How to replace the high limit thermostat on a GE dryer

Is your GE dryer leaving you high and dry with laundry piling up? A malfunctioning high-limit thermostat could be the silent culprit behind your dryer woes. Fear not, we’ve got a step-by-step how-to video below to guide you through replacing this vital part, so you can get back to fresh, warm loads in no time!

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On a GE dryer, the high limit thermostat is a safety feature on the heater housing that is responsible for monitoring the temperature inside the dryer and cutting off power to the motor if the temperature rises above a safe level. Over time, the high limit thermostat may become faulty, causing the dryer to overheat or fail to heat at all. Replacing the high limit thermostat is a relatively quick and easy repair that can be completed on your own, so let’s get started!

Watch here: How To: GE High-Limit Thermostat WE4M137

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

• Phillips screwdriver
• 1/4″ nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver

Safety precautions

• 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.
• 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

Disassembly

1. Remove the three top Phillips screws from the back of the control panel.
2. Slide the control panel to the left using the edge of the bottom locking tabs and leave it loose.
3. Open the dryer door and locate the two Phillips screws, one on each side of the door.
4. Remove the two screws and close the door.
5. Lift the top panel of the dryer and pull it out using a quarter-inch nut driver.
6. Locate and remove the two top screws, one on each side of the front panel.
7. Tilt the front panel towards you and lift it off the bottom clips.
8. Swing the front panel to the left, being careful not to damage the wires.
9. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the screw that holds the left side of the cabinet to the blower housing. This will allow you to bend the side panel out as it’s a tight fit.
10. Reach inside under the drum and push the idler pulley to the right to release the drive belt from the motor and the idler pulley. You may need to apply some force.
11. Once the belt is free, remove the drum and belt out of the cabinet.
12. Locate the high-limit thermostat on the heater housing at the back of the cabinet with two brown wires connected to it.
13. Using a flat blade screwdriver, remove both wires from the terminals of the high-limit thermostat.
14. Remove the wire from the heating element terminal at the bottom right using the same screwdriver.
15. Remove the heater assembly by removing the four Phillips screws holding the housing, starting with the bottom screws.
16. Gently lower the heater assembly down, then use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw holding the high-limit thermostat.

Installation

1. Take the new high-limit thermostat and place one leg into the slot provided.
2. Secure the other leg with a Phillips screw.
3. Install the heater assembly back into the dryer. Use the four Phillips screws to secure the housing.
4. Connect the wire at the bottom of the housing to the heating element terminal.
5. Connect the two brown wires to the high-limit thermostat terminals. It does not matter which wire goes where.
6. Place the idler pulley arm under the motor bracket.
7. Bring in the drum with the belt, ensuring the ribs of the belt are facing the inside of the drum.
8. Install the drum so that the rear shaft with the bushing fits inside the opening.
9. Make sure the belt is on the far groove of the drum.
10. Reach under the drum, wrap the belt around the motor pulley, and release the idler pulley.
11. Turn the drum one full turn to ensure the belt is properly aligned.
12. Secure the left side cabinet to the blower housing with a quarter-inch screw.
13. Install the front panel by placing the bottom slots over the tabs and inserting the side tabs into the cutouts. Lift the drum at the same time.
14. Secure the front panel with the two quarter-inch screws.
15. Align the tabs on the top panel with the slots on the cabinet frame and slide the top panel into place.
16. Open the dryer door and secure the top panel with the two Phillips screws.
17. Close the door.
18. Install the control panel by sliding it to the right to lock the bottom tabs and secure the panel with the three Phillips screws.
19. Plug in the dryer and run a test to check if it is heating properly.

Additional information

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

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