WH2O × GE Appliances For WH2O customers & contractors
GE Water Heater Parts & Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom or code → likely cause → part → part number. One page-flip from the call to the fix.
Atmospheric gas
GE RealMAX GG30/40/50 S & T · 08/10/12 · BXR
Power vent gas
GE RealMAX GG40/50 S & T · 08AYV
Electric
GE BAM standard · BLM electronic · BMM FlexCapacity
Start here
How to use this guide
Built for the truck: find the code or symptom, read the likely cause and fix, then grab the part number. Every part number below was checked against GE parts data. Where GE has replaced a part, you'll see the current number with “Replaces” the old one, so it matches older parts lists. WH2O can get any GE part number in this guide, on the online store or not: call (763) 557-1117.
Read the plate
Note the full model and serial number from the rating plate. Fuel, size, height and warranty decide the part.
Find the code or symptom
Section 4: status-light codes for atmospheric and power vent gas, F-codes for electric, plus a symptom table.
Match the part
The P# tag points to Section 2. Section 3 gives the exact number per model.
Order from WH2O
Blue part numbers link to the WH2O online store. WH2O can get any GE part number in this guide: call (763) 557-1117.
Read a GE model number
- GG
- Natural gas
(GP = LP) - 40
- Gallons
- T
- T = tall
S = short - 08
- Warranty years
08 / 10 / 12 - BXR
- Atmospheric vent
AYV = power vent - 01
- Revision
(on the plate)
Electric models start with GE (example GE50T08BAM): BAM = standard thermostats, BLM = electronic control, BMM = FlexCapacity electronic mixing valve. This guide covers natural gas (GG) models; LP (GP) models use different gas controls, pilots and burners: LP gas control WS21X24922 (replaces WS52X23162), LP pilots WS52X23200 (short) and WS52X23202 (long). Order LP burners by full model number.
Safety first. Gas off before working on the gas control, burner or pilot. Power off at the breaker before opening electric covers. Never plug or cap a T&P relief valve. Use GE-approved anode rods only; a non-GE anode voids the tank warranty.
Color key used in the code tables: Normal Relight / no part Check first Replace part
Section 2
Top GE water heater replacement parts
The parts most often needed on the GE RealMAX gas line and GE electric line, numbered P1–P21. Blue numbers open the product page on the WH2O store. Numbers without a link aren't on the online store yet, but WH2O can get any GE part number: call (763) 557-1117. Where GE has replaced a part, the current number is shown with “Replaces” the old number.
Atmospheric gas (BXR) parts
Gas control valve / thermostat, atmospheric, natural gas
Feeds gas to the pilot and main burner, powers the piezo igniter, regulates water temperature, and shows the LED status codes.
| WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 | All NG atmospheric models below |
GG30S08, GG30T08, GG40S08/10/12, GG40T08/10/12, GG50S08/10/12, GG50T08/10/12 BXR
Look here for: Flash 4, 5, 7
Pilot assembly, natural gas (pilot tube + igniter + thermopile)
One assembly. GE: if the thermopile, igniter, or pilot tube fails, replace the whole pilot assembly.
| WS52X23199 | SHORT: GG30S08, GG30T08, GG40T08/10/12 BXR |
| WS52X23201 | LONG: GG40S08/10/12, GG50S08/10/12, GG50T08/10/12 BXR |
Match short/long to the model. GG40S (all) uses the LONG pilot WS52X23201.
Look here for: Flash 2, OFF
Door thermistor
Monitors burner-door temperature for the gas control. About 115 kΩ at room temperature (lower when hot). Held by two T-15 screws.
| WS21X23195 | All atmospheric BXR models |
GG30, GG40, GG50 S/T 08/10/12 BXR
Look here for: Flash 9, 10
Door thermistor harness
Connects the door thermistor to the gas control. Check it whenever you get a flash 9.
| WS21X23196 | All atmospheric BXR and power vent AYV models |
GG30/40/50 BXR; GG40/50 S/T 08AYV
Look here for: Flash 9
T&P relief valve, gas models
Opens on excess temperature or pressure. If it pops or drips, check incoming water pressure and thermal expansion before replacing.
| WS06X22864 | All atmospheric BXR and power vent AYV models |
GG30/40/50 BXR; GG40/50 S/T 08AYV
Look here for: Symptom: T&P popping
Burner assembly, atmospheric, natural gas
Main burner assembly, sized per model. Comes out with two 1/4 in. screws after the harnesses, gas tubes and outer door. Door thermistor, sight glass and pilot assembly are also sold separately.
| WS50X23188 | GG30S08 |
| WS50X23223 | GG30T08 |
| WS50X23192 | GG40S08/10/12 |
| WS50X23186 | GG40T08/10/12 |
| WS50X23194 | GG50S08/10/12 |
| WS50X23190 | GG50T08/10/12 |
Burner is model-specific; order by full model number.
Look here for: Yellow flame / soot
Sight glass and burner door gasket
Sight glass lets you check the pilot and spark; the gasket seals the burner door.
| WS49X23621 Replaces WS49X22898 | Sight glass assembly |
| WS02X23641 Replaces WS02X22894 | Burner door gasket |
All atmospheric BXR models; also on power vent AYV parts lists
Look here for: Burner service
Anode rod, magnesium
Protects the tank. Remove with a 1-1/16 in. socket; replace if more than 6 in. of core wire is exposed; reinstall at 50 ± 5 lb-ft. Use GE-approved anodes only (warranty).
| WS02X22821 | 34.5 in., SHORT models: GG30S, GG40S, GG50S (BXR and AYV) |
| WS02X23198 | 46.75 in., TALL models: GG30T, GG40T, GG50T (BXR and AYV) |
Confirmed per model on GE Appliance Parts
Look here for: Rotten-egg smell
Drain valve
Tank drain for flushing sediment (rumbling noise).
| WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) | Brass, gas: all atmospheric BXR and power vent AYV models |
| WS06X21924 | Brass, electric: all BMM, BLM and BAM models |
Look here for: Rumbling / leaking drain
Power vent gas (AYV) parts
Gas control valve, power vent, 120 V, natural gas
Electronic gas control for the RealMAX power vent; flashes the power vent status codes.
| WS52X24102 | GG40S08AYV, GG40T08AYV, GG50S08AYV, GG50T08AYV |
All four NG power vent models (confirmed on GE Appliance Parts)
Look here for: PV 8-2, 8-3, 8-4
Blower assembly, power vent
Power venter blower. Before replacing, confirm the unit is plugged in with 120 V present.
| WS26X24165 | SHORT: GG40S08AYV, GG50S08AYV |
| WS26X24166 | TALL: GG40T08AYV, GG50T08AYV |
Match short/tall to the model
Look here for: PV 2, 3, 6-2
Pilot assembly, power vent, natural gas
Power vent pilot assembly.
| WS52X24109 | GG40S08AYV, GG40T08AYV, GG50T08AYV |
| WS52X24170 | GG50S08AYV |
Confirmed per model on GE Appliance Parts
Look here for: PV 1 short/1 s, 6-1, 6-3, 6-5
Blower pressure switch, power vent
Proves blower draft before ignition.
| WS21X24602 | MPL -0.60: GG40S08AYV, GG50S08AYV, GG50T08AYV |
| WS21X24601 | MPL -0.40: GG40T08AYV |
Confirmed per model on GE Appliance Parts
Look here for: PV 2, 3, 6-2
Flammable vapor (FV) sensor, power vent
Shuts the heater down if flammable vapors are detected near the burner.
| WS21X24107 | All four NG power vent models |
Confirmed per model on GE Appliance Parts
Look here for: PV 7, 8-1
Electric parts
Heating element with gasket, 240 V / 5500 W
Upper and lower elements (same part). Match wattage to the rating plate.
| WS51X23622 Replaces WS51X21918 | GE electric BAM, BLM and BMM models |
Upper and lower element on GE30S10BMM, GE40S10BMM, GE50S10BMM, GE50T12BLM and GE50T08BAM (GE Appliance Parts)
Look here for: F10, F11, F12, F13
Thermostats, standard electric (BAM)
Upper thermostat includes the high-limit (ECO) with red reset button; lower thermostat controls the lower element.
| WS21X21917 | Upper thermostat / ECO |
| WS21X21916 Replaces WS21X21921 | Lower thermostat |
GE standard-electric BAM models, including GE50T08BAM
Look here for: No heat / ECO trip
T&P relief valve, electric models
Temperature and pressure relief valve for GE electric tanks.
| WS06X21923 | All GE electric BAM, BLM and BMM models |
Look here for: Symptom: T&P popping
Control assembly, electronic electric (BMM and BLM)
Electronic control and display. BMM = FlexCapacity mixing-valve models; BLM = electronic models without the mixing valve.
| WS35X22323 | FlexCapacity: GE30S10BMM, GE40S10BMM, GE50S10BMM |
| WS35X22322 | Electronic BLM models, including GE50T12BLM |
Look here for: F19, F40, F44, F77
Tank temperature sensors T1 / T2 (BLM and BMM)
T1 = lower tank sensor, T2 = upper tank sensor. Check mounting, wiring and resistance before replacing.
| WS17X22381 | T1, lower |
| WS17X22382 | T2, upper |
GE30/40/50S10BMM and GE BLM models, including GE50T12BLM
Look here for: F30, F31, F32, F33
Mixing valve assembly and cam motor (FlexCapacity BMM)
Electronic mixing valve (EMV) that delivers FlexCapacity. If F63 is present, GE says replace the entire mixing valve assembly.
| WS07X22239 | Complete mixing valve assembly |
| WS94X22461 | Mixing valve cam motor |
GE30S10BMM, GE40S10BMM, GE50S10BMM
Look here for: F18, F63, F64
Sensing anode rod
Magnesium anode that the control monitors. F70 = anode depleted; after replacing, press and hold the anode reset 5 seconds.
| WS02X22961 Replaces WS02X22262 | 40 in.: GE40S10BMM, GE50S10BMM, GE50T12BLM |
| WS02X22962 Replaces WS02X22228 | 24 in.: GE30S10BMM |
Look here for: F41, F70
Section 3
Quick reference by model
Exact part numbers for each natural gas model in the GE lineup. Common to every model in each table: door thermistor WS21X23195, thermistor harness WS21X23196, T&P valve WS06X22864, sight glass WS49X23621, burner door gasket WS02X23641.
Atmospheric (BXR)
| Model (NG) | Gas control | Pilot | Burner | Anode | Dip tube | Drain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GG30S08BXR | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 | WS52X23199 | WS50X23188 | WS02X22821 | WS08X23421 | WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) |
| GG30T08BXR | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 | WS52X23199 | WS50X23223 | WS02X23198 | WS08X23164 | WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) |
| GG40S08/10BXR | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 | WS52X23201 | WS50X23192 | WS02X22821 | WS08X23164 | WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) |
| GG40S12BXR | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 | WS52X23201 | WS50X23192 | WS02X22821 | WS08X23164 | WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) |
| GG40T08/10BXR | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 | WS52X23199 | WS50X23186 | WS02X23198 | WS08X22781 | WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) |
| GG40T12BXR | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 | WS52X23199 | WS50X23186 | WS02X23198 | WS08X22781 | WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) |
| GG50S08/10BXR | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 | WS52X23201 | WS50X23194 | WS02X22821 | WS08X23232 | WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) |
| GG50S12BXR† | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 | WS52X23201 | WS50X23194 | WS02X22821 | WS08X23232 | WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) |
| GG50T08/10BXR | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 | WS52X23201 | WS50X23190 | WS02X23198 | WS08X23222 | WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) |
| GG50T12BXR | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 | WS52X23201 | WS50X23190 | WS02X23198 | WS08X23222 | WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) |
† GG50S12BXR is not on GE’s parts-by-model list or GE’s parts site yet; WH2O confirms it uses the GG50S08BXR parts shown.
Power vent (AYV)
| Model (NG) | Gas control | Pilot | Blower | Pressure sw. | FV sensor | Burner | Anode | Dip tube |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GG40S08AYV | WS52X24102 | WS52X24109 | WS26X24165 | WS21X24602 | WS21X24107 | WS50X24361 | WS02X22821 | WS08X23164 |
| GG50S08AYV | WS52X24102 | WS52X24170 | WS26X24165 | WS21X24602 | WS21X24107 | WS50X24328 | WS02X22821 | WS08X23421 |
| GG40T08AYV | WS52X24102 | WS52X24109 | WS26X24166 | WS21X24601 | WS21X24107 | WS50X24322 | WS02X23198 | WS08X22781 |
| GG50T08AYV | WS52X24102 | WS52X24109 | WS26X24166 | WS21X24602 | WS21X24107 | WS50X24325 | WS02X23198 | WS08X23164 |
GE now uses the brass drain valve WS06X23203 on all gas models (atmospheric and power vent); it replaces the plastic WS06X23422. Electric models use brass drain valve WS06X21924. Power vent part numbers confirmed per model on GE Appliance Parts; blower numbers from GE’s Water Heater Parts by Model list.
Electric
| Model | Element (×2) | Thermostats | Control | T1 / T2 | Anode | T&P | Drain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE30S10BMM | WS51X23622 Replaces WS51X21918 | — | WS35X22323 | WS17X22381 WS17X22382 | WS02X22962 Replaces WS02X22228 | WS06X21923 | WS06X21924 |
| GE40/50S10BMM | WS51X23622 Replaces WS51X21918 | — | WS35X22323 | WS17X22381 WS17X22382 | WS02X22961 Replaces WS02X22262 | WS06X21923 | WS06X21924 |
| GE50T12BLM | WS51X23622 Replaces WS51X21918 | — | WS35X22322 | WS17X22381 WS17X22382 | WS02X22961 Replaces WS02X22262 | WS06X21923 | WS06X21924 |
| GE50T08BAM | WS51X23622 Replaces WS51X21918 | WS21X21917 WS21X21916 Replaces WS21X21921 | — | — | WS02X22201 Replaces WS02X21908 | WS06X21923 | WS06X21924 |
T1 = lower tank sensor, T2 = upper. BAM thermostats: WS21X21917 upper (with ECO reset), WS21X21916 lower. FlexCapacity (BMM) mixing valve WS07X22239 and cam motor WS94X22461. GE50T08BAM anode is now WS02X22201 (50 in., replaces WS02X21908). GE30S10BMM sensing anode is now WS02X22962 (24 in., replaces WS02X22228). Call WH2O to check availability on both anodes.
Old # → New #: GE supersession cross-reference
Use this to match older parts lists (including GE’s Water Heater Parts by Model list) to today’s GE numbers. Source: GE parts catalog; the drain valve change reflects GE’s switch to brass drain valves on all models.
| Old # | New # | Part | Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| WS06X23422 | WS06X23203 | Drain valve: plastic replaced by brass (GE now uses brass on all models) | All atmospheric BXR |
| WS52X23161 | WS21X24921 | Gas control valve, atmospheric NG | All GG**BXR |
| WS52X23162 | WS21X24922 | Gas control valve, atmospheric LP | GP**BXR (LP) |
| WS49X22898 | WS49X23621 | Sight glass assembly | All BXR |
| WS02X22894 | WS02X23641 | Burner door gasket | All BXR |
| WS02X22899 | WR02X13025 | J-clip | All BXR |
| WS51X21918 | WS51X23622 | Heating element w/ gasket, 5500 W | All GE electric |
| WS21X21921 | WS21X21916 | Lower thermostat | GE40S10BAM, GE40T08BAM, GE50S08BAM, GE50T08BAM |
| WS02X22262 | WS02X22961 | Sensing anode rod, 40 in. | GE40S10BMM, GE50S10BMM, GE BLM |
| WS02X22228 | WS02X22962 | Sensing anode rod, 24 in. | GE30S10BMM |
| WS02X21908 | WS02X22201 | Anode rod, 50 in. | GE50T08BAM |
| WS02X21909 | WS02X22202 | Anode rod, 40 in. | GE30T08BAM, GE40S10BAM, GE50S08BAM |
| WS02X21910 | WS02X22203 | Anode rod, 24 in. | GE30S08BAM, GE30L08BSM, GE40L08BAM |
| WS04X21922 | WS04X21919 | Dielectric barrier | GE BAM |
| WS19X22181 | WS19X22741 | Service wire kit | GE electric |
| WH22X29073 | WH22X29461 | Connected Wi-Fi board | GE BLM / BMM |
| WH22X33177 | WH22X36577 | Wi-Fi/BLE board | GE BLM / BMM |
| WH01X10109 | No longer available | Screw 8-15 A 3/4 (GE lists no replacement) | BXR |
Section 4
Troubleshooting by code and symptom
4A · Atmospheric (BXR) status light on the gas control
Count blinks in each group; groups repeat every 3 seconds. Source: GE service guide 31-9401 and owner’s manual 49-6000245.
| Status light | What it means | What to do | Part | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OFF | Control turned off, pilot not lit, or not enough thermopile power | Light per Lighting steps. If the pilot is lit and the light stays off, check thermopile connections at the gas control; inspect thermopile wires and the pilot assembly. | P2 | WS52X23199 WS52X23201 |
| Solid (constantly lit) | Pilot recently went out and thermopile is cooling, or knob was recently turned off | Relight per Lighting steps. | — | |
| 1 blink / 3 s (yellow) | Normal: knob on PILOT and pilot lit | Turn knob to the desired setting. | — | |
| 2 blinks / 3 s | Low thermopile power, pilot lit | Confirm thermopile connectors are tight at the gas control. Check 400–850 mVDC with pilot lit; under 400 mV, replace the pilot assembly. | P2 | WS52X23199 WS52X23201 |
| 4 blinks / 3 s | High water temperature limit reached | Replace the gas control/thermostat. | P1 | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 |
| 5 blinks / 3 s | Water temperature sensor failed | Replace the gas control/thermostat. | P1 | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 |
| 7 blinks / 3 s | Gas control/thermostat failed | Check for proper gas supply and gas pressure. Then replace the gas control/thermostat. | P1 | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 |
| 8 blinks / 3 s | Faulty pilot flame signal; pilot is out | Wait 10 minutes, then relight the pilot. | — | |
| 9 blinks / 3 s | Door thermistor defective (or unplugged) | Check the connector and harness; good thermistor reads about 115 kΩ at room temperature. Replace the door thermistor. | P3 P4 | WS21X23195 WS21X23196 |
| 10 blinks / 3 s | Chamber exceeded maximum temperature; system shut down | Check for proper gas to the unit, proper flame, and the door thermistor. | P3 | WS21X23195 |
4B · Power vent (AYV) status light codes
Power vent codes are different from atmospheric codes. Codes with a dash (6-1, 8-2) flash as two groups; groups repeat with a 3-second pause. GE lists meanings only; the part column names the component in GE’s code text. Source: GE owner’s manual 49-6000296.
| Flashes | What it means | What to do | Part | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heartbeat (bright/dim) | Call for heat (not a fault) | — | — | |
| LED off | No electrical power, or damaged fuse | Confirm the unit is plugged in and 120 V is present. | — | |
| LED solid | Hardware fault lockout | Clear the lockout with the WH2O power vent reset (Section 6). If it returns, call WH2O. | — | |
| 1 short / 4 s pause | Idle: no call for heat, no faults | — | — | |
| 1 short / 1 s pause | Low flame signal on last call for heat | Inspect the pilot assembly (pilot includes the flame sensor). | P12 | WS52X24109 WS52X24170 |
| 2 | Blower pressure switch failed closed | Check the pressure switch and its tubing. | P13 | WS21X24602 WS21X24601 |
| 3 | Blower temperature or pressure switch failed open | Check blower power (120 V), vent and pressure switch. | P11 P13 | WS26X24165 WS26X24166 WS21X24602 WS21X24601 |
| 4 | Energy cut off (ECO) limit lockout | Find the cause of the over-temperature condition. Call WH2O tech support with the model and serial number. | — | |
| 5 | Flame out of sequence | Call WH2O tech support with the model and serial number. | — | |
| 6-1 | Failed trial for ignition | Check gas supply and the pilot assembly. | P12 | WS52X24109 WS52X24170 |
| 6-2 | Recycle limit: blower pressure or temperature switch opened | Check vent, blower and pressure switch. | P11 P13 | WS26X24165 WS26X24166 WS21X24602 WS21X24601 |
| 6-3 | Recycle limit: flame lost | Check gas supply and the pilot assembly. | P12 | WS52X24109 WS52X24170 |
| 6-4 | Flame out of sequence sensed | Call WH2O tech support with the model and serial number. | — | |
| 6-5 | Retry limit: flame not established | Check gas supply and the pilot assembly. | P12 | WS52X24109 WS52X24170 |
| 7 | Flammable vapor sensor (FVS) lockout | Check for flammable vapors near the heater before any reset. | P14 | WS21X24107 |
| 8-1 | FVS fault detected | — | P14 | WS21X24107 |
| 8-2 | Gas control temperature sensor fault | — | P10 | WS52X24102 |
| 8-3 | Electronics fault | — | P10 | WS52X24102 |
| 8-4 | Valve fault | — | P10 | WS52X24102 |
| 9-1 | Chamber temperature fault | Call WH2O tech support with the model and serial number. | — | |
| 9-2 | Chamber temperature sensor fault | Call WH2O tech support with the model and serial number. | — |
4C · Gas water heater symptoms (atmospheric and power vent)
Source: GE service guide 31-9401 and owner’s manuals 49-6000245 / 49-6000296.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix | Part | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not enough or no hot water | Demand over capacity; low gas pressure; pilot out; setpoint too low; open/leaking faucet; door over high limit; (power vent) no power to blower or a status code | Check gas supply and manifold pressure. Check pilot through the sight glass and relight. Check door thermistor and flame. Power vent: confirm plugged in, 120 V, read the status code. | P2 P3 P11 | WS52X23199 WS52X23201 WS21X23195 WS26X24165 WS26X24166 |
| Water too hot | Setpoint too high; gas control/thermostat defective | Lower the setpoint. If it still overheats, replace the gas control. | P1 P10 | WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 WS52X24102 |
| Yellow flame or soot | Scale on the burner; restricted or insufficient combustion air or venting | Clean the burner; clear vent and air inlets; confirm proper air supply. | P6 P7 | By model: Section 3 WS49X23621 Replaces WS49X22898 WS02X23641 Replaces WS02X22894 |
| Pilot won’t light | Air in gas line; clogged pilot burner or tube; knob not held down | Clear air from the gas line; clean or replace the pilot; hold knob per Lighting steps. Check for spark in the sight glass. | P2 | WS52X23199 WS52X23201 |
| Pilot won’t stay lit after knob is released | Thermopile disconnected or defective; safety magnet defective; gas shut-off activated; door over high limit | Tighten thermopile connectors. Under 400 mV with pilot lit: replace pilot assembly. Otherwise replace the gas control. Inspect the door thermistor, gas supply and flame. | P2 P1 P3 | WS52X23199 WS52X23201 WS21X24921 Replaces WS52X23161 WS21X23195 |
| Pilot lights but main burner won’t stay lit | Door temperature exceeded its high limit | Inspect the door thermistor, gas supply and flame. | P3 P4 | WS21X23195 WS21X23196 |
| Rumbling noise | Mineral buildup in the tank | Drain and flush the tank. | P9 | WS06X23203 Replaces WS06X23422 (plastic) WS06X21924 |
| T&P valve popping or draining | Pressure buildup from thermal expansion | Must be corrected; never plug the T&P valve. Check the incoming water pressure. | P5 | WS06X22864 |
| Water dripping down the heater | Leaking pipes or connectors | Tighten loose connectors. | — | |
| Rotten-egg / sulfur smell | High-sulfate water reacting with the anode | Replace the anode with a GE-approved rod (non-GE anode voids warranty); chlorinating lines may be needed. | P8 | WS02X22821 WS02X23198 |
| Condensation | New tank filling, normal combustion moisture, or undersized heater. Power vent: condensate dripping from blower | Normal and clears once water heats. Power vent: install condensate hose on the blower drain port. | — |
4D · Electric fault codes (BLM electronic and BMM FlexCapacity)
Wake the control, then hold Enter 3 s to scroll all active faults; hold + and − 3 s to clear. Hold + and Enter 5 s for Monitor Mode (T1, T2, voltage, current). Source: GE service sheet 31-6000228 and owner’s manual 49-6000226. BAM models have no display: if there is no heat, check power, the ECO reset on the upper thermostat (P16), and the elements (P15).
| Code | What it means | What to do | Part | Part number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F10 / F12 | Lower heating element failure (no current / over current) | Check element and wiring; cycle the element in service mode and check current draw. | P15 | WS51X23622 Replaces WS51X21918 |
| F11 / F13 | Upper heating element failure (no current / over current) | Same as above for the upper element. | P15 | WS51X23622 Replaces WS51X21918 |
| F16 / F17 | EMV models: mixing valve outlet DC TCO tripped. Non-EMV: jumper wire missing | Non-EMV: install the J802 jumper. EMV: check for F63; if only F16, replace the TCO and confirm outlet temperature. | — | |
| F18, F63, F64 | Mixing valve failure (EMV models) | Cycle the mixing valve in service mode; check wiring at motor and control. F63: replace the entire mixing valve assembly. | P20 | WS07X22239 WS94X22461 |
| F19 | Runaway heat source (leads to ECO trip) | ECO trips with F19: defective relay; replace the control and reset the ECO. ECO trips without F19: defective thermistor. | P18 P19 | WS35X22323 WS35X22322 WS17X22381 WS17X22382 |
| F30 | T1 (lower) tank sensor open/short or out of range | Check T1 mounting, wiring and resistance; if OK the control may have failed. | P19 | WS17X22381 WS17X22382 |
| F31 | T2 (upper) tank sensor open/short or out of range | Check T2 mounting, wiring and resistance; if OK the control may have failed. | P19 | WS17X22381 WS17X22382 |
| F32 / F33 | T1 or T2 accuracy fault | Compare readings in service mode; replace the inaccurate sensor. | P19 | WS17X22381 WS17X22382 |
| F40 / F22 | Current sensor failure | Check wiring; confirm black L1 passes through the sensor. No damage: replace the control. | P18 | WS35X22323 WS35X22322 |
| F41 | Sensing anode miswired or shorted to ground | Confirm the tank is full; check the anode wire at the board and the rod. | P21 | WS02X22961 Replaces WS02X22262 WS02X22962 Replaces WS02X22228 |
| F70 | Anode depleted | Replace the sensing anode; hold the anode reset button 5 s afterward. | P21 | WS02X22961 Replaces WS02X22262 WS02X22962 Replaces WS02X22228 |
| F72 / F76 | Low line voltage (running / at power-up, under 155 V) | Line must be within +10/-15% of 208 or 240 VAC; check elements are not shorted to ground. | — | |
| F77 | Stuck key | Check buttons; loosen over-tight control screws. Replace the control if it persists. | P18 | WS35X22323 WS35X22322 |
Section 5
Gas control and pilot service (atmospheric BXR)
From GE’s technical service guide 31-9401 for GG/GP 30/40/50 S/T **BXR. Keep it handy for the diagnosis that comes before any gas control order.
Diagnose the gas control
- Read the status light. 7 blinks: replace the gas control (P1).
- No blink: confirm the pilot is lit. If the pilot won’t light, check gas to the heater and the piezo igniter (look for spark in the sight glass). If both are good, replace the gas control.
- No blink and pilot lit: check for 400–850 mV at the thermopile connection on the gas control. If present, replace the gas control; if low, see the thermopile check.
Lighting the pilot
- Knob to OFF; wait 10 minutes and check for gas smell.
- Turn to PILOT, push and hold the knob.
- Press the igniter about once per second until the pilot lights.
- Keep holding about 30 s, until the status light blinks; release.
- Set temperature. After 3 failed attempts: knob OFF and diagnose.
Remove the gas control
- Turn off the gas supply.
- Disconnect the thermopile, the door thermistor connector and the igniter.
- Disconnect the main gas line at the inlet.
- 3/4 in. wrench: main burner line at the outlet. 7/16 in. wrench: pilot line.
- Rotate the control counterclockwise to unscrew it from the tank.
- On install: gas inlet max 40 lb-ft torque; inlet pressure max 14 in. W.C.; leak-test all joints.
Pilot, thermopile, igniter, door thermistor
- Pilot assembly = pilot tube + igniter + thermopile. If any one fails, replace the assembly (P2).
- Thermopile: about 3 Ω cold; 400–850 mVDC with pilot lit. Under 400 mV: replace the pilot assembly.
- Igniter: press and look for spark in the sight glass; check for an open circuit.
- Door thermistor: about 115 kΩ at room temperature; 9 blinks = failed or unplugged (P3, P4). Two T-15 screws.
- Burner assembly: disconnect harnesses and gas tubes, remove outer door and two 1/4 in. screws, slide out (P6).
- Pilot removal: pull the burner, release the grommet, remove the T-15 screw.
Section 6
WH2O gas control reset bulletins
Atmospheric (BXR) gas control reset
WH2O Technical Bulletin, Rev. 03.04.25
- Light the pilot with the knob on PILOT.
- Turn the knob all the way to VERY HOT; leave it 10 seconds.
- Turn down to HOT; leave it 10 seconds.
- Return to PILOT and wait 10 seconds before moving on.
Power vent (AYV) hard-lockout reset
WH2O Technical Bulletin, Rev. 03.10.25
- Turn off power to the unit (switch or unplug).
- Start with the dial on the HOT side.
- Rotate the dial back and forth across the center line between HOT and PILOT (or OFF) 7 times within 30 seconds.
- Finish with the dial on the HOT side.
- Restore power. The hard lockout should be cleared.
Anode service (all gas models): 1-1/16 in. socket; replace when more than 6 in. of core wire shows; reinstall at 50 ± 5 lb-ft (P8).
Section 7
GE manuals, spec sheets and parts lookup
Public GE literature used for this guide. Confirm by full model and serial number when in doubt.
- GE RealMAX atmospheric gas owner’s manual 49-6000245 (GG/GP **BXR): status light codes, troubleshooting, parts
- GE RealMAX power vent gas owner’s manual 49-6000296 (GG/GP 40/50 **AYV): status light codes, troubleshooting
- GE electric (electronic control BLM / FlexCapacity BMM) owner’s manual 49-6000226: fault codes
- GE electric (standard thermostat BAM) owner’s manual 49-6000356
- GE GG40T08BXR spec sheet (atmospheric, tall)
- GE RealMAX power vent spec sheet (GG/GP 40/50 S/T 08AYV)
- GE support page, by model (example GG40T08BXR; change the model in the address)
- GE Appliance Parts: parts by model number (example GG40T08BXR01)
Parts and tech support for WH2O customers and contractors
Water Heaters Only · (763) 557-1117
Will-call hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM
Have the model number, serial number and the status-light or fault code ready when you call.
Shop online: shop.wh2only.com
Sources: GE Appliances technical service guide 31-9401 (Aug 2023); GE owner’s manuals 49-6000245, 49-6000296, 49-6000226, 49-6000356; GE service sheet 31-6000228; GE Water Heater Parts by Model; GE Appliance Parts model lookups; WH2O technical bulletins.