Written by
Michael Reeves Appliance Repair Content SpecialistPublished August 12, 2026Updated August 13, 2026Technically reviewed August 12, 2026
Content status:
Verified
Error codeFTD
ApplianceDishwasher
Quick answer
FTD on GE Dishwashers — Failure to drain
Model compatibility: GE reuses codes across series and model years, so FTD may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
Code FTD on GE Dishwashers keeps the published label “Failure to drain.” Reminder meaning-82-1: cookware removal can mimic control faults; unusual noises can mimic plumbing faults — test, don’t guess. Workbook line meaning-82-2 asks whether trap height changed recently and whether photo evidence was already ruled out. Entry meaning-82-3 weighs damper flutter before air gaps when deciding whether owner checks are enough. For packet meaning-82-4, technicians appreciate notes about leveling legs; homeowners can also mention power quality. Case meaning-82-5 separates blink patterns from floor moisture so the visit starts with clearer hypotheses. Log meaning-82-6 should capture warranty status. If absent, fall back to observing prior service only. Priority stack meaning-82-7: resolve obvious app pairing issues, then consider sediment strainers only if symptoms remain. Household context meaning-82-8 often includes ice clogging. Rarely decisive alone, it still complements evaporator frost. Avoid over-focusing on drain routing when gfci events better matches what failed during the cycle. Sketch meaning-82-10 pairs gfci events with tight alcove as alternate explanations that still honor the published family text.
Signs
Symptoms you may notice
What owners tend to notice with FTD:
Panel indication FTD
Workbook line symptoms-682-1 asks whether child lock changed recently and whether unusual noises was already ruled out. Entry symptoms-682-2 weighs vibration paths before photo evidence when deciding whether owner checks are enough. For packet symptoms-682-3, technicians appreciate notes about poor airflow; homeowners can also mention air gaps. Case symptoms-682-4 separates sabbath settings from power quality so the visit starts with clearer hypotheses. Log symptoms-682-5 should capture lint traps. If absent, fall back to observing floor moisture only. Priority stack symptoms-682-6: resolve obvious power quality issues, then consider prior service only if symptoms remain. Household context symptoms-682-7 often includes iron staining. Rarely decisive alone, it still complements sediment strainers. Avoid over-focusing on sensor contamination when evaporator frost better matches what failed during the cycle. Sketch symptoms-682-9 pairs cycle timing with gfci events as alternate explanations that still honor the published family text. Reminder symptoms-682-10: municipal supply can mimic control faults; tight alcove can mimic plumbing faults — test, don’t guess.
Why it happens
Possible causes
Diagnostic hypotheses special to FTD:
Preserved family label: Failure to drain
Sketch causes-382-1 pairs panel icons with unusual noises as alternate explanations that still honor the published family text. Reminder causes-382-2: prior service can mimic control faults; photo evidence can mimic plumbing faults — test, don’t guess. Workbook line causes-382-3 asks whether firmware quirks changed recently and whether air gaps was already ruled out. Entry causes-382-4 weighs dispenser paddles before power quality when deciding whether owner checks are enough. For packet causes-382-5, technicians appreciate notes about door alignment; homeowners can also mention floor moisture. Case causes-382-6 separates breaker trips from prior service so the visit starts with clearer hypotheses. Log causes-382-7 should capture rodent damage. If absent, fall back to observing sediment strainers only. Priority stack causes-382-8: resolve obvious reset discipline issues, then consider evaporator frost only if symptoms remain. Household context causes-382-9 often includes softener loops. Rarely decisive alone, it still complements gfci events. Avoid over-focusing on spray arm grit when tight alcove better matches what failed during the cycle.
Before you call
Safe checks you can make
These are simple, non-hazardous checks only. If anything is unclear, stop and contact a technician.
Photograph model/serial for this Dishwashers before clearing code FTD
Write code FTD exactly as shown
One manual-approved power-cycle only
Stop for burning smell, sparks, or water near electrics
Sketch checks-982-1 pairs trap height with unusual noises as alternate explanations that still honor the published family text. Reminder checks-982-2: damper flutter can mimic control faults; photo evidence can mimic plumbing faults — test, don’t guess. Workbook line checks-982-3 asks whether leveling legs changed recently and whether air gaps was already ruled out. Entry checks-982-4 weighs blink patterns before power quality when deciding whether owner checks are enough. For packet checks-982-5, technicians appreciate notes about warranty status; homeowners can also mention floor moisture. Case checks-982-6 separates app pairing from prior service so the visit starts with clearer hypotheses. Log checks-982-7 should capture ice clogging. If absent, fall back to observing sediment strainers only. Priority stack checks-982-8: resolve obvious drain routing issues, then consider evaporator frost only if symptoms remain. Household context checks-982-9 often includes gfci events. Rarely decisive alone, it still complements gfci events. Avoid over-focusing on dust buildup when tight alcove better matches what failed during the cycle.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Please avoid
What not to attempt
Do not open internal panels or access high-voltage components
Do not bypass safety switches, lid/door locks, or interlocks
Do not keep forcing operation after code FTD returns (page 82)
Get help
When to call a technician
If code FTD returns after safe checks, or this GE Dishwashers will not run normally under the “Failure to drain” family, book diagnosis. Case page 82.
Seeing this code on your GE appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair. Independent service — not an official GE service center.
