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  1. Repair
  2. GE
  3. GE Dryer
  4. Dryer not turning on

GE dryer not turning on

Common reasons your GE dryer is not turning on

The most common reasons your GE dryer is not turning on are a defective electronic control board, defective power supply board or an open heating element.

  • 61%

    61% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    Power Supply Board

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a GE dryer

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    When your dryer is not turning on, a defective electronic control board could be preventing the control panel from powering up. Wires connect the user interface control board in the control panel to the electronic control board inside the dryer. When a defective electronic control board fails to send power and proper signals to the user interface control and control panel, the dryer won’t turn on. When your dryer is completely dead, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the problem.


    Power Supply Board Replacement

    If the dryer is not turning on, a defective power supply board may need replacing. The power supply board distributes electrical current from the dryer power cord to the electronic control board and other components in the dryer. When the power supply board doesn’t send power to the electronic control board or the control panel, the dryer won’t power up. When your dryer is completely dead, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and check the dryer. The technician will replace the power supply board if it’s defective.

    Heating Element Replacement

    An open heating element could be causing the problem when your dryer is not turning on. An open (or broken) heating element can short against metal inside the dryer cabinet and cause the house circuit breaker for the dryer to trip. If you reset the tripped breaker and it trips right away when you try to turn the dryer on, then you should have a Sears Home Services Technician check the dryer. The technician will replace the heating element if it’s open.

    What to expect when you experience a GE dryer not turning on issue

    How is the not turning on problem fixed?

    Correcting most not turning on problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, power supply board or heating element. 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.

    When you need professional GE dryer repair to fix a problem, schedule an appointment with Sears Home Services.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that is not turning on

    When the dryer is not turning on 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 turning on 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 Your GE Dryer that won’t turn on but has Power

    When your GE dryer won’t turn on but has power, you can try to reset the main electronic control board in the dryer by completely disconnecting power for 1 minute. Unplug the dryer or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dryer to disconnect electrical power. Wait one minute and restore power. Press the power button to turn on the dryer. If the dryer still doesn’t turn on, then a bad control panel, failed electronic control board or wiring failure could be preventing your GE dryer from turning on even though you know it has power. Some GE dryers have a power control board that could also be defective.

    It’s best to have a service technician diagnose and repair the problem when your GE dryer won’t turn on but has power. The technician will unplug the dryer and check the power control board, main electronic control board, control panel and wiring. The tech may find a loose or broken wiring connection that is preventing your GE dryer from turning on. Sometimes, the technician will see a burnt spot on the power control board or main electronic control board that point to a failure with one of those components. Testing the control panel is another task that a tech will perform to fix a GE dryer that won’t turn on but has power. A stuck button on the control panel could be preventing the power button from working. The technician will also check for a short circuit in wiring that is preventing the control panel from getting power and lighting up.

    Our Sears Home Services technicians are highly trained and experienced at diagnosing and repairing all types of failures in GE dryers. Schedule dryer repair service and we’ll send a service tech to your home to quickly and efficiently fix your GE dryer.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Excellent service from Daniel

    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.


    Tammy M, Hilton, NY

    Satisfied customer

    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


    Rose W, Las Cruces, NM

    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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    Glossary Terms

    Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.

    A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.

    A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

    A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.

    Additional possible GE dryer symptoms you may experience