Intermittent Overfill on Start of Cycle and/or Rinse Cycle

Does it stop if you stop the cycle or do you need to turn the valve off?

What is the complete model number of your unit?

12. (00001100) Phase 1 to 6 - Flood Protection Error
The Motor Controller module has found the water level to be above the flood level
and tried to pump the excess water out. (Under extremely high flow rate conditions
the machine may overfill during the "top-up" routine in agitate.) After pumping for
30 seconds, it has been unable to lower the water level below the flood level. Either
the water valves have stuck on and are letting water in at a flow rate that is higher
than the pump can handle, or the pump is blocked and can't remove the excess
water.
Primary Source: Water Valves.
Action:
If the water valves are on continuously, check that the water valves turn off
mechanically (remove power from machine).
Secondary Source: .Pump system
Action:
Check pump for blockage and drain hose for correct height and kinking
Tertiary Source: Motor Controller module. (Display Module Phase 1)
Action:
If water valves are being driven on electrically, replace Motor Controller
module. (Display Module Phase 1)

The water level switch is working if the agitator starts. That must be a bad water valve.
Your basic GE top loader training manual



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Are you using HE soap ? If not or too much it will alternate fill and pump to get rid of suds

I've got the same problem. If I pause the cycle, wait about 10 seconds, and then resume, the water starts normally. I suspect the Cold Water Inlet Solenoid is sticking, probably due to water sediment in the solenoid causing it to stick. I'll try cleaning it and then replace if that doesn't help and let you know what happens.

The FL error code means:
Flood Condition:
FL flashes if any overfill condition occurs. This condition occurs when excessive water in the tub causes the overfill switch to trip. The control must realize that the trip was due to an overfill condition instead of a suds lack condition in order for FL to be displayed

With an overfill condition, the beeper repeats a warning every 10 seconds with no time-out. The pump is cycled in drain mode for 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off until the overfill switch resets or power is discontinued to the unit.

Press STOP/CANCEL to clear the display.

This problem I see on these are the water pumps getting clogged with lint or other things, causing the pump not to pump all of the water out at times.

There is a check "valve" in the drain assembly that seems to sometimes cause problems with the FL error code. You can remove this piece, and might avoid changing the pump.

Calypso Service manual: https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5If-wTgYWH5MTQ0OGIxZTAtZjQyMy00MzEzLWJkMzYtZTdmOTY2OTk3YTA4&hl=en

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FL

Flood condition

"FL" flashes if any overfill condition occurs. This condition occurs when excessive water in the tub causes the overfill switch to trip. The control must realize that the trip was due to an overfill condition instead of a suds lock condition in order for "FL" to be displayed.

With an overfill condition, the beeper repeats a warning every 10 seconds with no time out. The pump is cycled in drain mode for 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off until the overfill switch resets or power is discontinued to the unit.

Press STOP/CANCEL to clear the display

Check the over fill switch hose for weakness or, damage if the FL code continues. if the hose is ok, replace the Over fill switch..

The water level switch is your problem.
Open the control panel and remove the plastic hose from the level switch and blow through it.
Soap and dirt clog the bottom end and prevents the switch from stopping. The water continues to flow because of this blockage.
After you reattach the plastic hose , set the washer to spin and turn it on to reset the switch.

This advice is for a washer that fills and will not shut off, resulting in an overflow. Or, water is leaking from the washer while filling. The symptoms can apply to either a TOP LOADER or FRONT LOADER washer. This may be able to save you from an expensive service call by making these simple visual checks.

Water Does Not Shut Off and Overflows: The water level in a washer is controlled by the Pressure Switch. The switch is usually cylindrical in shape and has an electrical connection and an air hose attached. In many cases, the small air hose comes loose from the Pressure Switch fitting and/or falls off. This air hose is required to detect the air pressure from the wash tub as tub fills. With no air pressure, the switch will not function and the result will be a wash tub that fills continuously to the point of overflowing. The same would be true, if the air hose has any cracks, splits or holes in it.

Water Leaking While Filling: The other end of this hose runs to the air dome fitting on the side of the wash tub. If the lower end of the hose comes off, the water will begin to spill onto the floor under the washer, but the tub will not fill.

What to Look For: Check for the obvious. Make sure the air hose is still attached to the pressure switch and air dome. Then, inspect the entire length of the hose, paying particular attention to areas where chaffing may occur and at the points where the hose connects to the pressure switch and air dome. Vibrations from the washer can cause some wear if the hose is rubbing against anything, and the ends of the hose can stretch over time and not seal properly.

On most top loaders the Pressure Switch is located inside the operator console behind the knob that controls the water level. This knob is commonly referred to as the “Load Level”, “Load Size” or “Water Level”. On front loader washers the pressure switch location is usually located in the back of the washer behind the wash tub, or along the interior cabinet wall adjacent to the wash tub.

How to Correct: If the hose has slipped off, cut about ½” off the end of the hose and reattach to the pressure switch and/or air dome fitting. Take a small zip tie and place it around the hose at the point where it connects to the fitting. DO NOT over tighten as this can damage the air hose fitting. Just make the zip tie snug enough to keep the air hose from sliding off. If the hose has any cracks or holes, you can attempt to seal them by using electrical tape. Replacement tubing can be purchased at any hardware store.

NOTE: This is not an all inclusive fix, as the Pressure Switch can fail in some cases and cause similar symptoms. This is merely a preliminary check for a common occurrence that I have discovered. It can give symptoms of a major problem, resulting in a call for a repairman, only to turn out to be a simple fix that any Do-It-Yourselfer should be able to check and correct themselves. I hope this information is found to be helpful and saves many of you a future service call.

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Could possibly be that the water level switch in the console has gone bad.  Sometimes the small hose that connects the basket and the switch can come off, causing the overfill.  Sounds like maybe the water switch has gone bad though if I were to guess at it.  If it goes bad, it will send the timer a signal that its full, when its not.  Could also be a bad timer, but that only happens on rare occasions, but it does happen.  Let me know how it goes or if you need break down instructions, etc.  Jim