Dishwasher has a burning smell or shows signs of melted plastic inside.

Safety first: Immediately turn off power at the breaker and do not continue using the dishwasher until inspected.

• Inspect interior: Look for plastic items or utensils that may have fallen onto the heater element. Remove any melted material carefully.
• Check heater and wiring: Access the underside and inspect heater terminals and wiring for burns or melted insulation. Replace damaged wiring and the GE Café heater element if necessary.
• Inspect pumps and motors: Smell near the circulation and drain pumps for signs of overheating. Replace any component that shows burn marks or strong electrical odor.
• Test run under supervision: After repairs, run a short cycle while monitoring for any unusual smells.