How to replace the outlet thermostat on a GE electric dryer

Is your GE electric dryer not heating properly or taking forever to finish a load? A faulty outlet thermostat might be the culprit, but don’t worry—our step-by-step guide and how-to video below will help you tackle this repair like a pro and get your dryer back to peak performance. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, because your DIY solution is just a click away!

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 outlet thermostat is responsible for monitoring the temperature inside the dryer drum, allowing your GE electric dryer to maintain the proper temperature during the drying cycle. Over time, use and wear can cause the outlet thermostat to become damaged. 

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 Replace A GE Electric Dryer Outlet Thermostat WE4M216

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

During the drying cycle, the outlet thermostat continuously senses the air temperature as it exits the drum. When the temperature reaches the set level, the thermostat opens the electrical circuit to the heating element, temporarily stopping voltage to the heater. Once the temperature drops below the set point, the thermostat closes the circuit, allowing the heating element to turn back on.

Symptoms of a bad outlet thermostat

• Dryer not heating up properly or taking an unusually long time to dry loads
• Dryer cycling on and off rapidly during operation
• Dryer running at excessively high temperatures
• Clothes coming out overly hot or damaged from excessive heat

Possible causes of failure

• Normal wear: The thermostat’s components can deteriorate with prolonged use and exposure to heat, causing it to malfunction.
• Electrical issues: Problems with the wiring or other electrical components in the dryer can disrupt the thermostat’s ability to properly sense and regulate temperature.
• Overheating: If the dryer experiences extended periods of overheating, it can damage the outlet thermostat beyond repair.
• Manufacturing defects: In some rare cases, a faulty or defective outlet thermostat may have been installed in the dryer from the factory.

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 Disassemble A Dryer

Tools and materials needed

• Replacement part (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• Phillips screwdriver
• 1/4 inch driver

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:  How Do I Know If My Dryer’s Thermal Fuse Is Blown?

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly and removal

1. Unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker to disconnect power.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws at the top of the front panel, just behind the door.
3. Lift the top panel up slightly to clear the console legs, then pull the panel forward.
4. Remove the Phillips screws found at each back corner of the front panel.
5. Lift the front panel up, rotate it to the side, and disconnect the door switch wires.
6. Set the front panel aside.
7. Locate the outlet thermostat, which is located on the blower housing.
8. Remove the single Phillips head screw securing the outlet thermostat.
9. Disconnect the wires from the old thermostat, taking note of where each wire is connected.

Step 2: Installation and reassembly

1. Mount the new replacement outlet thermostat and secure it with the Phillips head screw.
2. Reconnect the wires to the new thermostat, ensuring each wire is attached to the correct terminal.
3. Double-check that all wires are properly connected.
4. Grab the front panel and reconnect the door switch wires.
5. Set the front panel back onto the dryer and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.
6. Slide the top panel back onto the console legs, then rotate the top panel down and secure it with the Phillips screws.
7. Plug the dryer back in or flip the circuit breaker back on.
8. Test the new outlet thermostat by running a full drying cycle.

Read more: How To Replace A Thermal Fuse In A Dryer

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the outlet thermostat 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.

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!