Affected model seriesGFW front-load washer service family
Quick answer
Drive motor / inverter-board failure family.
Model compatibility: GE reuses codes across series and model years, so 42 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
Drive motor / inverter-board failure family.
Signs
Symptoms you may notice
The appliance may attempt to restart several times.
The basket, drum, or driven component may not start.
The fault often returns during the stage that needs motor torque or speed feedback.
A reset may clear the display temporarily but not the underlying electronic fault.
Why it happens
Possible causes
Unstable power or an internal control fault after external wiring is verified.
A mechanically restricted basket, drum, pump, or drive system.
A damaged motor/inverter harness or connector.
A motor/pump condition that makes the inverter shut down.
A stuck or shorted user-interface input.
Before you call
Safe checks you can make
These are simple, non-hazardous checks only. If anything is unclear, stop and contact a technician.
Make sure no key or touch area is being held by an object.
Do not keep forcing repeated starts if the motor hums, stalls, overheats, or trips power.
With power disconnected, check only for an obvious item physically blocking a user-accessible moving part.
Wipe the control surface dry if moisture or residue could be affecting touch inputs.
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.
Seeing this code on your GE appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
You submit a request with your appliance model and symptom, we confirm an appointment window, and a technician performs an on-site diagnosis. You then receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed before any repair begins.
Yes. We provide an upfront estimate after diagnosis. No parts are ordered or installed until you approve the work, so there are no surprise charges.
Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
Service areas are listed on the Locations page. Contact us with your ZIP code to confirm current coverage for your address.
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