How to replace GE dryer outlet control thermistor WE4M448

Is your GE dryer taking forever to dry your laundry? It’s likely a faulty outlet control thermistor causing the problem, but fear not—this is a quick fix you can handle yourself! Discover how to replace this essential part and get your dryer back in action with our step-by-step guide and accompanying how-to video just below.

Need a part?  Search below using your appliance model number to find exactly what you need:

Your GE dryer’s outlet control thermistor monitors the air temperature inside the dryer during a cycle. Over time, this thermistor can become faulty, which can lead to incorrect temperature readings and cause the dryer to take longer than normal to dry.

Fortunately, you can replace the outlet control thermistor in under an hour. Stick with us so you can get your dryer running smoothly again.

You can find a replacement outlet control thermistor here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE dryer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch here: How To: GE Dryer Outlet Control Thermistor WE4M448

What you’ll need

• Phillips screwdriver
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver
• New outlet control thermistor (make sure it’s compatible with your specific model before installing)

Disclaimer: 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: Must-Have Tools for Appliance Repair – DIY For Beginners

Check part compatibility

Before you replace the outlet control thermistor, make sure you have an OEM part that’s compatible with your specific dryer model. To do this, you’ll need to find the appliance model number.

The model number will say MOD or Model before the numbers and is typically found on a sticker or a metal plate in one of the following locations:

• Inside the dryer door or on the door frame
• On the back of the dryer, near the top or bottom
• On the side of the dryer cabinet
• On the control panel or console

Once you’ve found the model number, write it down or take a clear photo of it for reference.

Next, visit AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can enter your model number to check if the outlet control thermistor is compatible with your model.

Read more: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number

Safety precautions

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.

• 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.
• If you have a gas model, shut off the gas supply to prevent any leaks while you work.
• 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.
• 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.

How to replace the outlet control thermistor

Follow these steps to swap out the outlet control thermistor in your GE dryer.

Step 1: Remove the top & access panel

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
2. Open the dryer door and use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold the top in place.
3. Close the door.
4. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws holding the access panel at the back of the dryer.
5. Lift the access panel and take it off. If the ground wire is tight, use a small flathead screwdriver to remove it. Set the access panel aside.

Step 2: Remove the control panel

1. You should now have access to the control board. Take a picture of the wires to reference later on.
2. Press the locking tabs to remove all the wires connected to the control board. Remove the Ethernet plug by pressing the locking tab with a small flathead screwdriver.
3. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the long screws holding the control panel in place.
4. Pull back on the control panel to release the tabs holding it in place. Lift it off and set it aside.

Step 3: Remove the top

1. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the covers on each side of the dryer. Lift them, pull them out and set them aside.
2. Unclip the wires from the holder and carefully feed them down through the hole on each side of the dryer so you can remove the top. Repeat on the other side of the dryer.
3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the single screw on each side that holds the top of the dryer to the cabinet.
4. Lift the top just a bit to clear the tabs in the front. Once you lift it, push it back and lift it off. Set the top aside.

Step 4: Remove the front panel

1. Disconnect the wiring harness for the light by pressing the locking tab.
2. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws that hold the front panel in place.
3. Drop the front panel down enough so you can access the wiring harnesses. Disconnect the connector for the moisture sensors and the door switch wiring harness.
4. Lift the front panel off and set it aside.

Step 5: Access & remove the old outlet control thermistor

1. Remove the belt from the idler pulley and motor pulley.
2. Lift the drum out of the dryer through the cutouts and set it aside.
3. Find the outlet control thermistor, which is located on the back of the blower housing. Use a small flathead screwdriver to pop the wires off the thermistor.
4. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws holding the thermistor to the blower housing.
5. Pull the thermistor off the blower housing.

Step 6: Install the new outlet control thermistor

1. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to secure the new thermistor in place with the screws.
2. Connect the wires to the new thermistor so the bare metal wire goes on the lower terminal and the wire with the insulator goes on the top terminal.

Step 7: Reassemble the dryer

1. Put the drum back into the dryer. Lift it by the belt and guide it through the cutouts in the cabinet. Make sure that the shaft goes into the receptor in the back.
2. Make sure the belt is in the rear recess and the grooves are facing toward the drum.
3. Put the belt back on by first pulling the idler pulley down towards the base of the machine, then hooking the belt over the motor pulley and over the top of the idler pulley.
4. Put the front panel back on. Lift it into place and set it onto the three mounting tabs.
5. Reattach the door switch and moisture sensor wiring harnesses.
6. Lift the front panel and align it with the drum so the tabs on the panel go into the slots on the cabinet in the front.
7. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to reattach the front panel.
8. Put the top back on the dryer so the lip of the top goes underneath the panel to lock it in place.
9. Lower the top down and make sure the tabs align with the top, then slide it forward. Pull the wires out to prevent them from getting pinched between the top and the cabinet.
10. With the door open, reinstall the screws that hold the top to the cabinet.
11. Use a Phillips screwdriver to reinstall the screws on the back of the dryer.
12. Reattach the control panel by aligning the tabs with the slots on the dryer cabinet. Push it down until it snaps into place.
13. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to reinstall the screws that hold the control panel in place.
14. Reconnect the wires to the control board and make sure they’re aligned correctly according to the picture or note you took earlier.
15. Insert the Ethernet plug back into its socket and secure it by pushing the locking tab.
16. Reinstall the ground wire by aligning it with the hole and pushing it in.
17. Place the access panel back onto the dryer and align the screw holes.
18. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to insert and tighten the screws that hold the access panel in place.
19. Close the dryer door and use a Phillips screwdriver to insert the two screws that hold the top in place.
20. Plug the dryer back into the power outlet.
21. Run a cycle to check for any problems.

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the outlet control thermistor in your  GE dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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