How to replace the light bulb socket on a GE dryer

On a GE dryer, the light bulb socket holds the interior light bulb in your dryer, providing visibility when you open the door. Over time, the wires of the socket can become damaged and prevent the light from coming on, even after a new bulb is put in. Fortunately, replacing it is a relatively quick and easy repair that you can do yourself. With the right tools you can complete this repair in no time. So let’s get started and bring back the light to your GE dryer!

Watch here: How To: GE Light Bulb Socket WE5M48

You can find a replacement light bulb socket WE5M48 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.

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
• Needle nose pliers
• Flathead screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Part number WE5M48 (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.
• 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 control panel

1. Use a phillips screwdriver to remove the three screws on the back of the control panel.
2. Slide the control panel to the left to disengage it from the bottom locking tab.
3. Lift the control panel loose and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the front panel

1. Open the dryer door.
2. Locate and remove the two phillips screws, one on each side of the door.
3. Close the door.
4. Lift the top panel and pull it out slightly to disengage it.
5. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the two top screws, one on each side.
6. Tilt the front panel towards you and lift it off the bottom clips.
7. Be careful not to damage any wires attached to the front panel.

Step 3: Access the light bulb socket

1. Swing the front panel to the left to create space.
2. Bend the cover tab and move the switch cover out of the way.
3. Use needle-nose pliers to disconnect the wiring harness plug connected to the light bulb socket.
4. Remove the wire from the middle terminal of the door switch.
5. Unscrew the light bulb from the socket.

Step 4: Remove the light bulb socket assembly

1. Use a flat blade screwdriver to release and remove the top support bar.
2. Remove the phillips screw to release the socket.
3. Pull out the light bulb socket assembly from the door.

Step 5: Prepare the new light bulb socket

1. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to push in the small locking tabs on the wire.
2. Remove the disconnect lock from the wire.
3. Push the disconnect plug onto the wire contacts of the new light bulb socket.

Step 6: Install the new light bulb socket

1. Slide the wires behind the drum support frame to position the socket correctly.
2. Mount the socket in place and secure it with the phillips screw.
3. Install the upper support bearing and snap it into position.
4. Screw in the new light bulb into the socket.

Step 7: Reconnect the wires and assemble the dryer

1. Connect the wire to the middle terminal of the door switch.
2. Reconnect the wiring harness plug to the new socket using the needle-nose pliers.
3. Place the switch cover back into position and lock the tab.
4. Align the bottom slots of the front panel over the tabs on the dryer’s frame.
5. Insert the side tabs of the front panel into the cutouts.
6. Lift the drum slightly while securing the front panel with two quarter-inch screws.
7. Align the tabs on the top panel with the slot on the cabinet frame.
8. Slide the top panel back into position.
9. Open the door and secure the top panel with two phillips screws.
10. Close the dryer door.

Step 8: Reinstall the control panel

1. Place the control panel back onto the dryer.
2. Slide the control panel to the right to lock the bottom tabs into place.
3. Secure the control panel with the three phillips screws.
4. Plug the dryer back into the power source. 
5. Turn on the dryer and check if the light bulb is turns on.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the light bulb socket 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.

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