
  • Shorted drive motor An internal short pulls excess current.
  • Failed inverter board The inverter's current-sense circuit misreads and trips a false overcurrent.

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.

  • GE washer drive motor Common replacement
    Amazon →
  • GE washer inverter board Common replacement
    Amazon →

More GE washer codes

dE dE — Lid Is Open E22 E22 — Fill Timeout (No Fill / Slow Fill) E23 Drain Pump Error — Will Not Drain E31 E31 — Drain Timeout E43 E43 — DC Fault, Inverter E54 E54 — No Motor Response / Lost Communication with Drive Motor

All GE codes → All washer codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the E42 code mean on a GE washer?

The motor inverter detected an instantaneous overcurrent on the drive motor — the motor drew far more current than expected for a moment. Either the motor is mechanically bound, a winding is shorted, or the inverter board itself is misreading current. A stuck-locked door is a different fault (E61), not E42.

What causes the E42 code on a GE washer?

Seized or worn tub bearing: Drum bearing locked or extremely rough, overloading the motor. Foreign object jammed between tub and basket: A coin, bra wire, or sock wedged in stops rotation. Shorted drive motor: An internal short pulls excess current.

Is it safe to keep using a GE washer with a E42 error?

Yes, with caution. This is rated a moderate-severity fault.

How do I fix E42 on a GE washer?

Unplug the washer. Spin the empty tub by hand — it should rotate freely with only mild resistance. If rough or grinding, the bearing has failed (often not economical to repair on lower-cost units).

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