How to test the inlet thermostat on a GE dryer that is not heating

Is your GE electric dryer leaving your laundry damp instead of fluffy and warm? If your dryer isn’t heating, the culprit could be a malfunctioning inlet thermostat. Before you dial up a technician, check out our detailed guide and accompanying how-to video below, empowering you to identify and possibly fix the issue yourself.

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If your GE electric dryer isn’t heating, the problem may be with the inlet thermostat, also called the cycling or operating thermostat. This part is responsible for sensing the temperature inside the dryer and controlling the heating element. 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.

Watch here: How To Test A GE Electric Dryer Inlet Thermostat WE4M181

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.

Tools and materials

• Multimeter 
• Phillips screwdriver

Read more:  How to replace GE dryer outlet control thermistor WE4M448

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.

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Testing steps

Step 1: Access the inlet thermostat

1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws at the top of the front panel, just behind the door.
2. Lift the top panel up slightly to clear the console legs, then pull the panel forward.
3. Remove the Phillips screws at each back corner of the front panel.
4. Lift the front panel up, rotate it to the side, and disconnect the door switch wires.
5. 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, then set it aside.

Step 2: Test the inlet thermostat

1. Locate the inlet thermostat, which is the second one from the left, next to the safety thermostat.
2. Remove the leftmost wire and the outer center wire from the inlet thermostat.
3. Place one probe of a multimeter on each terminal of the inlet thermostat.
4. Check for continuity. If there is no continuity, the inlet thermostat has failed and needs to be replaced.
5. If there is continuity, the inlet thermostat is good, and the issue lies elsewhere in the dryer.

Step 3: Reassemble the dryer

1. Double-check that all the wires are properly connected.
2. Install the drum and belt, making sure the belt is firmly on the motor pulley.
3. Attach the front panel, connecting the door switch wires and securing it with the removed screws.
4. Slide the top panel on the console legs, rotate it down, and secure it with the Phillips screws.
5. Plug the dryer back in or flip the circuit breaker back on.
6. If the inlet thermostat checks out okay, you can explore other troubleshooting guides to find the cause of the dryer not heating. If the inlet thermostat is faulty, you can easily find and order a replacement at appliancepartspros.com and install it yourself.

Read more:  How To Disassemble A Dryer

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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