General Electric Dryer overheating: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

The heating element warms the air before it goes into the General Electric dryer drum. Over time, the element can burn out so the General Electric dryer won't heat up. Use a multimeter to check if the element has continuity. No continuity means the element is burned out. If there's no continuity, replace the heating element. This should fix it so the element heats the air again and the General Electric dryer can heat properly.

How to Replace General Electric Dryer Heating Element

1. Unplug the General Electric dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the General Electric dryer cabinet and locate the heating element housing.
3. Remove the wires from the heating element terminals. Loosen the mounting screws.
4. Carefully slide out the old heating element and discard it properly.
5. Install the new heating element in the housing and secure with mounting screws.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect wires to the same terminals.
7. Reassemble the General Electric dryer cabinet and double check all connections.
8. Plug in the General Electric dryer and verify heat function on a test cycle before drying clothes
9. Monitor the new heating element during operation for proper brightness when heating.
10. If it does not heat, recheck the wire connections on the element.

Repair Instructions:

The heating element warms the air before it goes into the General Electric dryer drum. Over time, the element can burn out so the General Electric dryer won't heat up. Use a multimeter to check if the element has continuity. No continuity means the element is burned out. If there's no continuity, replace the heating element assembly. This should fix it so the assembly heats the air again and the General Electric dryer can heat properly.

How to Replace General Electric Dryer Heating Element Assembly

1. Unplug the General Electric dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the General Electric dryer cabinet and locate the heating element housing.
3. Disconnect the wires from the terminals on the heating element assembly.
4. Remove the mounting screws and carefully slide out the old assembly.
5. Install the new heating element assembly using mounting screws to secure it in place.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the wires to the proper terminals.
7. Reassemble the General Electric dryer, replace the cabinet panel, and double check connections.
8. Plug in the General Electric dryer and verify heat function on a test cycle before drying clothes.
9. Monitor the heating element during operation for proper brightness when activated.
10. If it does not heat, recheck the wire connections on the new assembly.

Repair Instructions:

If your General Electric dryer drum is not turning, it's probably not because of a bad timer. That rarely happens. First check the parts that usually break. If everything else is working right, then test the timer. Use a multimeter and wiring diagram to check the timer. If the timer is bad, replace it. But again, the timer is not likely to be the problem if the drum won't turn. Look at the other parts first before replacing the timer.

How to Replace General Electric Dryer Timer

1. Unplug the General Electric dryer from the power source. Make sure the General Electric dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the General Electric dryer control panel to access the timer. It is usually located behind a panel on the top console.
3. Take a photo of the wire connections on the old timer for reference. Then remove the wires noting their positions.
4. Remove the mounting screws that secure the timer using a Phillips head screwdriver.
5. Carefully remove the old timer and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new timer in place and reinstall the mounting screws to secure it.
7. Reconnect all the wires to the same terminals they were originally attached based on your photo. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the General Electric dryer control panel ensuring all components are secure.
9. Plug in the General Electric dryer and test both heating and cycles to verify the new timer is working properly before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections.

Repair Instructions:

The drive motor turns the drum and blower wheel to push out the air. First, see if the motor makes a humming noise. If it still hums, take off the belt from the motor. Then check that nothing is blocking the blower wheel. Next, with the belt off, try to turn the drum by hand. If the drum doesn't spin easily, find out what's stopping it from turning. If the drum spins freely and nothing blocks the blower, the drive motor may be bad. If you think the motor is the problem, replace it. That should fix your General Electric dryer.

Repair Instructions:

The main control board in a General Electric dryer controls the power going to all the parts. If the board is bad, it could stop sending power to the motor. This would make the drum not turn. Look at the board for any damaged or shorted parts. You can also use a multimeter to check if power is getting to the motor. First check the wiring diagram for the General Electric dryer. Replacing the control board can fix the problem if it's not giving power to the motor.

How to Replace General Electric Dryer Main Control Board

1. Unplug the General Electric dryer from the power source. Make sure the General Electric dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the control panel on the General Electric dryer, usually on the top front area. Remove any screws securing it.
3. Take photos of all wire connections on the old control board to use for reference later.
4. Disconnect the wires from the terminals noting their positions. Remove any mounting screws.
5. Carefully remove the old control board and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new main control board and reinstall any mounting screws to secure it.
7. Refer to your photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the control panel cover and secure with screws.
9. Plug in the General Electric dryer and turn it on to verify functionality. Test all settings before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections on the new main control board.

Repair Instructions:

The General Electric dryer has a part called a thermistor. The thermistor checks the temperature of the heating part of the General Electric dryer. When the heating part gets hot enough, the thermistor turns the heat off. This helps prevent the General Electric dryer from getting too hot. If the thermistor is broken, it might not turn the heat on at all. So the General Electric dryer won't heat up like it should. The thermistor is an important safety part. It makes sure the General Electric dryer doesn't overheat. If your General Electric dryer isn't heating, the thermistor could be faulty. It may need to be replaced.

How to Replace General Electric Dryer Thermistor

1. Unplug the General Electric dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the General Electric dryer cabinet and locate the thermistor on the blower housing or heating element.
3. Note which wires are connected to the old thermistor, then disconnect them.
4. Unscrew or detach the thermistor from the General Electric dryer housing and remove it.
5. Install the new thermistor in the same spot as the old one and secure it.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the wires to the proper terminals.
7. Reassemble the General Electric dryer, close up the cabinet, and double check connections.
8. Plug in the General Electric dryer and verify temperature sensing on a test cycle.
9. If it is not working, recheck the wire connections on the new thermistor.
10. Run a full cycle allowing it to heat up and cool down to test thermistor function.

Repair Instructions:

The cycling thermostat turns the heat on and off to keep the air temperature right. If it is broken, the General Electric dryer won't heat up. But this rarely happens. Before replacing the thermostat, check the parts that often break first. If those parts are all working, use a multimeter to test the thermostat. Check if electricity can pass through it. If electricity cannot pass through, the thermostat needs replacing. Only replace it if testing shows it is broken. Follow safety tips when testing. Make sure to unplug the General Electric dryer before testing inside.

How to Replace General Electric Dryer Cycling Thermostat

1. Unplug the General Electric dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the General Electric dryer cabinet and locate the cycling thermostat on the blower housing.
3. Note which two wires are connected, then disconnect them from the old thermostat.
4. Unscrew or remove the retaining clip to detach the old cycling thermostat.
5. Install the new cycling thermostat in the same spot and secure it.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the two wires to the proper terminals.
7. Reassemble the General Electric dryer cabinet and double check all connections.
8. Plug in the General Electric dryer and verify it cycles heat on and off during a test cycle.
9. If it fails to cycle properly, recheck the wire connections on the new thermostat.
10. Allow it to fully heat up and cool down to confirm proper thermostat function.

Repair Instructions:

Felt seals stop hot air from leaking out around the drum. Some General Electric dryers have one felt seal in front, while others have one in front and one in back too. If the seals get torn or are missing, clothes can get caught between the drum and the outer housing. This outer part is often called the shroud. To check the seals, open the door and look at them closely. See if there are any rips or missing pieces. Damaged or missing felt seals should be replaced. Putting in new seals will plug up any gaps around the drum. This prevents clothes from getting trapped between the hot drum and shroud during drying. Checking the seals and replacing them if needed is an easy fix.

How to Replace General Electric Dryer Felt Seal

1. Unplug the General Electric dryer from the power source. Make sure the General Electric dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the General Electric dryer door and remove the lint screen to access the drum.
3. Locate the felt seal on the inside edge of the drum opening. This seals the gap between the drum and front panel.
4. Use a putty knife to gently pry up the old felt seal, being careful not to scratch the drum surface.
5. Remove any adhesive residue left behind with adhesive remover or gum cutter solvent.
6. Wipe the surface clean and allow it to fully dry before applying new felt seal.
7. Apply a thin bead of high-temperature sealant along the lip where the new felt seal will be placed.
8. Press the new felt seal into place along the drum opening, smoothing down the adhesive to secure it.
9. Allow the adhesive to fully cure for at least 2-4 hours before using the General Electric dryer.
10. Reattach the lint screen and close the General Electric dryer door. Plug in the General Electric dryer and test it empty to ensure a proper seal before drying laundry.

Repair Instructions:

The high-limit thermostat watches the temperature inside the General Electric dryer. It turns the burner off if the General Electric dryer gets too hot. If the thermostat is broken, it might turn the burner off even if the General Electric dryer is not too hot. But this rarely happens. Before replacing the thermostat, check the other parts that often break. If the other parts are all working, use a multimeter to test if the thermostat is working. See if electricity can pass through it. If the thermostat does not let electricity through, it needs to be replaced. Only replace it if testing shows it is broken.

How to Replace General Electric Dryer High Limit Thermostat

1. Unplug the General Electric dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the General Electric dryer cabinet and locate the high limit thermostat on the blower or heater housing.
3. Note which two wires are connected to the old thermostat, then disconnect them.
4. Unscrew or detach the old high limit thermostat and remove it from the housing.
5. Install the new high limit thermostat in the same location and secure it.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the two wires to the proper terminals.
7. Reassemble the General Electric dryer and double check that all connections are secure.
8. Plug in the General Electric dryer and verify heat shuts off on a test cycle once it gets too hot.
9. If it fails to do so, recheck the wire connections on the new high limit thermostat.
10. Run a full cycle to confirm proper General Electric dryer temperature regulation.

Repair Instructions:

The blower wheel in the General Electric dryer moves air through the drum. The motor that turns the blower wheel also runs the belt for the drum. So if the blower wheel gets blocked, it could stop the drum from turning too. Check the blower wheel and housing for anything blocking it. If you see an obstruction, replace the blower wheel or housing. Replacing the part will help get the drum turning again.

How to Replace General Electric Dryer Blower Wheel

1. Unplug the General Electric dryer from the power source. Make sure the General Electric dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the blower housing usually located in the back panel or side of the General Electric dryer.
3. Remove the retaining screw in the center of the blower wheel using a Phillips head screwdriver. This releases the wheel from the motor shaft.
4. Carefully slide the old blower wheel off the shaft. Be mindful of the fins, they may be sharp.
5. Compare old and new blower wheels to ensure correct replacement. Make note of the direction and angle of the fins.
6. Before installing, vacuum the blower housing to remove built up lint and debris.
7. Slide the new blower wheel onto the motor shaft at the same angle as the old one. Make sure it is fully seated.
8. Reinstall and tighten the retaining screw through the center of the blower wheel.
9. Reattach the blower housing cover using the retaining screws.
10. Plug in the General Electric dryer and run a test cycle to verify proper airflow before drying clothes.

Repair Instructions:

A General Electric dryer's control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If the board is defective, it may interrupt voltage to the drive motor resulting in the drum not turning. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the drive motor after reviewing the General Electric dryer's wiring diagram.

How to Replace General Electric Dryer Control Board

1. Unplug the General Electric dryer from the power source. Make sure the General Electric dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the control panel on the General Electric dryer, usually on the top front area. Remove any screws securing it.
3. Take photos of all wire connections on the old control board to use for reference later.
4. Disconnect the wires from the terminals noting their positions. Remove any mounting screws.
5. Carefully remove the old control board and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new control board and reinstall any mounting screws to secure it.
7. Refer to your photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the control panel cover and secure with screws.
9. Plug in the General Electric dryer and turn it on to verify functionality. Test all settings before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections on the new control board.

Repair Instructions:

If the vent line gets clogged or partly clogged, it blocks airflow through the General Electric dryer. This makes drying take way longer and the inside gets hotter. It can also cause a burning smell. To keep your General Electric dryer working right, you should clean the vent system at least once a year. Cleaning the vents prevents issues like bad smells from the General Electric dryer not venting air properly.

Repair Instructions:

A lint filter clogged with lint cuts down on air flow. This can make the General Electric dryer overheat until the thermal fuse trips. To dry clothes best, clean the lint filter before each load. General Electric Dryer sheets can leave buildup on the filter. If you can't blow air through the filter, wash it with soap and water. Use a brush to clean it. Check the filter housing and grille too. Remove any lint in them. Keeping the lint filter clean allows air to flow. This stops the General Electric dryer from overheating. Cleaning it before each load is important.

How to Replace General Electric Dryer Lint Filter

1. Unplug the General Electric dryer from the power source. Make sure the General Electric dryer is completely powered off.
2. Open the General Electric dryer door and locate the lint filter housing. It is usually near the top of the door opening.
3. Remove the old lint filter by pulling it straight out of the housing. Discard the used filter.
4. Before inserting the new filter, vacuum out the filter housing to remove any lint or debris.
5. Check that the new replacement filter is the right size and shape to fit into the housing.
6. Slide the new lint filter into the filter housing. Make sure it fits securely inside the housing.
7. Run water over the filter to wet it and check for leaks. This ensures it catches lint properly.
8. Dry the filter thoroughly before reassembling the General Electric dryer.
9. Close the General Electric dryer door and plug the power cord back in.
10. Run an empty cycle to verify the new filter is working correctly before drying clothes.