How to troubleshoot an electric GE dryer that won’t start

Is your GE electric dryer failing to start, leaving you with a pile of damp clothes and mounting frustration? Before you reach for the phone to call a costly repair technician, take a moment to explore a few straightforward troubleshooting tips that could resolve your issue in no time. Plus, with our easy-to-follow how-to video just below, you’ll have the guidance you need to potentially save on repair costs and get your laundry routine back on track.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

If your electric GE electric dryer suddenly stops working and won’t turn on, don’t let it ruin your laundry day. Before calling in an expensive repair tech, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take to fix the issue yourself.

By sticking with us, you may be able to avoid the cost of a service call and get back to your regular laundry routine.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your GE dryer while you’re troubleshooting, 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 the troubleshooting process here!

What you need

• Torx 20 driver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Multimeter

Important: 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.

Read more: Troubleshooting Tips for a Dryer Drum That Does Not Turn

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 you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.Read more: Electric GE dryer won’t start: A troubleshooting guide 

How to troubleshoot the dryer

Follow these steps to find out why your electric GE dryer isn’t starting and how to fix it.

Step 1: Check the terminal block

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the appliance needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Find the terminal block, which is located at the bottom of the back of the dryer. If there’s a cover that needs to be removed to access the terminal block, remove it.
2. Set your multimeter to AC voltage.
3. Use the meter probes to check for 240 volts AC at the terminal block.
4. Check the meter reading. If you get less than 240 volts, there may be an issue with the outlet, which should be checked by a licensed electrician.

If you get 240 volts, continue troubleshooting.

Step 2: Test the timer

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
2. Use a Torx 20 driver to remove the mounting screws along the top of the console.
3. Set the timer to a cycle and rotate the console panel forward.
4. Set your multimeter to continuity mode, which looks like a sideways WiFi symbol.
5. Use the meter probes to test from Terminal B to Terminal C. You should hear a beeping sound from the meter if there’s continuity (good).

If there is no continuity, then the timer has failed and needs to be replaced.

If you got continuity here, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Test the rotate-to-start switch

1. Activate the rotate-to-start switch.
2. Use the multimeter probes to check for continuity from the brown wire to the red wire terminals. You should hear a beeping sound from the multimeter if there’s continuity (good).

If there’s no continuity when the switch is activated, then the switch needs to be replaced.

If you got continuity here, continue troubleshooting.

Step 4: Test the door switch

1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws at the top of the front panel, just behind the door.
2. Lift the front of the top panel up and 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 lean it against the frame.
5. Rotate the plastic cover out of the way.
6. Remove the white wire from the common terminal.
7. Set your multimeter to continuity mode.
8. Use the meter probes to test for continuity from the common terminal to the (normally open) terminal with the brown wire with a yellow stripe. The meter should make a beeping sound if there’s continuity (good).

If there’s no continuity, the door switch has failed and needs to be replaced.

If you get continuity here, move on to the next step.

Step 5: Check the high-limit thermostat

1. Reach under the drum and disconnect the belt from the belt pulley.
2. Lift the belt and use it to help you pull the drum forward and out.
3. Find the high-limit thermostat on the top of the element housing, on the far right side.
4. Use the multimeter probes to test the thermostat for continuity. The meter should make a beeping sound if there’s continuity (good).

If there’s no continuity, then the high-limit thermostat has failed and needs to be replaced.

If everything so far has tested OK, that leaves one last part to check.

Step 6: Test the motor

1. Set the multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
2. Use the meter probes to test from Terminal 5 to Terminal 4 on the motor.
3. Check the meter reading. The resistance should be between 4.1 to 4.9 Ohms.

If the resistance check is outside of the acceptable range, the motor needs to be replaced.

Watch: Electric Dryer Won’t Start – TOP 6 Reasons & Fixes – Whirlpool, Kenmore, and more 

Additional information

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