002 and 004 GE dryer error code: A troubleshooting guide

The small inlet thermistor is essential for proper temperature regulation in many GE front-load dryer models. Mounted along the rear ductwork, it measures incoming air temperature and allows the main control board to optimize heating cycles. However, when this sensor fails, a 002 or 004 GE dryer error code will appear, and drying performance will suffer. With the proper diagnostic steps, you can get to the root of error codes 002 and 004 and have your dryer running efficiently again.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Normal inlet thermistor operation

To understand potential issues, we’ll first examine how the inlet thermistor functions when operating properly:

• The thermistor is mounted along the rear sheet metal duct of the dryer, often covered by a red housing.
• It is a resistive-type temperature sensor. As surrounding air temperatures rise or fall, the electrical resistance predictably decreases or increases.
• Room temperature resistance typically falls between 10,000 – 15,000 ohms. Values double for each 20°F drop in ambient temperatures.
• The main control board supplies 5V DC through the sensor’s wiring harness. By detecting subtle voltage drops caused by resistance changes, air temperature can be determined.
• The board uses inlet readings to properly time heating element cycles, maintaining ideal 175°F drum temperatures.
• Above 190°F, the thermistor triggers the high-limit thermostat to prevent overheating damage.

Error Code 002 – Abnormally high thermistor resistance

A 002 error code indicates the main control board is detecting higher-than-expected resistance from the inlet thermistor circuit. The board believes inlet temperatures are lower than they should be. There are two likely causes:

Faulty inlet thermistor

• If damaged internally, the thermistor’s resistance may spike out of normal ranges, into the megaohms.
• Issues like cracked housing, corroded wire leads, or broken internal components can lead to incorrect resistance.

Wiring harness problems

• Loose wire connections, shorts, or improper routing can also cause abnormal resistance increases.
• Intermittent shorts or continuity issues that change with vibration or movement may also be present.

Troubleshooting steps

Step 1: Access the inlet thermistor

• Begin by disconnecting the dryer power and implementing proper lockout/tagout procedures for your own safety.
• Carefully open the unit to access the inlet thermistor mounted along the metal rear ductwork.

Step 2: Testing resistance with a multimeter

• With power disconnected, detach the thermistor’s wiring harness plug. Never test resistance through the control board itself.
• Use your multimeter to measure resistance across the thermistor’s terminals. Consult factory specifications.
• Compare your readings to the expected values based on room temperature. Significantly high resistance over 1,000,000 ohms indicates a defective thermistor requiring replacement.

Step 3: Inspect the thermistor wiring

If resistance is normal, focus your investigation on the wiring harness:

• Visually inspect the harness length, looking for any damage, loose connectors, or poor wire connections.
• Check continuity through each wire segment to reveal any opens or high resistance points.
• Verify wiring routing exactly matches the factory wiring diagram. Any deviations can cause intermittent continuity issues.

Step 4: Complete repairs and retest operation

• If defective, install a new OEM inlet thermistor. Never attempt to repair the sensor itself.
• Make any wiring repairs identified during harness inspection. Use heat shrink splices for secure wire connections.
• Reconnect all wiring, restore power, and test operation through several full cycles. Error code 002 should no longer appear.
• If the code persists, the main control board may need replacement as a last resort.

Error code 004 – Abnormally low thermistor resistance

A 004 error code indicates the main control board is detecting lower-than-expected resistance from the inlet thermistor circuit. The board believes inlet temperatures are higher than they should be. Potential causes include:

Faulty thermistor

• Internal shorts within the device lead to drastic resistance drops. Readings may be under 500 ohms at room temperature.
• Physical housing damage or connector issues can also contribute to incorrect resistance values.

Wiring harness problems

• Shorts between wires or to the ground can sometimes cause abnormal resistance drops.
• Intermittent connections, incorrect routing, or loose plugs could also be affecting resistance.

Troubleshooting steps

Step 1: Access the inlet thermistor

• Always disconnect power and follow proper lockout procedures before any troubleshooting to avoid hazards.
• Carefully open the dryer to access the inlet thermistor on the rear duct.

Step 2: Use a multimeter to check the resistance

• With power off, detach the thermistor’s wiring plug. Never test resistance through the control board itself.
• Verify resistance readings compared to expected values based on ambient room temperature.
• Unusually low resistance, under 500 ohms, indicates a damaged inlet thermistor that requires replacement.

Step 3: Inspect the thermistor wiring

If resistance is normal, focus on the wiring harness:

• Visually inspect for any breaks, damage, loose connectors or poor connections.
• Check continuity through each wire segment to reveal any unexpected shorts.
• Verify harness routing exactly matches the factory wiring diagram.

Step 4: Complete repairs and retest operation

• If defective, install a new OEM inlet thermistor. Never attempt repair of the existing sensor.
• Make any wiring harness repairs identified during the inspection. Use heat shrink splices for secure connections.
• Reconnect wiring, restore power, and test operation through several full cycles. The 004 error should no longer appear.
• If the code persists, the main control board may need replacement as a last resort.

Preventing inlet thermistor issues

You can minimize inlet thermistor problems by following these tips:

• Always clean the lint filter thoroughly before each cycle to maximize airflow and cooling.
• Ensure the dryer drum turns freely without friction or binding issues. This prevents overheating.
• Avoid overloading the drum, which can lead to excessive internal heat buildup.
• Allow proper clearance behind the dryer for ventilation and cooling airflow.
• Use care when handling the thermistor itself to avoid damaging wire leads or connectors.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this information useful to get your dryer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our thousands of free videos and troubleshooting guides available. If you need replacement parts or some extra help, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, order parts, read our DIY blog, and more.

Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!