Troubleshooting
Problem
CONTROL PANEL
The heater is beeping
and the display says F11
The heater is beeping,
the anode light is on (on
some models), and the
display says F16
The heater is beeping
and the display says
"F17"
The green mode
The heater is beeping
"bAdlinE"
The heater is beeping
and the screen displays
an error code
OTHER
Water heater makes
sounds
Unit is not making
normal sounds
Rumbling noise
Water dripping down the
outside of the heater
Relief valve producing
popping sound or drain-
ing
Hot water has a rotten
egg or sulfur smell
20
Possible Causes
The water heater has not
powering up. Powering up
the heater without water will
damage the electric heaters.
The water heater warranty
does not cover damage
or failure resulting from
operation with an empty or
partially empty tank.
The anode rod is approach-
ing end of life and it is
recommended to replace it
in order to continue to offer
protection from corrosion.
The anode rod is not con-
nected properly and the
water heater may not be
protected from corrosion.
Normal operation
effective operation.
Unit is not receiving 240VAC
as intended
Heat pump system issue,
codes "FA"-"F8"; Control
or other issue, codes "F9"-
"F23"
A fan is used to move air
through the system
The EEV valve makes click-
ing noises upon power up
If unit is using electric
resistance elements, it will
not make fan or compressor
sounds.
Water conditions in your
home caused a buildup of
scale or mineral deposits on
the heating elements
Condensate drain is clogged • Clear out any debris in the drain port on the unit.
Hot/Cold water connections
or other parts have loosened
Pressure buildup caused
by thermal expansion to a
closed system
Certain water supplies with
high sulfate content will react
with the anode rod that is
present in all water heaters
for corrosion protection of
the tank
What To do
• Fill the tank completely with water. Press ENTER to stop the
alarm and then cycle power when the tank has been filled.
• If the unit has been confirmed to be filled with water, and an F11
indicator due to certain unique environment conditions encountered
during the start up. If the unit is full of water, turn the breaker off for
about 10 minutes to allow the water temperature to stabilize, then
turn the breaker back on. If the F11 code persists, schedule GE
Appliances Service.
• Call for service or follow the instructions on how to replace the
anode rod on page 12. Ensure that the anode depletion sensing
anode rod or other GE Appliances approved anode rod is installed.
Installation of an unapproved anode rod will VOID the warranty.
• If the tank is full of water and the F17 code persists, contact
GE Appliances service.
• Press anode button to silence alarm.
• In Hybrid Mode and High Demand/Boost Mode, the Electric/
active.
48 hours as an indication that the unit is not operating in the most
• These conditions are normal and do not indicate an operating
issue.
•
may be an indication of a sealed system failure. Contact service.
• Turn off power to water heater (generally at the breaker panel).
Then read Electrical Connections section of the Installation
Instructions, see page 16. Then contact the installer to verify
electrical input to the water heater.
• The water heater may automatically switch to another available
heating mode to ensure continued availability of hot water. Contact
service immediately and give them the codes listed on the display
screen.
• To quiet the beeping, press either the UP or DOWN arrow button.
• Some amount of fan sound is normal. If you hear an abnormal
window A/C), then contact service.
• This is normal.
• Check mode of unit.
• Remove and clean the heating elements. This should only be
• Tighten the loose connections. This should only be done by a
• This is an unacceptable condition and must be corrected. See
Thermal Expansion section on page 14. Do not plug the relief valve
outlet. Contact a plumbing contractor to correct this.
• The odor can be reduced or eliminated in most water heaters
by replacing the anode rod with less-active material rod. In some
cases, an added step of chlorinating the water heater and all hot
water lines may be necessary, contact your local water professional
or plumber for options and instructions. Call 1.888.4GE.HEWH
(1.888.443.4394) to learn how to purchase this replacement anode
of a non-GE Appliances approved anode rod, or operating the water
heater without a GE Appliances approved anode rod will VOID the
warranty.
49-50300-2