F52 GE dishwasher error code Troubleshooting guide

GE dishwashers utilize a turbidity sensor to measure soil levels and optimize cycle times. The F52 fault code indicates the sensor has failed calibration. This issue prevents the dishwasher from accurately sensing water clarity and adapting cycles. Resolving an F52 error requires troubleshooting the turbidity sensor and related components.

What does the F52 error code mean?

On GE dishwashers, F52 signifies a turbidity sensor calibration failure. Here’s what happens when this fault is active:

• The control board is unable to calibrate the light transmittance readings from the turbidity sensor to benchmark soil levels.
• Without proper calibration, the sensor cannot accurately assess the soil load of wash water.
• The dishwasher defaults to running the maximum cycle times since soil levels cannot be determined.
• F52 is displayed to alert the owner that the turbidity sensor needs repair. Cycles will continue operating but at less than optimal duration.

To clear the F52 fault and restore normal operation, you must recalibrate or replace the turbidity sensor.

What causes turbidity sensor failure?

The optical turbidity sensor is a delicate component prone to certain failure modes:

• Old age: The epoxy seal degrades over 5-10 years allowing moisture damage to electronics. Error rates increase as sensors wear out over time.
• Electrical surges: Power spikes can damage electronic controls like the turbidity sensor. The use of a surge protector prevents voltage spikes.
• Contamination: grease, food soils, and debris stuck on the sensor lens block light emitter/receiver lowering transmittance.
• Physical damage: improper repairs or filter cleaning attempts may bend/crack sensor housing altering light readings.
• Control board: failed auto-calibration or incorrect voltage/signals from the board can lead to F52 error even with normal sensor function.

Thorough troubleshooting helps identify the root cause so the dishwasher can return to sensing soil levels accurately.

Where is it located?

The turbidity sensor is mounted on the side of the dishwasher sump. It measures light transmittance through wash water to estimate soil content.

On most models, the sensor is secured to the sump with a twist-lock fitting. Some models have the sensor incorporated into the flood float switch located at the bottom of the sump.

Check your owner’s manual or a wiring diagram to identify the exact location of the turbidity sensor in your GE dishwasher. The sensor will need to be accessed to troubleshoot or replace.

Steps to troubleshoot an F52 fault

Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve an F52 failure of the turbidity sensor:

1. Verify the F52 code

Activate the built-in diagnostic mode to confirm the F52 code is present. On models with an LED display, the code will flash. Models with a digital display will show F52 directly.

This verifies the issue before moving on to inspect the turbidity sensor itself.

2. Inspect turbidity sensor

With power disconnected, check the wiring harness and connections at the turbidity sensor. Look for damage, corrosion, loose wires, or improper pin alignment. Secure any loose connections or replace damaged harness wiring.

Also check the sensor for cracks, moisture damage, or other physical defects. Twisted too forcefully during removal can damage sensor components.

3. Evaluate sensor performance

To test the function, reconnect the wiring harness and restore power. Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the sensor during a wash cycle:

• The input voltage should be around 5VDC from the control board to power the sensor LED.
• Output voltage ranges from 0.5-2VDC when water is cloudy from food soils. Clear water results in 3-5VDC as more light transmits through.

Compare your voltage measurements to these specifications. Output that is stuck at the minimum or maximum indicates a problem with the sensor.

Read article: How To Use A Multimeter To Check Appliance Parts

4. Attempt sensor calibration

The F52 code means the control board was unable to complete the auto-calibration of the turbidity sensor. Attempt to recalibrate by running a normal cycle to completion without interruption.

At the end of the first full cycle, the control will initiate a calibration sequence with reference readings to restore proper operation.

5. Replace the sensor if needed

If the sensor is damaged or fails diagnostics, replacement is required. When installing the new turbidity sensor, note the arrow indicator on the sensor body which must point vertically upward when secured into the sump channel.

Use care when handling the replacement sensor to avoid damaging the delicate internal optical components.

6. Swap the control board if required

If the turbidity sensor tests normal but the F52 error persists, the main control board is likely unable to properly interpret turbidity readings. Replacing the control board restores the dishwasher’s ability to calibrate sensor values.

7. Confirm proper operation

After replacing the sensor or control board, clear the fault code history and run a complete cycle. F52 should not reappear if the fault has been corrected. The dishwasher should once again adjust cycle times based on soil levels sensed.

With the turbidity sensor repaired, your GE dishwasher will be back to cleaning dishes efficiently. Replacement sensors come pre-calibrated from the factory. But troubleshooting may be required in rare cases of new sensor F52 errors.

Preventing turbidity sensor problems

You can minimize turbidity sensor issues by:

• Use a surge protector to avoid electrical spikes.
• Keeping sensor lens free of debris and oils during filter cleaning.
• Handling sensors carefully during repairs to avoid physical damage.
• Avoid overloading dishwashers with excess food soils which can foul the sensor.

Proper installation and care keep your GE appliance washing efficiently for years. But if you encounter an F52 failure, these troubleshooting tips will get your dishwasher sensing properly again.

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this information useful to get your dishwasher working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our thousands of free videos and troubleshooting guides available. If you need replacement parts or some extra help, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, order parts, read our DIY blog, and more.

Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!