# How to Fix GE Error E22 (Fill Timeout)
The E22 error code is a common, but often easily fixable, issue indicating that your GE washing machine is struggling to get water. This guide will help you quickly diagnose whether the problem is simple water restriction or a faulty internal component.
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## 1. Explanation: What “E22” Means
The E22 code signifies a **”Fill Timeout”** error.
Your GE washer has a set time limit (usually between 6 and 8 minutes) to fill the drum with the required amount of water, which is tracked by a pressure sensor. If the machine calls for water but the water level does not rise fast enough, or does not reach the required level within that time frame, the control board assumes there is a problem with the water supply or the inlet system, cancels the cycle, and displays E22.
The **Water Inlet Valve** is the most frequent cause of this failure.
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## 2. Step-by-Step Fix: Diagnosing the E22 Error
Before assuming the valve is broken, you must first check external factors that prevent proper water flow.
### Step 1: Check External Water Supply (The Quick Fix)
The most common reason for slow filling is restricted water flow from the home supply.
1. **Power Down:** Unplug the washer from the wall and turn off both the hot and cold water supply faucets behind the machine.
2. **Inspect Hoses:** Check both the hot and cold water hoses for kinks, bends, or crushing. Straighten any restricted areas.
3. **Check Faucets:** Place the ends of the supply hoses into a bucket and briefly turn on the water faucets. Ensure both hot and cold streams have strong, steady pressure. If the flow is weak, the problem is with your home plumbing, not the washer.
4. **Inspect Inlet Screens:** Disconnect the hoses completely from the back of the washer. There are small mesh screens located where the hoses attach to the machine. These are designed to catch sediment. Use pliers or tweezers to remove the screens and thoroughly rinse away any mineral deposits, rust, or debris. Reinstall the clean screens.
### Step 2: Test the Water Inlet Valve (The Culprit)
If the external supply and screens are clear, the issue is internal. The Water Inlet Valve is an electronic solenoid that uses electricity to open a path for the water. If the solenoid fails, the valve won’t open, or it will only partially open.
***(WARNING: Only proceed if you are comfortable working with electrical components. Always unplug the washer first.)***
1. **Access the Valve:** Depending on your GE model (top-load or front-load), the inlet valve is located either in the upper back console (top-load) or sometimes behind the rear access panel (front-load).
2. **Visual Inspection:** Once you locate the valve, check for any visible mineral deposits (calcium build-up) or corrosion around the valve body, which might indicate a leak or internal restriction.
3. **Electrical Testing (Optional):** If you have a multimeter, you can test the electrical solenoids on the valve.
* The typical resistance reading for a functioning solenoid is usually between 500 and 1500 ohms. A reading of zero or infinity (OL) means the solenoid is burned out and the valve is faulty.
4. **Test for Blockage:** Some valves can become clogged internally by hard water deposits, even if the screen is clear. If you confirmed that the machine is sending voltage to the valve but water is not coming through, the valve assembly is blocked and must be replaced.
### Step 3: Replace the Water Inlet Valve
Replacing the valve is necessary if you confirmed the external water supply is good and the valve is failing to draw water during a fill cycle call.
1. **Safety First:** Ensure the washer is unplugged and both home water supply faucets are off.
2. **Disconnect Components:** Label and disconnect the electrical wires leading to the valve solenoids. Use pliers to slide back the clamps holding the rubber air hose/pressure tube (if applicable) and disconnect the water outlet hoses leading into the drum.
3. **Remove Valve:** Unscrew the mounting screws that secure the valve assembly to the washer frame.
4. **Install New Valve:** Attach the new valve, reconnect the pressure tube and internal hoses, and finally, reattach the electrical connectors exactly as they were on the old valve.
5. **Test:** Restore the water supply and plug the machine back in. Run a short cycle to confirm the washer fills properly and the E22 error is resolved.
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## 3. Call to Action
Check the price for a replacement Water Inlet Valve here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=GE+Water Inlet Valve&tag=trivian-20