How to test the motor on a GE electric dryer that isn’t heating

If your GE electric dryer isn’t heating, one part that may cause this problem is the motor. This part is responsible for turning the drum so that the clothes tumble and dry evenly. 

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.

The troubleshooting information in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Tools and materials

• Multimeter 
• Phillips screwdriver

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.

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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: Disassembly

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 found at each back corner of the front panel.
5. Lift up the front panel, rotate it to the side, and disconnect the door switch wires. Set the front panel aside.
6. Remove the belt and the drum.

Step 2: Motor testing

1. Set a multimeter to continuity mode.
2. Place one multimeter probe on the far left terminal of the motor and the other probe on the far right terminal.
3. Pull the centrifugal plate on the motor to activate the switch contacts and check for continuity.
4. If there is no continuity, the motor has failed and needs to be replaced.

Step 3: Reassembly

1. Double-check to ensure all wires are properly connected.
2. Reconnect the door switch wires and secure the front panel with the screws.
3. Slide the top panel back onto the console legs, rotate it down, and secure it with the long Phillips screws.
4. Reinstall the drum and belt.
5. Plug the dryer back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.

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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