What 5 / 10 Means
Codes 5 and 10 report a mode shifter failure, and share one documented meaning. These numeric codes come from the GTW-series GE top-load washer chart - the impeller and agitator top-loaders with a locking lid. They are read out of the control in a service mode, so the same number means something different on GE front-load machines. The mode shifter is what switches the drive between agitation and spin; when it fails the washer typically washes but will not spin, or the other way round.
Common Causes of 5 / 10
- Failed mode shifter actuator
- Shifter position sensor fault
- Wiring or connector fault to the shifter
- Drive assembly wear
- Control output fault
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
One power reset is reasonable: unplug the washer or switch its breaker off for a minute, then restore power and run a short cycle. Check the load is not so large it is straining the drive, and that the machine is level. That is the extent of owner work here - the shifter is inside the drive assembly and needs the machine opened.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- The shifter sits in the drive assembly under the basket, reached with the machine tipped or partly dismantled.
- The parts involved are under the top panel or in the base at line voltage, in a machine that may still hold water.
- Damage caused during a repair attempt may not be covered - check your warranty terms first.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.