How to replace the high limit thermostat on a GE dryer

Is your GE dryer suddenly overheating or refusing to heat up at all? The culprit might be a faulty high limit thermostat—a crucial safety feature that prevents the dryer from reaching dangerous temperatures. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide and an easy-to-follow video tutorial just below to help you effortlessly replace the high limit thermostat and restore your dryer to full working order.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

On a GE dryer, the high-limit thermostat is a safety device that helps regulate the temperature. If this thermostat fails, it can result in your dryer not heating properly. Fortunately, replacing it is a quick and easy repair that you can do yourself, saving time and money. With just a few basic tools and a little bit of time, you’ll have your dryer running again in no time. So let’s get started!

You can find a replacement limit thermostat WE4M80 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 High Limit Thermostat WE4M80

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.

Tools needed

• Torx 20 driver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Part number WE4M80 (make sure it’s compatible with your 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.
• Shut off the gas supply to prevent any gas leaks while you work. 
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• 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.
• 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. 

Replacement steps

Step 1: remove the console and front panel

1. Use a torx 20 driver to remove the four screws across the top of the console.
2. Lift the console up and disengage the three tabs that lock into the top panel.
3. Set the console on the back of the dryer.
4. Open the dryer door and use a phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold the front panel to the top.
5. Close the dryer door.
6. Lift the top of the dryer and pull it off.
7. Set the top aside.
8. Remove the two screws, one on each side, that hold the front panel to the cabinet using a phillips screwdriver.
9. Carefully lean the front panel forward.

Step 2: remove the drum

1. Disconnect the door switch wiring harness.
2. Move the shield by pulling the tab out from the cabinet and swing it out of the way to access the wires.
3. Disconnect the two wires on the switch and the union plug.
4. Remove the yellow wire with the red stripe, followed by the white wire from the bottom terminal.
5. Release the shield and lift the door off the mounting tabs.
6. screwdriver.
7. Remove the two screws on the cabinet that connect it to the support bulkhead using a phillips screwdriver and take the belt off the pulleys.
8. Pull the idler pulley down towards the bottom of the dryer to create slack in the belt.
9. Lift the drum out of the dryer and set it aside.

Step 3: remove the thermostat

1. Locate the high-limit thermostat on the right-hand side.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to help remove the wires from the terminals. 
3. Remove the mounting screw using a phillips screwdriver.
4. Push the thermostat out, lift the tab, and pull it out of the dryer.

Step 4: install the new thermostat

1. Line up the tab of the new thermostat with the opening and lift it into place.
2. Use a phillips screwdriver to secure the screw.
3. Connect the wires to the terminals. 

Step 5: reinstall the drum

1. LIft the drum into the cabinet and align the shaft on the center of the drum into the opening of the rear bearing.
2. Use the belt to lift the drum up and guide it back through the cutouts.
3. Lower the drum, ensuring the ribs are against it.
4. Put the belt around the pulleys by pushing the idler pulley down towards the bottom of the machine.

Step 6: reassemble the dryer

1. Put the two screws back in that hold the support bulkhead to the cabinet.
2. Line up the front panel and set it onto the mounting brackets on each side.
3. Lift the front panel up, swing the cover out of the way, and attach the white wire to the back post and the yellow wire with the reddish stripe on the top one.
4. Connect the black wire that snaps together, ensuring a good connection.
5. Lift the cover back over and lock the locking tab into the side.
6. Lift the front panel up the rest of the way, making sure the drum rides on the glides.
7. Put the top back on the dryer, ensuring the tab goes underneath the control panel bracket on each side.
8. Open the door and secure the top with screws.
9. Close the dryer door and lower the console back in place, ensuring the three tabs go into the opening on the top.
10. Push the console back into place and use the Torx 20 driver to secure the screws.
11. Plug the dryer back in and test it.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the high limit thermostat on 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.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!