The PrE3 error on your GE Dishwasher means the control board detected a power interruption during a wash cycle. This is usually a minor glitch rather than a serious fault, and most owners can clear it by resetting the dishwasher’s power supply.

Error code PrE3
Meaning Power interruption detected during cycle
Severity Low — usually clears with a simple reset
Time to fix 5–15 minutes
Tools needed None

What the PrE3 error means

PrE3 is a diagnostic code that GE dishwashers display when the control board registers that electrical power to the unit was cut off and then restored while a cycle was running. This can happen because of a home power blip, a tripped breaker, or the dishwasher being unplugged and plugged back in mid-cycle.

The code itself does not point to a broken part. It’s the control board’s way of telling you it lost track of where the wash cycle was when the power dropped out, so it stopped and flagged the interruption instead of continuing blindly.

Common causes

  • A brief power outage or voltage dip in the home during a wash cycle
  • A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse feeding the dishwasher
  • The dishwasher being accidentally unplugged or the door switch being triggered during power loss
  • A loose electrical connection at the wall outlet or the dishwasher’s junction box
  • A faulty or failing control board that misreads power status
  • Household electrical work or appliance surges affecting the dishwasher’s circuit

How to fix the PrE3 error

  1. Power cycle the dishwasher. Turn off the circuit breaker for the dishwasher, wait 60 seconds, then turn it back on. This often clears the code immediately.
  2. Check the breaker panel. Confirm the breaker for the dishwasher circuit hasn’t tripped and reset it if needed.
  3. Inspect the power cord and outlet. Make sure the dishwasher is firmly plugged in (if hardwired, check the junction box connections are tight) and that the outlet itself is working.
  4. Restart a cycle. Select a wash cycle and run it to confirm the dishwasher completes it without the code reappearing.
  5. Look for repeated outages. If your home experiences frequent power fluctuations, consider a surge protector or having an electrician check the circuit.
  6. Call for service if it persists. If PrE3 keeps appearing with no power interruption on your end, the control board may need to be inspected or replaced by a qualified technician.

FAQ

Does PrE3 mean my dishwasher is broken?
No. It usually just means power was briefly lost during a cycle. A reset almost always resolves it.

Will I lose my dishes’ wash cycle if PrE3 appears?
Yes, the current cycle typically stops and needs to be restarted from the beginning after the reset.

What if PrE3 keeps coming back even without a power cut?
This can point to a faulty control board or a loose wiring connection, and it’s best to have a technician check it, similar to how persistent codes on washers such as the Maytag Washer F1 Error Code: Causes and Fixes often need professional diagnosis when resets don’t help.