GE Washer Error Code 27: Inverter Overheated (Front Load) or Lid Open With Water (Top Load)

What the code means

GE Appliances' Technical Service Guide 31-9327 for UltraFresh front-load washers (GFW510, GFW550, GFW650 and GFW850 models) lists fault code 27 as "IMP Overheated", with the trigger condition "Inverter over temperature (> 221°F) for 5 seconds." The inverter board is the module at the bottom left inside the cabinet that turns household power into the high DC voltage that drives the motor, so when it overheats the washer can stop tumbling or spinning and end the cycle early. GE's listed actions are to check that the drum tumbles easily, check the motor for signs of overheating, reset the inverter by unplugging the washer for 30 seconds, run a drain and spin, and replace the inverter board if the fault persists or the washer won't spin. On these models stored codes are read in Consumer Fault Code Mode: from idle with all lights off, hold Start for 10 seconds until all lights come on, then press Start to step through the codes; a blinking dash means there are no more. Code 27 is a different story on older GE GTW top-load washers: Sears PartsDirect's code chart for that series lists 27 as "Lid has been open more than 15 minutes with water in the tub." That one is usually a user condition rather than a failed part, unless it shows up with an empty tub, which points to the water level sensing.

Likely causes

• Front load: the drum is hard to turn, for example from an item caught between the drum and the tub or a dragging bearing, which makes the motor and inverter work harder
• Front load: a motor problem that overloads the inverter (GE's guide says to check the motor for signs of overheating)
• Front load: a failing inverter board, which GE says to replace if the fault keeps coming back or the washer won't spin
• Top load (GTW): the lid was opened during a cycle with water in the tub and not closed and restarted within 15 minutes
• Top load (GTW): a cycle run with the No Spin option, which leaves water dripping from wet clothes into the tub after the cycle ends
• Top load (GTW), with an empty tub: a loose, pinched or punctured water level air hose, or a faulty water level sensor on the control board

Safe DIY checks

1. First find your model number (on a tag inside the door or lid opening). GFW models are front loaders; GTW models are the older top loaders. The fixes below are split by type.
2. Front load: unplug the washer and turn the drum by hand. It should turn easily and smoothly. If it drags or scrapes, check for a sock, wire bra underwire or other item caught between the drum and the tub.
3. Front load: reset the inverter by unplugging the washer for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and run a drain and spin. On these models GE says to select Rinse+Spin and press Rinse until both the Extra and Normal lights turn off, so it drains and spins without rinsing.
4. Front load: if the washer drains and spins normally and the code doesn't come back, keep an eye on it. If 27 keeps returning or the washer won't spin, it needs service.
5. Top load (GTW): if you paused a cycle, close the lid and restart within 15 minutes to avoid the code. If water is sitting in the tub, close the lid and run a Rinse, Drain and Spin cycle to remove it.
6. Top load (GTW): if you used No Spin, follow it with a Rinse, Drain and Spin cycle so dripping water doesn't trigger the code.
7. Top load (GTW), if the tub is empty when 27 appears: unplug the washer and check the small air hose that runs from the bottom of the tub to the control board. Reconnect it if it's loose and replace it if it's pinched, punctured or damaged.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• 18 GE Washer 18
• 19 GE Washer 19
• 23 GE Washer 23
• 26 GE Washer 26
• 3 GE Washer 3

All GE codes →

Sources

1. GE Appliances Technical Service Guide 31-9327 Rev. 1, UltraFresh Front Load Washer (April 2020): fault code 27 IMP Overheated (inverter over 221°F for 5 seconds) and actions, inverter board description and diagnosing, Consumer Fault Code Mode (ApplianceAid copy)
2. Sears PartsDirect: GE GTW top-load washer error codes (27, lid open more than 15 minutes with water in the tub; air hose and control board checks)
3. AppliancePartsPros Forum: GE GFW850 front loader with codes 27, 26, 3, 38, 34 (technician confirms 27 as inverter overheating fault; inverter board was the fix)