How to Fix GE Washer Error Code E43, Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Introduction: Why This E43 Guide Matters
Seeing ge washer error code e43 on the display is a wake up call, especially if the machine stops mid cycle or the drum hums but will not turn. In plain terms, E43 points to a motor or rotor position sensor fault or related wiring issue that prevents the washer from spinning.
This guide is for homeowners who like to fix things themselves, building managers who need fast repairs, and appliance techs who want a clear diagnostic path. If your GE washer shows E43, stalls during spin, or won’t complete cycles, this is for you.
Follow the steps here and you will be able to identify the faulty component, run simple tests on the motor and sensor, perform safe resets, estimate parts and labor, and decide when to call a professional.
What GE Washer Error Code E43 Means
E43 is a motor or control communication fault, in plain language the washer lost reliable feedback from the drive system so the machine stops to protect itself. You will see ge washer error code e43 when the controller detects inconsistent or missing speed or position data during agitation or spin.
This code commonly appears on GE top load and front load models from the last decade, especially the GTW and GFW series (examples include GTW330ASKWW, GTW460ASNWW, GFW450SSMWW).
Electronics involved are the main control board, the motor control or inverter, the motor itself, and the motor speed sensor (often a Hall effect sensor) plus the wiring harness and connectors. Common real world causes are a loose connector, failed Hall sensor, burned motor driver components, or a faulty PCB.
Common Causes of the E43 Error
The E43 code usually points to a mismatch between the motor speed the machine expects and the speed it actually senses. Here are the most common root causes, and how each one creates the error.
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Speed sensor failure. The tachometer or speed sensor can fail, give intermittent signals, or get coated with residue. The control board then sees no or erratic RPM data, which triggers ge washer error code e43.
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Wiring issues. Frayed wires, loose connectors, or corroded pins between the motor, sensor, and control board cause signal drops. You may see the error during heavy vibration or after moving the washer.
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Control board faults. A burned relay or a failed motor driver can misinterpret a perfect sensor signal as a fault. Boards that fail after power surges are a common example.
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Mechanical problems. Worn motor brushes, seized drum bearings, or a slipping belt change actual motor speed, creating the sensor mismatch that generates E43.
Quick Safety Tips Before You Start
Before you start any ge washer error code e43 troubleshooting, cut power and water. Wear work gloves and safety glasses, keep children and pets out of the area, and have towels, a bucket, pliers, screwdrivers, and a multimeter on hand. Turn off the hot and cold supply valves so a stuck hose does not flood the floor.
Unplug the washer from the wall, then flip the washer circuit off at the breaker panel. Verify power is off by pressing a control button; the display should stay dark. Use insulated tools for electrical checks and wait 60 seconds before opening panels.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Checklist
Start here, then work from simple fixes to the more technical checks. Run each step, note results, then move on only if the error persists.
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Power cycle and reset. Unplug the washer for 1 minute, plug it back in, run a spin only cycle. If the GE washer error code E43 clears, you likely had an electronic hiccup. Repeat with an empty drum to confirm.
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Load check. Remove about half the items, redistribute heavy items evenly around the drum, then run a spin. Example, move a single heavy towel away from one side. If the error disappears, the problem was imbalance.
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Level and feet. Use a bubble level across the top, then loosen or tighten the four leveling feet until the washer sits flat and does not rock when you push on a corner. A washer that tilts can trigger E43 type faults.
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Drum and spin test. Open the door, spin the drum by hand. It should rotate smoothly with only light resistance. Listen for rubbing, grinding, or a thump. Excessive wobble points to suspension rods, shocks, or a bent drum spider.
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Drain and pump check. Run a drain and spin, watch that water leaves quickly. Inspect the pump for clogs and the drain hose for kinks. Slow draining can cause unbalanced conditions and error codes.
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Visual wiring inspection. Unplug the washer, remove the back panel, inspect harnesses to the motor, control board, and door lock for loose pins, corrosion, or burn marks. Reseating connectors often fixes intermittent faults.
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Sensor and motor tests. With a multimeter, check continuity on sensor leads and motor windings; look for open circuits. With the machine powered safely and in a test spin, probe the rotor position or tachometer output to see if it produces a signal as the drum turns. No signal often means a bad sensor or motor control.
How to interpret results. Fixes in steps 1 to 3 mean a simple user adjustment. Drum wobble points to suspension or structural failure. Corroded or loose wiring requires connector repair or harness replacement. No sensor signal suggests replacing the sensor or motor assembly. Document which step cleared the error, that helps decide parts to buy.
How to Reset Your GE Washer Safely
Often a full reset clears a false ge washer error code e43, and the safest first move is a simple power cycle. Unplug the washer or flip its circuit breaker, wait 60 seconds, then restore power. Press the power button once to reboot, then run a short spin to see if the code returns.
A factory reset is deeper, it clears settings and stored error logs, and it varies by model, so check your manual before trying. Use a factory reset only after a power cycle fails, or after you repair a latch or pump. If E43 persists, stop and call a technician.
When to Replace Parts or Call a Technician
If the same error keeps coming back after you reset the machine and check hoses, it often means a failing component or an electrical fault rather than a temporary glitch. Look for these red flags, they tell you when to stop DIYing and call a pro: repeated E43 after part swaps, burning smell or scorch marks near the control board, visible wire damage, erratic power cycling, or a washer that is completely unresponsive to the control panel.
Homeowners can safely replace parts that are easy to access, concrete to test, and low voltage, for example the lid lock assembly, door latch, drain pump, and user interface keypad. Always unplug the washer before touching components.
Call a technician when you see burned connectors, when the error persists after replacing obvious parts, or when tests require live voltage or control board level diagnostics for ge washer error code e43. A pro will have the tools to trace intermittent electrical faults and avoid safety risks.
Cost and Time Estimates for Repairs
For ge washer error code e43, realistic parts prices help choose DIY or pro. Common parts include door lock assembly $30 to $90, control board $80 to $250, water inlet valve $25 to $60. DIY install time ranges from 30 minutes for a lock to two hours for a control board. Pro service plus diagnosis usually takes 1 to 3 hours, with service call and labor adding $75 to $200. DIY $40 to $200, pro $150 to $500.
Preventing E43 from Happening Again
Level the machine after installation, use a bubble level on the top, then tighten each foot until the washer does not rock. Avoid tiny or massive loads; fill about two thirds for front loaders, distribute bulky items like towels with smaller pieces so the tub stays balanced. Keep the drain and pump clear, remove visible lint from the trap every month, and check hoses for kinks or clogs. Run a maintenance cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar monthly. These steps cut the chance of ge washer error code e43 returning.
Conclusion and Final Insights
Quick recap: check for obstructions, inspect the drum sensor and wiring, power reset, run diagnostics to clear GE washer error code E43.
Checklist: unplug power, remove trapped items, tighten connectors, run test mode, replace sensor if needed.
If the error persists, call GE service or a certified appliance technician.
