How to test the belt switch on a GE electric dryer

Is your GE electric dryer refusing to stay on unless the start button is continuously pressed? Don’t rush to call a technician just yet! Discover the simple steps to test the belt switch yourself and potentially resolve this common dryer issue, with an easy-to-follow video guide waiting for you just below.

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If your GE electric dryer runs only when the start button is held down, the problem may be with the belt switch. Before you call for a repair technician, you can quickly test the part yourself to determine if it’s the source of the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to troubleshoot the problem and get your appliance back up and running.

If you find out that 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.

Watch here: How To Replace A GE Electric Dryer Belt Switch WD21X10261

Tools and materials

• Phillips screwdriver
• Multimeter

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.

Testing steps

1. Unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker.
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. Set the top panel aside.
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 lean it against the frame.
6. Remove the belt from the idler pulley.
7. Use the belt to help pull the drum out of the dryer.
8. With the belt switch now accessible, set your multimeter to continuity.
9. Place the multimeter probes on the belt switch terminals.
10. Move the idler pulley to the same position it would be in if the belt was on.
11. If there is no continuity, the belt switch needs to be replaced.
12. If there is continuity, the issue is likely something else preventing the dryer from running correctly.
13. Install the drum and belt back into the dryer.
14. Double-check that all the wires are properly connected.
15. Set the front panel back onto the dryer and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.
16. Slide the top panel onto the console legs, rotate it down, and secure it with the long Phillips screws.
17. Plug the dryer back in or flip the circuit breaker back on.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your GE electric dryer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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