GE Hybrid Water Heater Repair
Error Codes and
Troubleshooting Tips

See how this troubleshooting guide and a list of error codes can help you diagnose a problem and repair your GE GeoSpring hybrid water heater.

Before you continue reading on how to troubleshoot a GE hybrid water heater - GeoSpring, it is important to mention that GE Appliances has discontinued this product while Bradford White "has assumed the warranty responsibility for all qualifying GeoSpring™ water heaters and is fully qualified to provide excellent support and service to GeoSpring™ customers."

Note: The information provided in this article is for your reference only.

A few words about your GE hybrid unit

A GE GeoSpring hybrid water heater is an advanced unit that heats water using the heat pump and electric heating elements.

The brain of the heater is in the control panel with the advanced electronics and diagnostic system.

This is where you control and monitor water heating operation, check the status, and where the error codes appear, followed by the sound alarm if the problem occurs.

The list of error codes is shown in the table below and can help you diagnose and repair the code/problem.

Common "issues"

One of the frequent complaints from the users is the noise or no noise.

Since the GE hybrid water heater has a few heating modes, the sound level can be different from one mode to another.

Some of the complaints include:

  • No sound (normal in some modes)
  • A sound of a running fan (normal)
  • Knocking sound
  • Rumbling sound (occurs when there is sediment build-up)
  • Popping sound (related to a relief valve and due to thermal expansion)
  • Beeping sound (a control panel sounds when the problem occurs, followed by the error code)

If your water heater is beeping and there is an error code on the screen flashing, something is wrong with the unit and needs to be fixed. To stop the beeping, press the buttons UP or DOWN (it works for most codes).

The sound should be investigated as it might lead to a bigger problem, or get a licensed professional to inspect it.

emergency plumber

As the GeoSpring hybrid water heaters have a diagnostic system built-in, homeowners and technicians can easily detect the problem using one of many error codes.

Here is the list of error codes provided by the manufacturer.

Error Code

Problem

What to check

FA T4 sensor (compressor outlet temperature sensor) didn't detect a proper temperature rise during the first half an hour of operation. T4 sensor for proper installation, wiring, and resistance. Refrigerant system for proper charge. Thermal expansion valve.
FB T4 sensor (compressor outlet temperature sensor) must be greater than the defined temperature during the first half an hour of operation. Compressor discharge temperature should be stable. T4 sensor for proper installation, wiring, and resistance. Refrigerant system for proper charge. Thermal expansion valve.
FC T3a sensor (evaporator inlet temperature) didn't detect a proper temperature rise after 30 min of operation. This results in the evaporator frosted over. T3a sensor for proper installation, wiring, and resistance. Refrigerant system for proper charge. Thermal expansion valve.
FD Superheat is too low. T3a, T3b and T5 sensors didn't detect recommended resistance. T3a, T3b and T5 sensors for proper installation, wiring, and resistance. Air filter. Refrigerant system for proper charge. Thermal expansion valve.
FE Discharge temperature is above limit. Sensor T4 didn't measure recommended resistance. T4 sensor for proper installation, wiring, and resistance. Refrigerant system for proper charge. Thermal expansion valve.
FF Electronic expansion valve out of range. Call a technician
FG T5 ambient temperature check. Technician service data
FH Compressor load test. Technician service data
FI Refrigerant leak test. Call service
FJ Concurrent load high current. Call service
FL Evaporator not defrosting. Call service
F2 T2 tank temperature sensor failure. T2 sensor reading didn't match recommended. T2 sensor for proper installation, wiring, and resistance. Power control board (PCB).
F3 Compressor failure. Current sensor does not detect any current flow. Compressor
F4 Fan failure. Evaporator wire connection is loose or broken. Fan motor. Power control board (PCB).
F5 T3a sensor (Evap inlet temperature) failure. The sensor reading didn't match recommended. T3a, T3b and T5 sensors for proper installation, wiring, and resistance. Power control board (PCB).
F6 T3b sensor (Evap outlet temperature) failure. The sensor reading didn't match recommended. T3a, T3b and T5 sensors for proper installation, wiring, and resistance. Power control board (PCB).
F7 T4 sensor (Compressor outlet) failure. T4 sensor for proper installation, wiring, and resistance. Power control board (PCB).
F8 T5 ambient temperature sensor failure. T5 sensor for proper installation, wiring, and resistance. Power control board (PCB).
F9 Lower heating element failure. The resistance should be within the recommended range. Wiring and connections of the lower heating element and power control board (PCB).
F10 Upper heating element failure. The resistance should be within the recommended range. Wiring and connections of the upper heating element and power control board (PCB).
F11 The water heater is not filled with water before it started. Fill the water heater tank with water and than press ENTER to stop the alarm and POWER when the tank is full of water.
bAd linE (F12) The voltage is too low - it is below 240 volts. Turn the power off to the unit on the breaker panel, correct the wiring issue, then turn the power back on.
F13 Stuck key fault. Call service
Dirty Filter (F14) Filter is dirty. See owner's manual for cleaning instructions.
F15 DataFlash fault. Call service
F16 Anode rod depleted. Call service, see 'Anode Rod Maintenance & Service' info in owner's manual.
F17 Empty tank or anode rod wired incorrectly. Call service
F18 Current transformer wired incorrectly. Call service
F19 Low line voltage. Technician service data
F20 Condensate drain pan port clogged. See owner's manual for cleaning instructions.
F21 Application update failure. Call service
F22 Parametric date updated failure. Call service
F23 Micro A/D failure. Call service

More info about troubleshooting a GE hybrid water heater can be found here.

Common hybrid water heater problems

Here are the common issues that can occur to all hybrid water heaters, and if you use this article, you can find more information such as causes, symptoms, and potential solutions.

  • Not enough or no hot water water
  • Water is too hot
  • Leaking or water dripping
  • Rotten egg or a sulfur smell
  • Noise
  • High operating costs
  • Discolored water
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