How to test the high limit thermostat on a GE dryer that won’t start

If your dryer isn’t starting, the problem may be with the high limit thermostat. Before you call for a repair technician, you can quickly test the part yourself to determine if it’s the source of the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to troubleshoot the problem and get your appliance back up and running.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance, 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.

Watch here: How To Replace A GE Electric Dryer High Limit Thermostat WE4M137

The troubleshooting information in this article is based on general service manuals 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 is the high limit thermostat

The high-limit thermostat is a safety device on electric dryers that is designed to prevent the dryer from overheating. It monitors the temperature inside the dryer and will shut off the heating element if the temperature gets too high, protecting the dryer from potential fire hazards.

Symptoms of a bad part:

• Dryer will not start or heat up
• Dryer stops running during a cycle
• Dryer runs but does not get hot

Possible causes of failure:

• Dryer is overloaded, causing the temperature to rise too high
• Restricted airflow, such as a clogged lint trap or vent
• Faulty heating element that is running too hot
• General wear and tear over time leading to thermostat failure

Tools and materials you’ll need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Multimeter

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.

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 attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• 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.

Testing steps

1. Unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker to disconnect power.
2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws at the top of the front panel, just behind the door.
3. Lift the top panel up slightly to clear the console legs, then pull the top panel forward to remove it.
4. Locate the high-limit thermostat on top of the element housing, on the far right side.
5. Disconnect one of the wires connected to the high-limit thermostat.
6. Set your multimeter to the continuity or resistance setting.
7. Use the multimeter probes to test the high-limit thermostat for continuity. 
8. If there is no continuity, the high-limit thermostat has failed and will need to be replaced.
9. If the high-limit thermostat has continuity, that means it is functioning properly, and the issue is likely something else preventing the dryer from starting.
10. To reassemble, reconnect the wire to the high-limit thermostat.
11. Slide the top panel back onto the console legs, then rotate it down and secure it with the two long Phillips screws you removed earlier.
12. Plug the dryer back in or turn the circuit breaker back on to restore power.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your GE electric 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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Keep Reading:

Why Is My Dryer Overheating? Understanding The Common Causes And Solutions

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