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

Is your GE electric dryer refusing to start when you need it most? The culprit could be the simple rotate-to-start switch, and before dialing up an expensive repair technician, you can easily test it yourself. Dive into our step-by-step guide and watch the included how-to video below to troubleshoot this issue and potentially save both time and money.

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If your GE electric dryer isn’t starting, the problem may be with the rotate to start 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: How To Replace A GE Electric Dryer Rotate-To-Start Switch WE4M519

Tools and materials

• Torx 20 driver
• Multimeter

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 cut power to the appliance.
2. Remove the top screws on the console using the Torx 20 screwdriver.
3. Rotate the console panel forward to access the interior components.
4. Locate the rotate-to-start switch. It will have brown and red wires connected to it.
5. Set your multimeter to check for continuity.
6. With the switch in the activated (rotated) position, check for continuity between the brown and red wire terminals on the switch.
7. If you have continuity when the switch is activated, the rotate-to-start switch is functioning properly.
8. If there is no continuity when the switch is activated, the rotate-to-start switch will need to be replaced.

To reassemble:

1. Line up the bottom legs of the console with the top panel.
2. Rotate the console back into the closed position.
3. Secure the console with the Torx 20 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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