E2
GE
Lower Element or Lower Thermostat Circuit Fault
GE electric water heater displays E2 and water is only lukewarm.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Open lower heating element, loose connection at lower thermostat, failed lower thermostat relay, broken wire between upper and lower sections
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Turn off power at the breaker and confirm with a meter.
Steps to resolve E2:
- Access lower compartment: Remove the lower access panel, insulation, and plastic shield.
- Inspect wiring: Check for loose or burned wires at the lower thermostat and element. Tighten connections.
- Test lower element: Disconnect one wire and measure resistance across the element. Compare to expected value (around 10–13 Ω for 4500 W). Replace if open.
- Check continuity through thermostat: With the thermostat calling for heat, verify continuity across its contacts. No continuity indicates a bad thermostat.
- Replace faulty parts: Install a new lower element or thermostat as needed, using GE-approved parts.
- Refill and purge: If an element was replaced, ensure the tank is full and air is purged before restoring power.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Lower Heating Element
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