How to test the cycling thermostat on a GE electric dryer

Is your dryer cutting off before your clothes are dry? It could be a malfunctioning cycling thermostat causing the issue. Before you pick up the phone for a costly service call, dive into our step-by-step guide and watch our handy video below to effortlessly troubleshoot and address the problem yourself.

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If your dryer’s auto cycle stops too soon, the problem may be with the cycling thermostat. 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 Test A Whirlpool Dryer Cycling Thermostat WP8318268

Tools and materials

• Multimeter
• Phillips screwdriver
• Hair dryer

 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.

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

Cycling thermostat testing

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, located 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, rotate it to the side, and disconnect the door switch wires. Set the front panel aside.
6. Set your multimeter to the continuity testing setting.
7. Locate the cycling thermostat, typically found near the heating element.
8. Use a hair dryer to apply heat to the cycling thermostat.
9. Monitor the multimeter – the thermostat should only open (lose continuity) after a few minutes of heating, as it is designed to open at around 135°F.
10. If the thermostat does not show continuity within a few seconds of applying heat, the thermostat has failed and needs to be replaced.
11. If the thermostat maintains continuity until it reaches the 135°F opening temperature, then the thermostat is functioning properly, and the issue may lie elsewhere in the dryer.

Reset and reassembly

1. If you replaced the cycling thermostat, double-check that all wires are properly reconnected.
2. Carefully place the front panel back onto the dryer and secure it with the previously removed screws.
3. Slide the top panel back onto the console legs, rotate it down, and secure it with the long Phillips screws.
4. Plug the dryer back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.
5. Test the dryer to ensure the auto cycle is now operating properly.

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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