GE Dryer Won’t Start
Simple often overlooked problems
If your GE dryer won’t start, this page will help you find simple problems that may be overlooked when diagnosing a GE dryer. There are a few things that can cause this problem that are not covered on this page. Follow this link if you don’t find the problem on this page. GE Dryer Not Running
This page is dedicated to problems that arise because of the plastic parts on the control breaking, such as the timer knob, dryer start switch, start switch knob, and the backsplash itself.
Timer Knob Broken
Often the timer knob
will crack and when this happens you will turn the knob to the cycle, however
the timer switch will not turn. You may think it turned because you feel
resistance but in reality the switch didn’t turn and all you turned was the
knob. To check this, remove the knob and look at the back of the knob where it
goes onto the shaft and if it is cracked it needs to be replaced. To confirm
that this is your only issue, turn the timer with a pair of pliers with the
knob removed and see if it runs. If it runs when you do this replace the knob
and your problem should be repaired.
Possible cause for timer knob broken
Sometimes the timer will become hard to turn. If this is the case the timer knob will easily break if you try to force the timer around. You may be able to fix this by first disconnecting the power to the dryer and then remove the back panel to access the timer. Spray contact cleaner (non-flammable cleaner that is safe for electrical use) into the timer while turning the timer knob to free up the timer. You should be able to spray into the timer in the corners where the back cover leaves a crack. If it does not free up or your timer is sealed (cannot spray in cleaner), you may have to replace timer.
Broken Start Switch
Knob
If your GE dryer won’t start it may be just because the start switch knob is broken so when you turn the knob all you turn is the knob and not the switch. To check this, remove the knob and then turn the start switch with a pair of pliers. If it starts then replace the knob, if not your problem is elsewhere.
Broken Backsplash
The backsplash is the panel that houses all the control switches in place so that the users can turn the switches to select a cycle or choose options, such as heat level. In recent years this housing has been made entirely of plastic and this sometimes causes problems. On the back side of the backsplash there are tabs that hold the switches in place.
These tabs will often break especially the ones that get used the most such as the start switch or the timer. If your GE dryer won’t start it may be because the tab that holds the start switch in place is broken. The switch may seem to turn but in fact the entire switch is turning because it is no longer being held in place by the tab. Disconnect the power to the dryer and remove the three screws that hold the backsplash in place. Once done you will have access to the back of the switches. Look at the start switch and see if it is loose from the backsplash. If so, replace the switch and the backsplash. You may get by replacing just the backsplash but GE recommends replacing both.
Sometimes the timer will break off of the backsplash the same way. I don’t see this as often, but when it does you will be unable to turn the timer knob to select your cycle. Again, disconnect the power to the dryer and inspect the backsplash at the timer.
If you didn’t find your problem on this page digs deeper into why a GE dryer may not run. GE Dryer Not Running
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