# How to Fix GE Error E43 (Motor DC Fault)
If your GE washing machine displays the E43 error code, the machine has detected a critical issue with the main drive motor’s performance or communication. This guide will help you understand the problem and provide a systematic troubleshooting process.
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## 1. Explanation: What Does the E43 Code Mean?
The GE E43 error signifies a **Motor DC Fault** (Direct Current Fault).
In modern GE washers, the Inverter Board (sometimes called the Motor Control Board) regulates the DC power flow and speed commands sent to the main drive motor. When the motor draws improper current, fails to respond, or provides incorrect feedback, the Main Control Board triggers the E43 error.
**The most common culprit for the E43 error is the Inverter Board.**
The motor itself is less frequently the issue, but poor connections or a physically damaged motor can also trigger this code.
## 2. Step-by-Step Fix: How to Diagnose E43
Before attempting any internal diagnosis, always prioritize safety.
### Step 1: Safety and Power Cycle
1. **Unplug the Machine:** Locate the main power cord and unplug the washer completely from the wall outlet. Do not rely solely on turning the machine off.
2. **Wait:** Leave the machine unplugged for a minimum of **5 minutes**. This allows all residual electrical charge to dissipate and clears any temporary logic errors stored in the control boards.
3. **Plug Back In:** Plug the machine back in and attempt to run a short cycle (like Drain/Spin) to see if the error has cleared.
If the E43 error immediately returns or appears shortly after starting the motor, proceed to Step 2.
### Step 2: Inspect Connections and Harness
If the power cycle failed, the problem is likely physical, either a loose wire or a faulty component. You will need to access the rear or lower panel of the washing machine to view the motor and control boards.
1. **Locate the Inverter Board:** This board is typically mounted separately from the main control board, usually near the base of the machine or sometimes on the motor housing itself.
2. **Inspect Motor Wiring:** Trace the wiring harness running from the main drive motor to the Inverter Board.
* Look for visible damage, kinks, or pinched wires.
* Ensure the plastic connectors are firmly seated on both the motor and the board. Push them in gently to ensure a tight fit.
3. **Check for Water Damage/Corrosion:** If water has leaked onto the Inverter Board, it can cause shorts and failure. Look for signs of corrosion or burnt components on the board’s surface.
### Step 3: Testing Components (Motor vs. Board)
If the wiring looks secure and undamaged, the problem is an internal fault within either the motor or the Inverter Board. Since the E43 error is specifically a DC fault, the component regulating that DC power (the Inverter Board) is the prime suspect.
#### A. Inverter Board Diagnosis (Most Likely)
If you see any burn marks, smell a burnt electrical odor, or if the board looks physically damaged, **replace the Inverter Board immediately.** This component is highly susceptible to voltage spikes or overheating and is the primary source of the E43 error.
#### B. Motor Diagnosis (Less Common)
If you are comfortable using a multimeter, you can perform basic continuity checks on the motor windings.
1. **Disconnect Power:** Ensure the washer is unplugged.
2. **Access Motor Terminals:** Carefully disconnect the wiring harness from the motor.
3. **Check Winding Resistance:** Using a multimeter set to Ohms ($Omega$), test the resistance between the motor terminals. While exact resistance values vary by model, you should generally observe:
* **Continuity:** There should be a low, consistent resistance reading (typically between 1–10 Ohms) across all pairs of terminals.
* **No Short to Ground:** Place one probe on a motor terminal and the other on the metallic chassis or motor casing. If you get a reading, the motor is shorted to ground and must be replaced.
**If the motor tests fine, the Inverter Board must be replaced.** If the motor tests as shorted or open (no resistance), the motor itself must be replaced.
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## 3. Recommended Fix: Replacing the Inverter Board
In approximately 90% of E43 cases, replacing the Inverter Board resolves the issue because it is the component responsible for monitoring and regulating the DC power that failed.
Replacing the board is usually a straightforward process:
1. **Unplug the unit.**
2. **Take Pictures:** Photograph the board and all connected harnesses before removal to ensure correct reconnection.
3. **Unmount the Board:** Unscrew the faulty Inverter Board from the washer chassis.
4. **Transfer Connections:** Connect the wiring harnesses to the new board in the identical locations shown in your pictures.
5. **Mount the New Board:** Secure the new Inverter Board.
6. **Test:** Plug the washer in and run a diagnostic cycle.
Check the price for a replacement Inverter Board here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=GE+Inverter Board&tag=trivian-20