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  1. Repair
  2. GE
  3. Dryer not heating

GE dryer not heating

Common reasons your GE dryer is not heating

The most common reasons your GE dryer is not heating are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a faulty thermal fuse.

  • 39%

    39% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 22%

    22% of the time it's the
    Thermal Cut-off Fuse

  • 18%

    18% of the time it's the
    Thermal Fuse

  • 21%

    21% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a GE dryer

    Heating Element Replacement

    An open heating element could be causing the problem when your dryer is not heating. “Open” means that the heating element is broken and current isn’t flowing through the element to produce heat. You may not see physical damage on the heating element for it to be electrically open. An interior break in the continuity of the element can prevent it from heating. When your dryer isn’t heating, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the dryer.


    Thermal Cut-off Fuse Replacement

    A failed thermal cut-off fuse will prevent your dryer from heating. This fuse is a safety device that helps keep the dryer from overheating. Overheating is often caused by a clogged exhaust vent system in the dryer. Once the thermal cut-off fuse trips, it won’t reset. You’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and replace the blown thermal cut-off fuse. The technician will check for the cause of the blown fuse and correct any additional problems so the dryer will heat and run properly after replacing the fuse.

    Thermal Fuse Replacement

    In a gas dryer not heating, a blown thermal fuse could be causing the problem. The thermal fuse is a safety device attached to the blower housing that trips when the dryer overheats. A faulty thermal fuse may trip at a lower temperature than it is designed to trip at. When your gas dryer won’t heat, schedule a repair appointment through Sears Home Services and we’ll send an in-home technician to fix the dryer. The technician will check the thermal fuse and replace it if it’s blown.

    What to expect when you experience a GE dryer not heating issue

    How is the not heating problem fixed?

    Correcting most not heating problems usually involves replacing the heating element, thermal cut-off fuse or thermal fuse. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that is not heating

    When the dryer is not heating it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

    What to look out for with a dryer not heating diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    How to Fix a GE Dryer GTD42EASJ2WW Not Heating

    When you find your GE dryer GTD42EASJ2WW not heating, you may be facing a problem with the power supply to the dryer, a broken heating element, high-limit thermostat, operating thermostat, thermal cut-off fuse or timer.

    The first step is to check to see if the dryer is getting the correct amount of power. You may think the dryer is getting enough power if the motor runs, but the heating element needs 240 volts of electricity to heat. The motor will run even if the dryer is only getting 120 volts of power.

    Check your power cord to make sure it’s not damaged. Then, reset your house circuit breaker to make sure it’s not tripped. Set your dryer to a timed dry, high-heat cycle and see if it heats up after resetting the breakers.

    If these basic troubleshooting steps don’t help, you’ll need to have a service technician diagnose and repair your GE dryer GTD42EASJ2WW not heating. The technician may need to replace the heating element or a fuse in the dryer to restore heating. Having a service technician diagnose and fix the dryer will make sure that the repair is done right. Sears Home Service technicians are trained to diagnose and repair all types of failures in GE GTD42EASJ2WW model dryers. We’ll fix the problem in no time.

    How to Fix a GE Dryer GTD42EASJ2WW Not Heating

    When you find your GE dryer GTD42EASJ2WW not heating, you may be facing a problem with the power supply to the dryer, a broken heating element, high-limit thermostat, operating thermostat, thermal cut-off fuse or timer.

    The first step is to check to see if the dryer is getting the correct amount of power. You may think the dryer is getting enough power if the motor runs, but the heating element needs 240 volts of electricity to heat. The motor will run even if the dryer is only getting 120 volts of power.

    Check your power cord to make sure it’s not damaged. Then, reset your house circuit breaker to make sure it’s not tripped. Set your dryer to a timed dry, high-heat cycle and see if it heats up after resetting the breakers.

    If these basic troubleshooting steps don’t help, you’ll need to have a service technician diagnose and repair your GE dryer GTD42EASJ2WW not heating. The technician may need to replace the heating element or a fuse in the dryer to restore heating. Having a service technician diagnose and fix the dryer will make sure that the repair is done right. Sears Home Service technicians are trained to diagnose and repair all types of failures in GE GTD42EASJ2WW model dryers. We’ll fix the problem in no time.

    Troubleshooting a GE Front Load Dryer that Turns On but Won’t Start

    When your GE front load dryer turns on but won’t start, the first thing to check is the door switch. Press in on the door firmly to make sure that the door switch engages so the control senses that the door is fully shut. If the door is fully shut, a bad door switch could be preventing the dryer from starting. A service technician is typically needed to test the door switch with a meter to determine if the switch is working properly. The technician will replace the door switch if it isn’t properly detecting the door position. Schedule dryer repair service if you suspect that a bad door switch when your GE front load dryer turns on but won’t start.

    Another problem that can prevent your GE front load dryer from starting is a blown thermal fuse. The thermal fuse senses exhaust air temperature in a front load dryer and trips if exhaust air temperature is too high. This protects the dryer from overheating and damaging clothing. The number 1 reason for a thermal fuse tripping is a blockage in the exhaust air vent system. Unplug the dryer and check the flexible vent hose behind the dryer for a kink or clog. Clear lint from that flexible vent hose and make sure it isn’t kinked or crushed when you move the dryer back into position in your laundry room. Check the exhaust air duct system going to the outside of your home and clear any clogs in that system. Make sure that the damper on the vent cover at the outside of your home opens freely to let out the exhaust air. Make sure that you clean the lint screen before starting each load. Wash the lint screen monthly with water to remove residue so air flows freely through the screen. Taking these steps to clear the exhaust vent system before replacing a blown thermal fuse will help prevent the new fuse from blowing again shortly after replacing it. Keep your GE front load dryer running smoothly by cleaning and maintaining the exhaust vent system regularly.

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    Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.


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    Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert


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    Dryer service

    He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


    Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

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