A GE dryer that stops heating can disrupt your laundry routine and leave clothes damp. Before calling a technician, try these straightforward troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve the problem yourself.
Common Causes of a GE dryer Not Heating
Understanding what might be causing the problem can make troubleshooting more effective. Here are some common culprits:
- Blown Thermal Fuse: A safety device that shuts off power to the heating element if the dryer overheats.
- Faulty Heating Element: A damaged heating element cannot produce the heat needed to dry clothes.
- Broken Thermostat: Thermostats regulate temperature. If they malfunction, they may prevent the dryer from heating.
- Wiring or Connection Issues: Loose wires or damaged connections can disrupt the flow of electricity to the heating element.
What You’ll Need
- Multimeter
- Torx 20 driver
- 1/4-inch driver
- Phillips screwdriver
Safety First
When performing any maintenance or repair on an appliance, prioritize your safety. Follow these precautions:
- Unplug or Disconnect Power: Turn off and unplug the appliance, or flip the circuit breaker to cut off the power supply. This eliminates the risk of electrical shock.
- Allow Cooling Time: If the dryer was recently in use, give it ample time to cool before starting your work.
- Work Deliberately: Take your time to avoid accidents or damage.
- Maintain a Clean Workspace: A well-lit, organized area free of clutter helps you work more efficiently and safely.
- Keep Children and Pets Away: Make sure the work area is clear of distractions.
- Dry Hands Only: Avoid working with wet hands, and make sure the area is completely dry.
- Follow the User Manual: Check the dryer’s manual for specific instructions related to its maintenance and replacement parts.
- Handle Parts Gently: Use care when removing or replacing components to avoid damaging the appliance or causing injury.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges or debris.
- Avoid Direct Contact with Wires: Use non-conductive tools or insulating gloves if you need to handle wires.
- Document Connections: Take photos or notes of wiring and terminal placements before disconnecting them for easier reassembly.
How to Troubleshoot a GE Dryer That Isn’t Heating
Step 1: Check Voltage
- Plug in and power on the dryer.
- Set a multimeter to Volts AC mode.
- Use the probes to measure for 240 Volts AC at the terminal block of the dryer.
- If the voltage is less than 240V, contact a licensed electrician to inspect the outlet.
Step 2: Test the Timer
- Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
- Remove the back console panel by unscrewing the Torx 20 screws and rotating the panel forward.
- Set the timer to a timed cycle and disconnect the orange wire.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
- Test for continuity between terminal B and terminal A on the timer.
- Replace the timer if there is no continuity.
Step 3: Test the Temperature Selector
- Set the selector to “cotton” or “high heat.”
- Disconnect the orange wire from terminal 16 and the blue wire from terminal 8.
- Use the multimeter to check continuity from the orange wire at terminal 15 to terminal 16.
- Switch to “delicate” or “low heat” and test continuity from terminal 6 to the yellow wire at terminal 7.
- Replace the temperature selector if there is no continuity during either test.
Step 4: Test the Safety Thermostat
- Reattach the console using Torx 20 screws.
- Remove the front panel by unscrewing the two Phillips screws at the top.
- Locate the safety thermostat on the element housing.
- Disconnect one wire from the thermostat.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode and test the thermostat.
- Replace the thermostat if there is no continuity.
Step 5: Test the Inlet Thermostat
- Locate the inlet thermostat next to the safety thermostat.
- Test the thermostat for continuity with the multimeter.
- Replace the inlet thermostat if there is no continuity.
Step 6: Test the Heating Element
- Disconnect the blue and purple wires from the heating element.
- Set the multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
- Measure the resistance of the heating element windings.
- Replace the heating element if the resistance is not 19.2 Ohms (+/- 1 Ohm).
Step 7: Test the Outlet Thermostat
- Remove the Phillips screws at the back corners of the front panel.
- Lift and rotate the front panel to the side.
- Disconnect the door switch wires and set the panel aside.
- Use the multimeter to test the outlet thermostat for continuity.
- Replace the outlet thermostat if there is no continuity.
Step 8: Test the Motor
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
- Test the motor terminals from far left to far right.
- Pull the centrifugal plate to activate the switch contacts.
- Replace the motor if there is no continuity.
When to Call a Professional
While many dryer issues can be addressed with basic tools and knowledge, some situations require expert assistance:
- If you notice a burning smell or visible damage to wires or components.
- If the problem persists after replacing likely faulty parts.
- If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical components or handling wiring.
- When dealing with gas dryers, which have additional safety risks.
Dryers are complex but surprisingly manageable to troubleshoot with the right guidance and a bit of patience. Hopefully, this guide has given you the confidence to tackle your GE dryer issues head-on and save a potential service call.
Remember, safety always comes first—take it slow, follow the steps carefully, and don’t hesitate to call in a professional if the problem feels beyond your expertise. Fixing your dryer yourself can be a rewarding project, and with persistence, you might just restore it to full working order.