If your electric GE electric dryer isn’t heating properly, it can disrupt your laundry routine. Fortunately, some common issues can be diagnosed and resolved without requiring professional help. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and potentially fix the problem yourself.
Tools You’ll Need
- Torx 20 driver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Hair dryer
- Multimeter
Precautions to Follow
Before starting any maintenance or repairs on the GE electric dryer, keep these safety tips in mind to promote a safe and smooth process:
- Always unplug your appliance or turn off the circuit breaker before starting. This prevents the risk of electric shock.
- Let the dryer cool completely if it has been recently used to avoid burns or injuries.
- Avoid rushing to minimize mistakes and accidents. Precision is key when working on appliances.
- Work in a well-lit area to see small parts and connections clearly.
- Remove clutter and keep children and pets away from your workspace for safety.
- Keep your hands and the work area completely dry to prevent electrical hazards.
- Refer to the user manual for specific safety or installation instructions.
- Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage to the appliance or injury.
- Wear insulated gloves to safeguard against sharp edges and debris.
- Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. Use non-conductive tools or insulated gloves if you must handle wires.
- Take photos or notes of wire connections and terminal placements before disassembling to simplify reassembly.
- Avoid testing live voltage with a multimeter unless you’re confident in your skills and understand how to prevent short circuits.
Also Read: Common Reasons Your Dryer Isn’t Heating and How to Fix Them
How to Troubleshoot Low Heat in a GE Electric Dryer
Step 1: Unplug the Dryer
- Disconnect the dryer from the power outlet before starting any troubleshooting.
Step 2: Access the Console Panel
- Use a Torx 20 driver to remove the screws along the top of the console.
- Rotate the console forward to expose the internal components.
Step 3: Test the Temperature Selector Switch
- Set the temperature selector to “cotton” or “high heat.”
- Disconnect the orange wire from terminal 16 and the blue wire from terminal 8.
- Set a multimeter to continuity mode.
- Place the probes on the orange wire at terminal 15 and the empty terminal 16.
- If continuity exists only between terminals 15 and 16, the switch is functional.
- If continuity is present on other terminals, replace the temperature selector switch.
Step 4: Reassemble the Console
- Reattach the console panel using the Torx 20 screws.
Step 5: Access the Outlet Thermostat
- Open the dryer door and remove the two Phillips screws at the top of the front panel.
- Lift the front edge of the top panel to clear the console legs and pull it forward.
- Remove the Phillips screws at the back corners of the front panel.
- Rotate the front panel aside and disconnect the door switch wires.
Step 6: Test the Outlet Thermostat
- Locate the outlet thermostat on the blower housing.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
- Heat the thermostat using a hair dryer.
- The thermostat should open (no continuity) around 135°F.
- If it opens before reaching 135°F, replace the outlet thermostat.
Step 7: Access the Inlet Thermostat
- Remove the belt and drum to expose the inlet thermostat on top of the heating element housing.
Step 8: Test the Inlet Thermostat
- Disconnect one wire from the inlet thermostat.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
- Heat the thermostat with a hair dryer while testing for continuity.
- If the thermostat does not lose continuity after heating, replace it.
Step 9: Test the Heating Element
- Disconnect the blue and purple wires from the heating element to isolate it.
- Set the multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
- Measure the resistance of the heating element windings.
- The reading should be 19.2 Ohms, +/- 1 Ohm.
- If the resistance is outside this range, replace the heating element.
Also Read: 009 error on a GE dryer: What it means and how to fix it
Wrapping things up and getting your GE electric dryer to heat up properly is totally within your reach. Whether it’s tweaking the temperature switch or checking those thermostats, each step gets you closer to hassle-free laundry days. It’s pretty eye-opening how a bit of DIY know-how can save you both time and money. So next time your dryer starts acting up, you’ll know exactly where to start. Keep those clothes drying just right, and take control of your laundry routine!