006 GE dryer error code troubleshooting guide

When an error code appears unexpectedly on your GE dryer display, it can be confusing and halt your laundry productivity. Error code 006, commonly referred to as a “stuck button” error, indicates that the main control board is detecting one of the membrane-style buttons as continuously pressed or closed. This troubleshooting guide will help to provide you with the knowledge to get your GE dryer back in smooth running order.

How dryer control buttons function

To understand what’s behind 006 GE dryer error, a brief understanding of the button membrane’s operation is helpful:

• The buttons on the control panel each have two thin conductive traces separated by a small gap.
• Pressing the flexible pad connects the two traces, closing the open circuit. The button being pressed signals the control board.
• When traces disconnect and the circuit opens again, they signal that the button is no longer pressed..
• The control board constantly monitors the state of each button’s circuit to detect when the user activates buttons.

Read More: 002 and 004 GE dryer error code troubleshooting guide

What triggers error code 006?

If one of the button circuits remains closed or “on” when it should be open, the control board will detect this and display error code 006 after several minutes. Possible root causes include:

Faulty button

• Internal contacts may be damaged or shorted, keeping the circuit permanently closed.

Obstructed button

• Debris, lint, or a foreign object trapped behind the button holding contacts together.

Main control board

• Short circuit on the control board input for that specific button.

Gaining safe access to components

Before any troubleshooting, we must take safety precautions:

• Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet. This removes power from the unit.
• Remove the top panel and control panel to access the buttons and control board.
• Use proper gloves and eye protection when working around electrical components.

Visual inspection

Our first troubleshooting steps center on visual inspection:

• Closely examine the backside of each membrane button pad. Look for any lint, debris, or foreign objects stuck on the contacts.
• Press each button and check for sticky residues causing potential sticking. Remove any contaminants found with isopropyl alcohol.
• Verify no damage to the plastic button pads or contact traces. Cracks or tears could cause a short.
• Check for loose wire connections or damaged traces on the control board itself.

Isolating the stuck button

If we don’t find any obvious issues, we’ll have to isolate the specific button that stays closed:

• Power up the dryer and enter diagnostics mode through the button sequence outlined in your model’s service manual.
• In diagnostics, you can view the real-time state of each button input as you press them individually.
• Press each button pad separately and watch for one input to stay activated even when released. This identifies the stuck button.

Replacing the faulty button

Once identified, the sticking button will need to be replaced:

• Order the replacement button pad housing assembly specific to your model. Do not attempt to clean or repair it.
• Swap in the new button part and re-enter diagnostics mode to recheck the operation.
• The 006 error should clear once the shorted button is replaced.

Control board replacement

On rare occasions, replacing the button does not resolve the 006 GE dryer error. This indicates an internal control board failure:

• If the 006 persists, the main control board will need replacement due to a shorted button input circuit.
• Be sure to order the correct replacement board for your specific model. Improper substitution often causes compatibility issues.
• Carefully install the new board and retest the operation thoroughly. The 006 code should now be cleared.

Preventing the recurrence of error 006

While membrane buttons can fail randomly over time, you can minimize issues by:

• Always clean the lint filter and keep the dryer interior clear of debris that could fall behind buttons.
• Use gentle pressure and clean hands when pressing buttons to avoid damaging the contacts.
• Performing occasional visual inspections of the button pads for early signs of cracking or wear.

Read More: 9 Ways To Improve Your Dryer’s Performance

More 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.

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