Troubleshoot the E13 error on a GE washer in 7 simple steps

Seeing an E13 error code on your GE washer usually points to a problem with a water leak into the wash tub or an issue with the air bell system. The E13 code is designed to prevent overflow conditions and overfilling.

Let’s walk through each troubleshooting step so you can clear the E13 code and get your GE washer working correctly again.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your GE washer while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The error code information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does the E13 error mean?

On GE washers, error codes that start with “E” typically signify an issue that’s detected by the electronic control board. The two digits that follow give more details on the specific problem.

The E13 code usually appears when water continues flowing into the wash tub and the pressure sensor doesn’t identify a change in pressure.

Potential causes include:

• External tub leaks
• Failure of the air bell system
• Blocked pressure switch hoses
• A defective water inlet valve
• A faulty pressure switch
• A bad control board

Read more: 5 Ways To Keep Your Clothes Washer In Great Shape

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

Read more: 10 Washing Machine Tips to Get Stains Out

How to troubleshoot the E13 error code

Clear the E13 fault code from your GE washer by following these steps.

Step 1: Check for visible water leaks

Thoroughly inspect the washer tub, door seal, and cabinet for any external water leaks. Look for the following:

• Tub leaks – Check the tub for cracks and holes that could leak water during a wash cycle. This kind of damage will most likely cause water to leak onto the floor under the washer.
• Door seal leaks – Check for gaps or tears in the gray door seal that could allow water to escape through the door opening.
• Cabinet leaks – Look for water inside the cabinet under the wash tub. This can indicate a leak between the inner and outer tubs.

Step 2: Check electrical connections

Loose electrical connections may intermittently trigger an E13 code.

Double-check that all wiring harness connectors are properly plugged in. Pay close attention to the connections on the control board, pressure switch, and inlet valve.

Reseat any loose plugs and replace any damaged wire harness sections that you find.

Step 3: Inspect the air bell system hoses

The air bell system uses a network of plastic hoses and tubing connected to the pressure switch.

• Carefully inspect the hoses for cracking, brittleness, and deterioration. Make sure they’re connected securely.
• Make sure the hose clamps are securely tightened. Tighten them if needed to prevent air leaks.
• Ensure hoses are free of kinks, bends and blockages.
• Check for water inside the tubes, which may mean there’s a leak in the air bell system.

Step 4: Inspect the air bell

The air bell is where the pressure hose connects to the washer tub. To check it for leaks:

1. Initiate a fill cycle and let the tub start filling.
2. Once the water level is a few inches high, disconnect the power supply cord and remove the bottom front access panel.
3. See if water leaks from near the pressure hose. If it does and the pressure hose isn’t damaged, then the air bell is most likely damaged and will need to be replaced.

If everything has checked out OK so far, move on to the next step.

Step 5: Check the pressure switch

The pressure switch controls power to the water inlet valve based on air pressure from the air bell system.

1. Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
2. Make sure the plastic pressure switch tubing is firmly connected to the air bell and pressure switch.
3. Check that the wiring harness is plugged securely into the pressure switch connections.
4. Set a multimeter to continuity mode and use the probes to check continuity through the pressure switch contacts. You should get continuity with increased air pressure and the meter should make a beeping sound. No continuity indicates a defective switch that would need to be replaced.

Step 6: Examine the water inlet valve

1. Check for leaks around the valve fittings and make sure the water lines are tight to prevent drips.
2. Inspect the solenoids or valve body for any damage.

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the washer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

3. Set a multimeter to VAC to test the solenoid for 120 Volts AC when the washer is set to fill with water.

Replace the valve assembly if you find any damage or if you get 120 VAC while testing but it doesn’t fill properly.

Step 7: Check the control board

If no external leaks are found, this can point to a problem with the electronic control board.

1. Enter diagnostic mode and start a test fill cycle. Refer to your user manual to find the key combination to enter diagnostic mode.
2. See if the E13 code reappears when running in diagnostic mode. This likely means there’s a control board issue.
3. Disconnect and reseat all connections on the control board, then enter diagnostic mode again to see if the E13 error persists.

If the E13 error is still showing up, replace the control board.

Read more: How does a front load washer work?

More information

Thanks for stopping by! We hope this guide helped you clear the E13 error on your GE washing machine.

If you run into any issues, just give us a call at 1-877-477-7278 or start a chat with a pro on our website so we can help you through it. We’ve got many more troubleshooting and repair guides on our DIY blog and YouTube channel, plus all the parts you need to do it yourself at AppliancePartsPros.com. 

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