What F50 / F51 Means
F50 and F51 report the water temperature sensor reading outside its valid range - high with F50, low with F51. This code belongs to GE's LCD-display dishwasher controls (the panels that spell out F-numbers), not the older C1-C8 panels. The control uses that reading to manage heated wash and dry, so it cannot run those stages correctly while the sensor is unreliable.
Common Causes of F50 / F51
- Failed temperature sensor (thermistor)
- Damaged or corroded sensor wiring
- Moisture in the sensor connector
- Control board input fault
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
One power reset is the owner-level step: switch the dishwasher's breaker off for about 30 seconds, restore power and run a short cycle. Check nothing obvious has changed on the hot supply - a water heater turned off, or a tap that now runs cold. If the code returns with normal hot water at the sink, the sensor or its wiring is the problem and needs service.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- The sensor sits in the sump assembly under the tub, beside line-voltage pump and heater connections.
- A thermistor has to be measured against a known temperature to confirm it; swapping parts blind often means buying a board as well.
- 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.