How to test the outlet thermostat on a GE dryer that doesn’t heat

Has your GE electric dryer lost its heat? The culprit might be a malfunctioning outlet thermostat, but with our expert guide, you don’t need to call in a costly repairman just yet. Discover how to troubleshoot and fix this common issue on your own, with an easy-to-follow how-to video waiting just below!

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If your GE electric dryer isn’t heating, the problem may be with the outlet thermostat. This part is responsible for sensing the temperature in the dryer and controlling the heating element, so a faulty thermostat can lead to inconsistent heating or no heat at all. 

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 Outlet Thermostat WE4M216

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

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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

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 found at each back corner of the front panel.
4. Lift up the front panel, rotate it to the side, and disconnect the door switch wires. Set the front panel aside.
5. Locate the outlet thermostat on the blower housing of the dryer.
6. Set a multimeter to the continuity setting.
7. Place the multimeter probes on the thermostat terminals.
8. If there is no continuity, the outlet thermostat has failed and needs to be replaced.
9. If there is continuity, the outlet thermostat is good, and the issue is likely something else preventing the dryer from heating.
10. To reassemble, reconnect the door switch wires and place the front panel back onto the dryer.
11. Secure the front panel with the removed Phillips screws.
12. Slide the top panel back onto the console legs, rotate it down, and secure it with the Phillips screws.
13. Check that all wires are properly connected before powering on the dryer.

Read more:  How To Disassemble A Dryer

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Maytag 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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