# How to Fix GE Error E58 (Communication Fault)
The GE error code E58 signifies a critical failure in communication between the various control components of your washing machine. Since the machine cannot determine the status or coordinate actions, it will immediately halt operation.
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## 1. Explanation: What Error E58 Means
The E58 code is almost always related to a **Communication Fault**.
In plain English, the two main computers inside your washer—the **User Interface Board** (the keypad/display where you set cycles) and the **Main Control Board** (the machine’s central “brain”)—are unable to send and receive signals to each other.
If the basic troubleshooting steps fail, the primary culprit is often the **Main Control Board** itself, or a compromised wiring harness connecting the boards.
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## 2. Step-by-Step Fix: Diagnosing and Resetting E58
Before tearing into the machine, start with the most basic resets. Often, a temporary electrical glitch can trigger this communication error.
### Step 1: Perform a Hard Reset (The Quick Fix)
A hard reset can clear temporary errors stored in the control board’s memory.
1. **Unplug the Machine:** Locate the washer’s power cord and unplug it completely from the wall outlet.
2. **Wait 5 Minutes:** Allow the machine to sit idle. This drains any residual electrical charge from the control boards.
3. **Plug Back In:** Plug the machine back into the outlet.
4. **Test:** Try running a simple cycle (like a Rinse/Spin cycle) to see if the error is cleared.
### Step 2: Check for Voltage Spikes (Surge Reset)
Sometimes E58 is triggered by a low voltage event or a minor power surge.
1. **Unplug the Washer.**
2. **Inspect the Outlet:** If you are using a surge protector, temporarily plug the washer directly into the wall outlet to rule out the protector as the issue.
3. **Hold Down Buttons (Optional Reset):** While the machine is unplugged, press and hold the **Start/Pause** button and one of the **Cycle Options** buttons (like Temp or Soil Level) for about 30 seconds. This can sometimes force a component reset.
4. **Plug Back In and Test.**
### Step 3: Inspect the Wiring Harness (Intermediate Fix)
If the hard reset failed, the problem is likely physical. You must now access the control panels to check the connections.
> **⚠️ SAFETY WARNING:** Always unplug your washing machine before removing the top panel or touching any internal electrical components.
1. **Locate the Control Boards:** Depending on your GE model, the Main Control Board is often located in the back, while the User Interface Board is under the top console.
2. **Access the Boards:** Remove the necessary screws (usually along the back or sides of the top lid) to access the circuit boards.
3. **Check the Ribbon Cable/Wire Harness:** Look for the main wiring bundle (often a wide ribbon cable or a bundle of colored wires) that connects the Main Control Board to the User Interface Board.
* **Inspect for Damage:** Check for pinched, frayed, or chewed wires (if rodents are an issue).
* **Reseat the Connections:** Gently but firmly unplug and then re-plug the connectors on *both* ends of the cable. Ensure the connections are snug and seated correctly. A loose connection is the easiest physical fix for E58.
### Step 4: Component Failure Diagnosis (The Likely Solution)
If the wiring is secured, intact, and the machine still throws E58, one of the two main computer boards has failed and is preventing communication.
* **90% of the Time:** The **Main Control Board** (often called the PCB or CCU) is the component that fails, especially if the machine is a few years old or has experienced frequent power interruptions.
* **10% of the Time:** The **User Interface Board** (the display/keypad board) is the culprit.
Since both boards are expensive, technicians typically recommend replacing the Main Control Board first, as it manages all power regulation and data processing.
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## 3. Call to Action
If you have confirmed that the wiring harness is secure and undamaged, the most likely solution is replacing the Main Control Board. You will need your machine’s exact model number (usually found on the inside rim of the door or the back of the unit) when ordering parts.
Check the price for a replacement Main Control Board here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=GE+Main Control Board&tag=trivian-20