GE Washer Error Code 19: Paused Too Long or Water in the Tub While Off

What the code means

GE's Technical Service Guide 31-9327 for UltraFresh front-load washers (GFW510, GFW550, GFW650, GFW850 and related models) defines fault code 19 as UI State Timeout. It's set when a cycle is paused for more than 24 hours, or when the pressure sensor reads more than 0.5 in. of water while the machine has been off for more than 24 hours. In other words, the washer either waited too long for you to come back, or it sees water sitting in the tub when there shouldn't be any. GE lists several things that can cause it: pausing the machine for more than a day, leaving sopping wet items in the basket for more than 24 hours, a water valve that leaks water into the tub while the washer is off, an out-of-balance load, starting a cycle with the No Spin option selected (so water-soaked clothes are left in the drum), and pressure-sensing problems such as water trapped in the pressure tube or a blocked pressure chamber port that make the sensor think there's water in the tub. Sears PartsDirect's GE GTW top-load error code chart gives the same condition for 19: washer paused for more than 24 hours or water in the tub while the washer is off, with the advice to restart a paused cycle within 24 hours, remove wet laundry promptly, and replace the inlet water valve if the tub fills with water even when the washer is unplugged.

Likely causes

• A cycle was paused and left for more than 24 hours
• Wet laundry left in the washer for more than a day, especially after a cycle run with the No Spin option, so water collects in the tub
• A leaking water inlet valve letting water seep into the tub while the washer is off
• An out-of-balance load that kept the washer from spinning water out
• Water trapped in the pressure tube, or a blocked pressure chamber port, making the pressure sensor read water that isn't there (front loaders)
• Less often, a faulty pressure sensor

Safe DIY checks

1. Restart the paused cycle, or cancel it and run a Drain and Spin. GE and Sears both say a cycle paused for more than 24 hours can set code 19.
2. Take wet laundry out of the washer promptly after a cycle. Don't leave sopping wet items in the drum for more than a day, and avoid the No Spin option unless you'll unload right away.
3. If the load was heavy or bunched up, redistribute it and run a Drain and Spin so the washer can actually spin the water out.
4. Check for a leaking inlet valve: with the washer empty, look inside after it has sat off for a while. Sears PartsDirect suggests unplugging the washer and seeing whether the tub still fills with water. If it does, an inlet water valve is leaking.
5. If you find a leaking valve, turn off the hot and cold water supply taps behind the washer until the inlet valve is replaced, so the tub doesn't keep filling.
6. If none of that explains it and 19 keeps coming back, the pressure tube or pressure sensor is the next thing to check, which is usually a job for a technician.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• 18 GE Washer 18
• 23 GE Washer 23
• 26 GE Washer 26
• 27 GE Washer 27
• 3 GE Washer 3

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Sources

1. GE Appliances Technical Service Guide 31-9327 Rev. 1, UltraFresh Front Load Washer (April 2020): fault code 19 UI State Timeout trigger condition and actions (ApplianceAid copy)
2. Sears PartsDirect: GE GTW top-load washer error codes (error code 19, washer paused more than 24 hours or water in the tub while off)