Why your electric GE dryer’s auto cycle stops too soon & how you can fix it

If your GE dryer’s automatic dry cycle is stopping sooner than it should, you don’t have to let it wreck your laundry plans. Before you call in an expensive service technician, there are some DIY troubleshooting steps you can try to fix your unit.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your GE dryer 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.

Important: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on model DBSR453EB3WW and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Multimeter
• Phillips screwdriver
• Torx 20 driver
• Hair dryer

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more:  9 ways you can maintain your dryer to prevent common problems

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

Read more: DIY Dryer Troubleshooting: What Is Causing Slow Drying Times?

How to troubleshoot your dryer

Follow these steps to find out why the automatic dry cycle is stopping too soon and how you can fix it yourself.

Step 1: Test the timer

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
2. Make sure the dryer vent is completely clear to allow for proper ventilation.
3. Remove the console panel.
4. Use a Torx 20 driver to remove the mounting screws along the top of the console.
5. Rotate the console forward to access the timer.
6. Set the timer to the beginning of an auto cycle and remove the brown wire.
7. Set your multimeter to continuity mode.
8. Use the meter probes to test the timer from terminal T to terminal X. If there’s continuity, then the timer needs to be replaced. If there’s no continuity, then the timer is good and you’ll need to continue troubleshooting.

Step 2: Test the high-limit thermostat

1. Secure the console back in place with the Torx 20 screws.
2. Remove the two Phillips screws at the top of the front panel, just behind the door.
3. Lift the top panel up, clear the console legs, and pull the panel forward.
4. Remove the Phillips screws at each back corner of the front panel.
5. Lift, rotate, and disconnect the door switch wires.
6. Remove the belt and drum to access the high-limit thermostat, which is on top of the element housing.
7. Remove one wire from the high-limit thermostat.
8. Set your multimeter to continuity mode.
9. Use a hair dryer to heat the thermostat, then use the meter probes to check for continuity.

If there’s no continuity after heating the high-limit thermostat, then the thermostat has failed and needs to be replaced. If there’s continuity, then the thermostat is good and you’ll need to continue troubleshooting.

Step 3: Test the heating element

1. Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
2. Use the meter probes to test from the terminals on the element to the housing to see if it’s grounded out.

If there’s continuity, then the heating element needs to be replaced. If there’s no continuity, then the heating element is good and you’ll need to keep troubleshooting.

Step 4: Test the cycling thermostat

1. Find the cycling (outlet) thermostat on the blower housing.
2. Set your multimeter to continuity and use the meter probes to test the thermostat while heating it with the hair dryer. The thermostat should open after a few minutes of heating, around 135°F.

If the thermostat doesn’t open, then it needs to be replaced.

If the thermostat opens properly and you’ve completed all previous tests without finding the issue, then the motor is likely the problem.

Step 5: Test the motor

If you’ve made it this far, you can test the motor before replacing it.

1. Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
2. Use the meter probes to test the motor from the red wired terminal to the brown with yellow stripe wired terminal.
3. Use the hair dryer to heat the motor overload. If the circuit shows no continuity, then the motor has failed and needs to be replaced.

Read more: How to Replace a Dryer Heating Element  

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your electric GE dryer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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