How to replace the motor on a GE electric dryer

Is your GE electric dryer leaving you high and dry with a drum that won’t spin or a blower fan that’s gone silent? Don’t worry! With our simple guide and an easy-to-follow how-to video, you’ll be able to replace that faulty motor and get your dryer running like new again. Dive into the step-by-step video just below to start your DIY fix today!

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 electric dryer, the motor is responsible for powering the drum and blower, allowing your GE electric dryer to tumble the clothes and circulate the air. Over time, use and wear can cause the motor to become damaged. Common signs that indicate the need for replacement include the drum not turning, the blower fan not spinning, or the dryer not starting at all.

Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your GE electric dryer back in working order. So, let’s get started!

Watch here: How To: GE Motor Kit WE17X10010

If 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.

What the part does

The motor is connected to the drum through a belt, and as the motor spins, it rotates the drum so that the clothes move and get evenly dried. The motor also powers the blower fan, which pulls in air, passes it over the heating element, and then forces the hot air into the drum. This constant circulation of hot air is what allows the dryer to efficiently remove moisture from the fabrics.

Symptoms of a bad motor

If the motor in your GE electric dryer is failing or has gone bad, you may experience one or more of the following issues:

• Drum not rotating – a faulty motor will be unable to turn the drum, leaving the clothes stationary.
• Blower fan not spinning – a bad motor won’t be able to power the blower, preventing airflow through the drum.
• Dryer not starting at all – a completely failed motor will prevent the dryer from turning on and running.
• Dryer running but taking much longer to dry – a weakened motor may not be able to provide sufficient airflow.

Possible causes of failure

There are a few common reasons why the motor may malfunction or fail:

• Normal wear and tear over time – the motor’s components can deteriorate with extended use.
• Electrical issues – power surges, wiring problems, or control board failures can damage the motor.
• Overheating incidents – if the dryer overheats, it can overstress and prematurely wear out the motor.
• Excessive vibration or unbalanced loads – repeated strain from heavy, unbalanced loads can take a toll on the motor.
• Lack of maintenance – failing to clean the lint filter and venting can restrict airflow and overheat the motor.

With the right replacement part and some mechanical aptitude, many homeowners can successfully complete this repair themselves.

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.

Read more: How To Replace A GE Dryer Drive Belt

Tools and materials needed

• Replacement part (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• Torx 20 screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• 5/16” nut driver
• 4mm Allen wrench
• 3/8” socket 

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:  Electric Dryer Leaving Black Marks On Clothes: Top 5 Problems and Fixes

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly and removal

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source.
2. Remove the four Torx head screws that retain the main control panel. Slightly lift up, lean forward, and then roll back the main control panel assembly.
3. Open the front door and remove the two Phillips head screws that retain the top metal panel. Slightly lift up and pull forward to remove the top panel assembly.
4. Remove the two Phillips head screws that hold the front panel to the dryer. 
5. Lift up slightly on the front of the dryer drum and slowly tilt forward the main panel. 
6. Disconnect the wiring harnesses that go to the dryer door switch and the internal light. 
7. Lift up and remove the front panel assembly.
8. Release the belt tensioner and remove the drive belt from the drum assembly.
9. Lift out the drum from the dryer cabinet. This will provide access to the motor.
10. Disconnect the wires from the cycling thermostat. 
11. Remove the Phillips head screw retaining the cycling thermostat and set it aside.
12. Identify and disconnect the motor wires (green, red, pink, yellow, black).
13. Remove the orange wire from the belt tensioner switch. 
14. Remove the two small Phillips head screws that retain the rear mounting bracket for the motor. 
15. Remove the two long screws that hold the blower housing assembly to the main front support panel.
16. Carefully remove the blower wheel and motor assembly from the dryer cabinet. 
17. Remove the bolt that retains the bracket that holds the fan assembly to the motor shaft.
18. Remove the back part of the bracket and use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw on the front of the mount assembly. 
19. Use a nut driver to remove the two screws and then remove the bracket assembly.
20. Carefully pull down and lift up on the spring retainer that holds the front edge of the bearing assembly. 
21. Remove the motor from the mount assembly.

Step 2: Installation and reassembly

1. Slide the new motor pulley onto the shaft and secure it with an Allen wrench.
2. Reinstall the orange wires from the old motor assembly onto the new motor in the same orientation.
3. Install the new motor into the original chassis, making sure the wires are oriented the same as the old motor. 
4. Reinstall the spring-style mounting clip on the front edge of the motor assembly.
5. Reinstall the rear bracket and thread in the two retaining screws.  
6. Reinstall the inner bracket on the shaft, then mount the fan assembly on the shaft and install the outer clamp.
7. Reposition the main motor assembly, aligning the fan into the fan shroud. 
8. Reinstall the two screws that hold the mount on the pulley side, then thread in and tighten the two long screws that retain the motor assembly to the main front support panel.
9. Reinstall the cycling thermostat and reconnect the white and yellow wires. 
10. Reconnect the motor wires in the proper order (green, red, pink, yellow, black).
11. Reconnect the small orange wire to the belt switch. 
12. Reposition the wires for the interior light and door switch.
13. Reinstall the main drum, ensuring the bearing goes into the support. 
14. Reinstall the old belt, making sure the ribbed portion goes against the drum.
15. Reinstall the front panel assembly, reconnecting the wiring harnesses. 
16. Lift up slightly on the drum and tilt the main panel forward, then tighten the two retaining screws.
17. Reinstall the top panel, aligning it with the tabs on the dryer cabinet. 
18. Open the front door and thread in the two retaining screws.
19. Rotate the main control panel into position, aligning the tabs, and thread in and tighten the four Torx head screws.
20. Reconnect the power cord and restore power to the dryer.

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

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the motor on your GE electric 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.

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