How to test the door switch on a GE electric dryer that won’t start

Is your GE electric dryer suddenly refusing to start? Before you dial up a repair technician, you might be able to diagnose the problem yourself, saving both time and money. Discover how a simple door switch test can be your key to a quick fix and watch the step-by-step video guide just below to get started!

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If your GE electric dryer isn’t starting, the problem may be with the door 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: GE Electric Dryer Will Not Start Troubleshooting

Tools and materials

• Phillips screwdriver
• Multimeter

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

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 front panel forward.
4. Remove the Phillips screws at each back corner of the front panel.
5. Lift up the front panel and rotate it to the side, leaning it against the frame.
6. Locate the door switch and remove the white wire from the common terminal.
7. Set your multimeter to the continuity setting.
8. With the door closed, test for continuity between the common terminal and the normally open terminal with the brown wire with a yellow stripe.
9. If there is no continuity, the door switch has failed and needs to be replaced. 
10. If there is continuity, the door switch is good and the issue will be elsewhere.

Reassembly:

1. Reconnect the door switch wires.
2. Set the front panel back onto the dryer and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.
3. Slide the top panel back onto the console legs and rotate it down, then secure it with the long Phillips screws.
4. Plug the dryer back in or turn 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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