Dishwasher displays C7; unit may not heat water properly or may terminate cycles early.

Safety first: Disconnect power at the breaker before removing panels or testing electrical components.

• Visual inspection: Remove the toe-kick and inspect wiring to the heater element and temperature sensor. Look for burned connectors or loose plugs. Repair or replace damaged wiring.
• Test heater element: Access the heater terminals from underneath. Use a multimeter to check for continuity. A reading of infinite resistance indicates a failed element that must be replaced.
• Test thermistor: Locate the thermistor in the sump area. Disconnect and measure resistance at room temperature. Compare to GE Café specifications (typically in the tens of kΩ). Replace if open, shorted, or out of range.
• Check control board: If both heater and thermistor are good, the main control board may have a failed heater relay. Inspect the board for burn marks and replace if necessary.
• Reset and test: After repairs, restore power and run a hot cycle to confirm proper heating and that C7 does not reappear.