Dishwasher displays C6; dishes may not be cleaned well and water temperature may feel low.

Safety first: Turn off power at the breaker. The heater and wiring can be hot immediately after a cycle; allow time to cool.

• Check hot water supply: Run the hot water at the kitchen sink for 1–2 minutes before starting the dishwasher. Measure temperature; Café dishwashers typically require around 120°F (49°C) incoming water.
• Verify cycle selection: Ensure a cycle with heated wash and heated dry is selected. Eco or quick cycles may use lower temperatures.
• Inspect heater visually: Remove the lower rack and look at the exposed heating element (if present) at the bottom of the tub. Check for breaks, heavy scale, or burn marks.
• Access heater connections: Disconnect power, pull the dishwasher out, and remove the bottom panel. Locate the heater terminals and wiring. Ensure connectors are tight and not burned.
• Test heater resistance (advanced): With a multimeter, measure resistance across the heater terminals. Compare to Café/GE specifications (commonly in the 10–40 ohm range; refer to service data). An open circuit indicates a failed heater.
• Check thermistor: Locate the temperature sensor (often in the sump). Inspect wiring and connector. A failed sensor can misreport temperature and trigger C6.
• Corrective action: If the heater or thermistor tests bad, replace the faulty component. If both test good and water supply is hot, the control board may be at fault and professional service is advised.