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HomeRepair HelpGE Dryer RepairGE Dryer won't start Repair
Troubleshooting Help GE Dryer Won't Start
If your GE dryer won't start or the dryer is not turning on when you press the start button, start with the most likely causes: a blown thermal fuse from an overheated or restricted vent, then check that the door is fully closed and nothing is blocking the latch. If those are OK, test the start switch and the door switch for continuity with a multimeter— a bad start switch often makes the motor hum but not engage, while a faulty door switch usually makes no click. Less commonly a bad control board can block power to the motor, and an object stuck in the blower wheel can make the motor hum or prevent the drum from starting. RepairClinic has step-by-step troubleshooting and repair videos plus replacement parts; enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your dryer.
01 - GE Dryer Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the dryer from overheating. The fuse is located on the blower housing or at the dryer’s heat source such as the heating element on electric dryers or at the burner on gas models. The fuse should be closed for continuity meaning it has a continuous electrical path through it when good. If overheated the fuse will have no continuity meaning the electrical path is broken and the fuse has blown. A multimeter can be used to test it for continuity. Be aware that a blown thermal fuse is an indication of a restricted exhaust vent from the dryer to the outside. Always check t...
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Top Solution
02 - Door is not fully closed
Since the dryer will not start with the door open, confirm the door is fully closed and remove anything that is obstructing the door.
Top Solution
03 - GE Dryer Start Switch
To determine if the start switch is defective, attempt to start the dryer. If the dryer hums but does not start, the start switch is not at fault. If the dryer does not respond or make any noise, the start switch could be at fault. Use a multimeter to test the start switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.
Highly Likely
04 - GE Dryer Door Switch
The door switch activates when the dryer door is closed. On most dryers, the door switch makes an audible clicking sound when it activates. To determine if the door switch is working, try starting your dryer and then listen for the “click.” If the door switch makes a clicking sound, it is probably not defective. If you don’t hear a click, use a multimeter to use the door switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
05 - GE Dryer Control Board
A dryer's control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If the board is defective, it may not allow the dryer to start. 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 dryer's wiring diagram.
Common
06 - Object stuck in blower wheel
If the dryer won’t start, an article of clothing may have gotten past the lint screen and is caught in the blower wheel. When this happens the drive motor will either hum but won’t start or will make a lot of noise when trying to start. The blower cover will need to be removed to check for obstructions. If the blower wheel is damaged it will need to be replaced.
Common
07 - GE Dryer Heating Element
The heating element warms the air before it enters the dryer drum. Over time, the heating element can burn out, causing the dryer not to heat , or short out which can cause the dryer to overheat. To determine if the heating element is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, or is shorted (has continuity to the case), replace it. Note: If the thermal fuse has tripped, some heating elements come with a thermal fuse and high limit thermostat already on them.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
My dryer hums but the drum won't turn. What's causing that?
My dryer won't start at all. What should I check first?
Can a blown thermal fuse prevent my dryer from starting?
How can I tell if the door switch or start switch is bad?
How do I enter my model number to find the right replacement part on RepairClinic.com?