GE Washer Error Code E46

GE Washer Error Code E46 — What It Means

The E46 error on GE washers commonly indicates a motor speed or motor control communication fault detected by the machine’s electronics. It appears when the control board does not receive expected signals from the motor or its tachometer, or when the motor drive circuit behaves outside expected parameters. This can be triggered by worn motor components, damaged wiring or connectors, a failed motor control board, or intermittent faults in the main PCB. When E46 occurs, users may notice the washer failing to spin or agitate properly, longer cycle times, incomplete drains, loud or unusual noises, or the machine stopping mid cycle. In some cases the motor can overheat if the problem persists, which increases the risk of damage to the machine and creates potential safety concerns such as electrical shorts or burning smells. Early diagnosis helps prevent more expensive repairs and reduces the chance of secondary damage to the tub, pump, or electronics.

Common Causes

• Faulty drive motor or worn motor brushes or bearings
• Defective motor tachometer or speed sensor
• Failed motor control board or inverter module
• Faulty main control board (PCB) or control board communication error
• Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring harness and connectors between motor and control boards
• Overloaded or severely unbalanced load causing repeated motor stall conditions
• Clogged drain or pump issues that place extra strain on the motor
• Intermittent electrical supply problems or power surges affecting electronics

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Power safety first: unplug the washer or switch off its circuit breaker before inspecting any components.
2. Reset the machine: leave the washer unplugged for 5 minutes then restore power to clear transient faults and see if E46 reappears.
3. Run diagnostics: if your GE model has a built in diagnostic mode, run it to capture error history and motor test results.
4. Check the load: remove the laundry and try a small, balanced test load to determine if the error is load related.
5. Inspect wiring and connectors: visually inspect and gently reseat connectors at the motor, motor control board, and main control board for corrosion, pin damage, or looseness.
6. Check for obstructions: verify drain hoses and pump are clear so the motor is not overloaded by a blocked drain.
7. Listen for motor noise: turn the machine on a test cycle and listen for grinding, squealing, or clicking that could indicate worn motor bearings or brushes.
8. Measure motor resistance: with the power off and unplugged, use a multimeter to check motor windings and tachometer sensor continuity against service manual values.
9. Inspect control boards: look for burn marks, swollen components, or blown capacitors on the motor control board and main PCB.
10. Swap or isolate components if possible: if you have a known-good motor control board or motor, swapping can confirm the failed component. Only attempt if you have appropriate experience.
11. Replace suspected parts: replace failed motor tachometer, motor, motor control board, or main PCB based on test results.
12. Final test: after repair or part replacement, run multiple cycles with varied loads to confirm the E46 code is resolved and performance is normal.

Maintenance / Prevention Tips

• Balance loads and avoid overloading the washer to reduce motor strain.
• Run regular maintenance cycles to flush out detergent residues and debris.
• Clean the pump filter and inspect drain hoses periodically for blockages.
• Level the washer to prevent excessive vibration that can stress motor mounts and connectors.
• Avoid slamming the lid or control panel to protect switches and electronic connections.
• Use the correct type and amount of detergent to prevent excessive suds and load imbalance.
• Keep the area around the washer dry to limit corrosion of connectors and boards.
• Inspect wiring harnesses and connectors during routine service visits for wear or corrosion.
• Replace worn belts or pulleys promptly if your model uses a belt drive.
• Do not run the washer if you smell burning or see smoke; disconnect power immediately and call a technician.
• Secure the washer during transport or movement to avoid damaging internal components.
• Schedule periodic professional maintenance if the washer is heavily used in large households.
• Keep up with firmware or service bulletin updates if your model supports controller updates through authorized service.
• Store detergent and corrosive fluids away from the machine to prevent spills that could damage electronics.
• Note any recurring symptoms and communicate them to the technician to speed diagnosis.

FAQs

Conclusion and Safety Notice

Errors involving the motor and control electronics can present safety and reliability risks. If you are confident with basic electrical troubleshooting and have the tools and the service manual for your specific model, you can perform the simple checks described above. For tests that require removing panels, measuring voltages, or replacing motors and PCBs, unplug the washer and consider hiring a certified appliance technician. Do not operate the washer if you detect burning smells, sparking, or smoke. Prompt professional diagnosis reduces risk and prevents further damage.

If you cannot find the root cause quickly or the E46 error returns after resets and basic checks, contact GE authorized service or a trusted appliance repair technician to diagnose and replace failed components safely.