# How to Fix GE Error E18 (Inlet Temp Too High)
The GE Washing Machine Error Code **E18** is a critical safety alert. This guide will help you understand what this code signifies and provide the steps necessary to clear the error and get your washer running safely again.
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## 1. Explanation: What “E18” Means
Error Code E18 indicates an **Inlet Temperature Too High** fault.
In plain English, the internal thermistor (temperature sensor) has detected that the water flowing into the washer is dangerously hot. This temperature usually exceeds safety limits (often around 150°F or 65°C). The machine halts the cycle to prevent scalding, damage to internal plastic components, and potential damage to your clothing.
### Primary Causes:
1. Hot and cold water hoses are reversed.
2. A faulty internal thermistor (sensor).
3. A dedicated heating element is stuck on (less common).
4. **A faulty Dryer High Limit Thermostat** (The most common fix associated with this specific GE error, especially in stacked or combo units).
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## 2. Step-by-Step Fix: Diagnosing and Replacing the Part
If the E18 code persists after checking that your hot and cold lines are correctly connected, the issue is likely a faulty temperature sensor or control component.
**⚠️ Safety First:** Always unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet and turn off the water supply before performing any inspection or repair.
### Step 1: Check Water Inlet Connections (The Quick Check)
Before inspecting internal components, verify the basics:
1. **Check Hoses:** Ensure the hose connected to the ‘H’ (Hot) intake valve on the back of the washer is connected to the hot water supply line in your home, and the ‘C’ (Cold) hose is connected to the cold supply. Reversing these lines will immediately cause an overheating error if a cold wash is selected.
2. **Check Water Source:** Run a separate faucet (like a sink) to ensure your home’s hot water heater hasn’t been accidentally set to an excessively high temperature.
### Step 2: Test the Thermistor (Temperature Sensor)
The thermistor is the component that reads the inlet temperature. If it fails, it can send an inaccurate, high-temperature reading to the control board, triggering the E18 error.
1. **Locate:** The thermistor is typically mounted near the tub or integrated into the wash heater element.
2. **Test for Resistance:** Use a multimeter set to Ohms ($Omega$). Disconnect the wires leading to the thermistor. A good thermistor should show resistance that changes based on temperature (e.g., around 10k Ohms at room temperature). If the reading is zero or infinite (O.L.), the thermistor is faulty and needs replacement.
### Step 3: Replace the Dryer High Limit Thermostat
In many GE units, particularly stacked washer/dryer combos, a failing temperature control element in the dryer section can interfere with the washing machine’s reporting, or the prescribed fix for this specific internal diagnostic is to replace this component.
**This is the most likely culprit for a persistent E18 error once the simple hose checks are complete.**
1. **Access the Dryer Section:** This usually requires removing the back panel or sometimes the top panel of the dryer portion of the unit.
2. **Locate the Thermostat:** The High Limit Thermostat is a small, usually circular component with two wires, often mounted directly on the blower wheel housing or near the heating element. It acts as a safety cutoff if the dryer overheats.
3. **Test Continuity:** Disconnect the wires and place your multimeter probes on the terminals. Set the meter to continuity (or Rx1). A functional, standard high-limit thermostat should show **continuity** (a closed circuit or a zero-Ohm reading) at room temperature.
4. **Diagnose Failure:** If the thermostat shows **Open Line (O.L.)** or infinite resistance, it is “tripped” and permanently failed, requiring replacement. If the error persists after replacing the thermistor in Step 2, replacing this high limit thermostat often resolves the E18 communication error.
5. **Replace the Part:** Install the new thermostat, ensuring the wires are securely fastened.
### Step 4: Test the Washer
After reassembling the unit and restoring the power and water supply, run a quick wash cycle on a cold setting to confirm the E18 error has been cleared.
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**Replacement Part Link**
Check the price for a replacement Dryer High Limit Thermostat here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=GE+Dryer High Limit Thermostat&tag=trivian-20
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