How to replace the safety thermostat on a GE electric dryer

Is your GE electric dryer heating inconsistently or overheating? These symptoms might point to a faulty safety thermostat, but don’t worry—it’s a problem you can fix right at home! Watch the how-to video below and follow our simple step-by-step guide to replace the safety thermostat and keep your dryer running smoothly.

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 safety thermostat is responsible for monitoring the temperature within the dryer, allowing your GE electric dryer to operate safely. Over time, use and wear can cause the safety 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 Safety Thermostat WE4M160

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

This safety feature helps prevent the dryer from overheating, which could lead to a fire hazard or damage to the internal parts. By constantly monitoring the temperature, the safety thermostat ensures that the dryer operates within safe limits, protecting both the machine and your home.

Symptoms of a bad safety thermostat

If the safety thermostat is faulty or has failed, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Dryer not heating up or heating inconsistently
• Dryer cycling on and off repeatedly
• Dryer overheating and automatic shut-off
• Dryer running but no heat being produced

Possible causes  

There are a few common reasons why a safety thermostat may fail on a GE electric dryer:

• Wear and tear: Over time, the thermostat’s components can become worn down or damaged due to the constant heat and vibration of the dryer.
• Electrical issues: Problems with the wiring or connections to the safety thermostat can cause it to malfunction.
• Overheating: If the dryer has experienced severe overheating in the past, it may have damaged the safety thermostat’s sensitive components.
• Manufacturing defect: In some cases, a safety thermostat may be faulty right out of the box due to a manufacturing defect.

Replacing the safety thermostat is generally a straightforward repair, and it’s important to do so promptly to restore safe and reliable operation to your dryer.

Learn how to test the part here: How To Test A GE Electric Dryer Safety Thermostat WE4M160

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: Electric GE dryer won’t start: A troubleshooting guide

Tools and materials needed

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

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

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly and removal

1. Unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker to disconnect power.
2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, 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 front 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. Set the front panel aside.
6. Reach under the drum and disconnect the belt from the belt pulley.
7. Use the belt to assist in pulling the drum forward and out. Set the drum aside.
8. Remove the four heating element outer mounting screws to move the element out a bit.
9. Locate the safety thermostat, second from the left next to the inlet thermostat.
10. Disconnect the wires attached to the safety thermostat.
11. Remove the Phillips mounting screw to unmount the old safety thermostat.

Step 2: Installation and reassembly

1. Place the new safety thermostat in the same location and secure it with the Phillips screw.
2. Reconnect each wire to the new safety thermostat one at a time, matching the connections.
3. Remount the heating element and secure it with the four screws.
4. Reinstall the drum, making sure to get the belt firmly on the motor pulley.
5. Reconnect the door switch wires and set the front panel back in place, securing it with the screws.
6. Slide the top panel back onto the console legs, rotate it down, and secure it with the screws.
7. Plug the dryer back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.

Read more: How To Disassemble A Dryer

Additional information

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

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