GE CDT865SxJ0 Series How to use

GE Appliances
Louisville, Kentucky 40225 31-9256
Technical Service Guide
June 2016
GE Appliances
CDT835SxJ0xx
CDT865SxJ0xx
PDF820SxJ0xx
PDT825SxJ0xx
PDT845SxJ0xx
PDT846SxJ0xx
PDT855SxJ0xx
ZDT915SxJ0xx
ZDT975SxJ0xx
2016 Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher

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IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The information in this service guide is intended for use by
individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical,
electronic, and mechanical experience. Any attempt to repair a
major appliance may result in personal injury and property
damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the
interpretation of this information, nor can it assume any liability in
connection with its use.
WARNING
To avoid personal injury, disconnect power before servicing
this product. If electrical power is required for diagnosis or test
purposes, disconnect the power immediately after performing the
necessary checks.
RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING DEVICES
If grounding wires, screws, straps, clips, nuts, or washers used to
complete a path to ground are removed for service, they must be
returned to their original position and properly fastened.
GE Appliances
Technical Service Guide
Copyright © 2016
All rights reserved. This service guide may not be reproduced in whole or in part
in any form without written permission from GE Appliances.
Safety Information

– 3 – (Continued next page)
Table of Contents
Safety Information..........................................................................................................................................................................2
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................................................................3
Safety Requirements.....................................................................................................................................................................6
Nomenclature...................................................................................................................................................................................7
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................................................8
3URGXFW6SHFL¿FDWLRQV.................................................................................................................................................................8
Tools Needed.....................................................................................................................................................................................8
(OHFWULFDO6SHFL¿FDWLRQV ..............................................................................................................................................................9
Operation and Cycle Information............................................................................................................................................10
Target Temperatures...........................................................................................................................................................11
Cycle Details............................................................................................................................................................................12
Troubleshooting...............................................................................................................................................................................13
Flashing Lights.......................................................................................................................................................................13
Will Not Start...........................................................................................................................................................................13
Component Locator Views..........................................................................................................................................................14
Tub and Structure............................................................................................................................................................................19
Tub Trim.....................................................................................................................................................................................19
Toe Kick......................................................................................................................................................................................19
Junction Box and House Wiring Connection...........................................................................................................19
Level Legs.................................................................................................................................................................................20
Door Balance System.........................................................................................................................................................20
Hinges........................................................................................................................................................................................20
Door Springs and Cables...................................................................................................................................................20
Tub Gasket...............................................................................................................................................................................22
Latch System..........................................................................................................................................................................23
Latch Switch Diagnosis......................................................................................................................................................23
Upper Rack..............................................................................................................................................................................24
Lower Rack..............................................................................................................................................................................26
Third Rack (some models).................................................................................................................................................27
Door.............................................................................................................................................................................................29
Inner Door Vent Cover .......................................................................................................................................................31

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Front Control Console.........................................................................................................................................................32
Front Control UI, Light Pipe and Buttons....................................................................................................................33
Pocket Handle (Front Control Only)...............................................................................................................................33
Top Control Panel, UI, Light Pipe and Buttons.........................................................................................................33
Top Control Console Cover...............................................................................................................................................35
Outer Door Panel...................................................................................................................................................................35
Hinges........................................................................................................................................................................................35
Inner Door Panel...................................................................................................................................................................36
Door Strike................................................................................................................................................................................36
Door Gasket.............................................................................................................................................................................36
Vent Parts.................................................................................................................................................................................37
Detergent Dispenser...........................................................................................................................................................38
Floor Protect Pan...................................................................................................................................................................39
Sump Module..........................................................................................................................................................................41
Sump Gasket...........................................................................................................................................................................43
Installing Sump Module.....................................................................................................................................................43
Electronic Controls..........................................................................................................................................................................44
Consumer Error Mode.........................................................................................................................................................44
On the Main Control Board CSM....................................................................................................................................46
Service Mode...........................................................................................................................................................................47
Diagnosing Electronic Control Boards........................................................................................................................48
Main Control Diagnostics..................................................................................................................................................48
UI Diagnostics.........................................................................................................................................................................50
Inverter Control Board........................................................................................................................................................51
Inverter and Motor Diagnostics.....................................................................................................................................52
WiFi Connect.....................................................................................................................................................................................56
Tub Lighting........................................................................................................................................................................................58
Fill System...........................................................................................................................................................................................59
Water Level..............................................................................................................................................................................59
Diagnostics..............................................................................................................................................................................60
Flood Float and Switch.......................................................................................................................................................61
Air Gap.......................................................................................................................................................................................61
Water Valve Removal..........................................................................................................................................................62
(Continued next page)

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Side Fill Jet Assemblies.......................................................................................................................................................62
Circulation System..........................................................................................................................................................................63
Diagnostics..............................................................................................................................................................................64
No Circulation (CDT835J, PDT820J and PDT835J Only).......................................................................................65
Filtration....................................................................................................................................................................................66
Circulation Motor and Pump Assembly......................................................................................................................67
Pressure Diverter...................................................................................................................................................................69
Turbidity Sensor and Thermistor...................................................................................................................................72
Conduits and Spray Arms.................................................................................................................................................74
Lower Spray Arm and Conduit.......................................................................................................................................75
Main Conduit...........................................................................................................................................................................77
Middle Spray Arm..................................................................................................................................................................78
Clean Sweep Jets Middle Spray Arm Model (PDT846SSJ only)........................................................................78
Middle Conduit.......................................................................................................................................................................78
Bottle Wash System............................................................................................................................................................80
Upper Spray System............................................................................................................................................................80
Silverware Wash....................................................................................................................................................................81
Drain System.....................................................................................................................................................................................82
Diagnostics Single Speed Motor CDT835S, PDF829S and PDT825S.............................................................83
Diagnostics Variable Speed Drain Motor...................................................................................................................83
Dry System.........................................................................................................................................................................................85
Heat Element Removal.......................................................................................................................................................87
Tub TCO PDF820S, PDT825S and CDT835S...............................................................................................................87
9HQWLQJ$LUÀRZ....................................................................................................................................................................87
Power Dry Forced Air...........................................................................................................................................................88
Schematics.........................................................................................................................................................................................90
CDT835SxJ0xx, PDT825SxJ0xx and PDT835SxJ0xx..............................................................................................90
ZDT915SxJ0xx and ZDT915SxJ0xx...............................................................................................................................92
Dishwasher Warranty...................................................................................................................................................................93
Index......................................................................................................................................................................................................94

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Prior to disassembly of the dishwasher to access components, GE
Factory Service technicians are REQUIRED to follow the Lockout /
Tagout (LOTO) 6 Step Process:
Safety Requirements
GE Factory Service Employees are required to use safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves and
steel toe shoes for all repairs.
Steel Toed Work Boot Electrically Rated Glove and
Dyneema® Cut Resistant
Glove Keeper Dyneema®Cut Resistant
Glove
Plano Type Safety Glasses
Prescription Safety Glasses
Safety Glasses must be ANSI
Z87.1-2003 compliant
Brazing Glasses
Cut Resistant Sleeve(s)
Step 1
Plan and Prepare Step 4 Apply LOTO device and lock
Step 2
Shut down the appliance Step 5 Control (discharge) stored energy
Step 3
Isolate the appliance Step 6 “Try It” verify that the appliance is
locked out

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Nomenclature
The nomenclature breaks down and explains what the letters and numbers mean in the model number.
Serial Number
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designating the year repeats every 12 years.
Example: MG123456S = July, 2016
A – JAN
D – FEB
F – MAR
G – APR
H – MAY
L – JUN
M – JUL
R – AUG
S – SEP
T – OCT
V – NOV
Z – DEC
2024 – Z
2023 – V
2022 – T
2021 – S
2020 – R
2019 – M
2018 – L
2017 – H
2016 – G
2015 – F
2014 – D
2013 – A
Model and Serial Tag
Mini Manual
Brand
H - Hotpoint
G - GE
P - Profile
C - Café
Z - Monogram
L - Lowes
D - Adora
S - Sears
A - Americana
Z D T 9 7 5 S S J 0 S S
Configuration
D - Built-In
P - Portable
Feature Package
0 - 99
Engineering Digit
0 - 9
Interior Material
H - Hybrid (Plastic Tub/SS Inner Door)
P - Plastic Tub/Inner Door
S - Stainless Tub/Inner Door
Model Year
Color
WW - White
CC - Bisque
BB - Black
II - Panel Ready
SA - Silver Metallic
SS - Stainless
ES - Slate
Wash System
3 - Low
5 - Mid
6 - Mid/Bottle Wash
8 - High
9 - Monogram
Exterior Finish
G - Generic Color (Glass)
I - Panel Ready
M - Metallic
P - Pro
S - Stainless
Control Appearance
F - Front Control
T - Top Control
R - Top Control
with Recessed Handle

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Introduction
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• GE's most advanced wash system delivers 65% more cleaning power to each rack
• Single Speed or Variable Speed Circulation and Drain Motors (depending on model)
• Clean Sweep Jets, Middle Spray Arm Model (PDT846SSJ only)
• Four Port Pressure Diverter allows zonal wash
• Dedicated Silverware Wash Jets
• Side Fill Jets
• New hinge allows easier door removal
• New Third Rack (some models)
• Steam Prewash (some models) loosens tough soils before any cycle, virtually eliminating the need for
soaking or pre-rinsing dishes.
• Power Dry Fan
• Piranha hard food disposer®
• 80% Recyclability
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Approximate Shipping Weight (lb) ~ 125 pounds (depending on model)
Height w/ Legs Retracted (in.) 33 3/8"
Height w/Legs Extended (in.) 34 5/8"
Overall Width (in.) 23 3/4"
Overall Depth (in.) 24"
• 1/4” and 5/16” nut driver
• R2 Quadrex bit
• #20 and #25 Torx bits
• #2 Phillips head screw driver
• Adjustable wrench
• Allen wrench or hook tool (see Door Removal
section in this service guide)
• Two pocket type screwdrivers
• Pliers and needle nose pliers
• Volt / Ohm meter (AC, DC, and ohms) with
“Needle” Type Probes
• Optional: Clear door (Part #: WX05X20002)
Tools Needed

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DC Voltage
• Main Control: Output 5 & 13.5 VDC
• UI Control: 5 - 13.5 VDC
• Inverter: 5 VDC communications with main
control, 85 – 135 VDC normal run, Potential 185
VDC
• Variable Speed Circulation Pump: 85 – 135
VDC volts to phase windings, 185 VDC Potential,
11.68 ohms phase to phase, 1,600 – 3,500 RPM,
6-10 GPM
• Variable Speed Drain Pump: 88 ohms phase
to phase, 85 – 135 VDC volts to phase windings,
185 VDC Potential. 2,800 – 3,150 RPM
• Door Switch: 13.5 VDC
• Water Valve: 13.5 VDC, 32 ohms, .83 GPM, ~1
minute cycle time
• UI Control: 13.5 VDC
• Power Dry Fan: 12-13.5 VDC, 6,000 RPM
• Variable Speed Dry Fan: 6 VDC 6k RPM and 13.5
VDC – 10k RPM
• Detergent Cup: 13.5 VDC, 25 ohms
• Rinse Aid Sensor: 5 VDC to LED, 1 VDC feedback
when full, 4 VDC feedback @ low detect (below
20 ml)
• Flood Switch: 13.5 VDC, .42 amp
• Turbidity Sensor: 5 VDC to LED, 10K ohms
• Tub Lighting: Top 12-14 VDC, Side 19-22 VDC
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AC Voltage
• Single Speed Circulation Pump: 120 VAC, .8
amp – 3.8 LRA, 8 GPM @ 5 PSI
• Single Speed Drain Pump: 120 VAC, 27 ohms,
.65 amp, ~70 second cycle
• Main Control: Input 120 VAC, Output 120 VAC,
and Output 5 & 13.5 VDC
• Tub TCO: 120 VAC, 210°F +/- 10°F Manual Reset
(Models with hidden heater do not have a tub
TCO)
•
• Hidden Heater: 120 VAC, 14.4 ohms 7 watts, ~
8.3 amps. (Located in variable speed pump. If
bad, replace pump assembly.)
• Hidden Heater TCO's (2): First has auto reset,
200°F +/- 10°F reset at 163°F +/- 10°F. Second is
a one-shot at 349°F +/- 10°F (Located in variable
speed pump. If bad, replace pump assembly.)
Exposed Heater 120 VAC
Wet Dry
Watts 793 625 +/- 5%
Ohms 16.4 23.2 +/- 5%
Amps 6.6 5.2 +/- 5%
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(in Turbidity Sensor)
Resistance Temperature
20k 50°F
11k 75°F
5.8k 100°F
3.4k 125°F
2.1k 150°F
1.3k 175°F

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NOTE:
The above table is for exposed heater models.
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power fan is in operation during Power Dry.
Cycle Times
Times will vary depending on options selected,
incoming water temperature (120°F - 140°F is
recommended), and soil level.
This section of the guide provides details on segments of cycles, timing of cycles, temperature expectations
and cycling of the heater.
Auto Hot Start
If incoming water temperature is below 80°F, Auto Hot Start is initiated at the beginning of the cycle in an
attempt to purge the home water lines of cooler water. Auto Hot Start can add up to 10 minutes to overall
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repeating this sequence if the 80°F temperature is not met. The dishwasher can repeat this up to 3 times if
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of the cycle.
Operation and Cycle Information
4 Pass Exposed Heater Algorithm, Dry Cycle
Normal with Heated Dry
Time (minutes) Calrod Description
6 Calrod on
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14 &DOURGRȺ&RRO'RZQ
Normal with Temp Boost or Sani Selected
6 Calrod on
58 &DOURG3XOVHPLQXWHRQPLQXWHRȺ
Heated Dry Element Algorithm (Exposed Heater Models)
Rinse 15 minutes
Express 30 - 51 minutes
Light 54 - 104 minutes
eWash 62 - 212 minutes
Normal 77 - 181 minutes
Auto 111 - 201 minutes
Heavy 150 - 221 minutes
The Cycle Times table considers soil level and dry
options. Times will vary depending on turbidity
response and incoming water temperature.
The Cycle Times table does NOT consider the below
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• Selecting the Wash Temp option(s) will add
up to 24 minutes to the cycle and increase
temperatures 5°F.
• The Steam option adds a Pre-Wash segment to
increase temperature.
• The Bottle Wash option will increase the cycle
time, adding up to 23 minutes; water usage
does not change.
• The Sani option increases temperature of some
Circulations 5°F and changes Final Rinse to
Sanitizing Rinse with 153°F target.