There’s nothing worse than loading your clothes into the dryer, only to find that your GE dryer won’t turn on. Luckily, we’re here to share five common reasons why a GE dryer can stop working and provide step-by-step solutions to help you troubleshoot the problem. Even if you’re experiencing issues like your dryer won’t start but has power, or your GE dryer stopped working mid-cycle, this guide is for you.
Top Reasons Why Your GE Dryer Won’t Turn On
When you press start on your dryer but nothing happens, don’t panic. The problem may be a quick and easy one to fix yourself! Here’s where to start your GE dryer troubleshooting:
No Power to the Dryer
The first thing to check when your GE dryer is not turning on is the power supply. Here’s what to do:
- Ensure the dryer is properly plugged into the wall outlet.
- Check the circuit breaker or fuse box for any tripped breakers or blown fuses. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse if necessary.
- Verify that the outlet has power by testing it with another appliance or a voltage tester.
- Inspect the power cord for any visible damage, and replace it if needed.
Dryer Settings Issue
Sometimes, your GE dryer won’t turn on due to settings issues such as delay start or control lock. To fix this:
- Check if the dryer is set to “Delay Start.” If so, either wait for the delay period to elapse or cancel the delay by pressing the “Delay Start” button again.
- Verify if the “Control Lock” feature is enabled. This feature locks the control panel to prevent unintended use. To disable it, press and hold the “Control Lock” button for three seconds.
Door Latch Is Not Engaged
If the dryer door isn’t fully closed or latch is not properly engaged, your dryer won’t start as a safety precaution. To resolve this issue:
- Open and close the door firmly to ensure the latch clicks into place.
- Make sure to articles of clothing are blocking the door latch from engaging.
- Inspect the door latch and strike for any visible damage, and replace them if necessary.
- Clean the door latch and strike area to remove any lint or debris that might be preventing proper engagement.
*Pro Tip: Be sure that you don’t slam your dryer door when closing it. This will help keep the door latch mechanism in good shape and prevent damage to it.
Broken Dryer Components
Broken components such as the start switch, thermal fuse, or control board can cause your GE dryer not to turn on. Here’s how to troubleshoot each:
Start Switch
The start switch is responsible for initiating the dryer’s operation when you press the start button. If the switch fails, it won’t send the signal to the control board to start the drying cycle. To troubleshoot the start switch, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If it doesn’t show continuity, it’s time to replace the switch.
Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device that prevents the dryer from overheating by cutting off power to the heating element if the temperature exceeds a predetermined limit. If the thermal fuse blows, it can cause your dryer to stop working mid-cycle or not turn on at all.
Test the thermal fuse for continuity using a multimeter. If the fuse has no continuity, it means it has blown and needs to be replaced.
Control Board
The control board serves as the “brain” of your dryer, managing and coordinating the various functions and components. If the control board malfunctions or is damaged, it can cause your GE dryer not to turn on. It’s important to note that diagnosing a faulty control board can be difficult, and it’s often best to consult a professional technician for assistance.
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above but still your GE dryer won’t turn on, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Tiger Mechanical, our expert technicians specialize in dryer service and repair, ensuring your appliance is up and running in no time. Don’t let a broken dryer ruin your day – contact Tiger Mechanical for fast, reliable, and efficient dryer repair services.
And for more laundry tips, check out our guide on how to make homemade dryer sheets!
