What Are GE Dryer Error Codes?

Ge makes some of the most reliable dryers in the world. But like any appliance, they can sometimes have issues with their electrical components, wiring, software, or a component. Modern GE dryers with a control board have a built-in diagnostic system and a variety of sensors that monitor the appliance and tell you what’s wrong with it in the form of error codes. Whenever your GE dryer has an issue, an error code will appear that corresponds with a specific problem. You can then look up the code to find out what’s wrong with the dryer so you can fix it.

A GE error code appears on your display as a series of numbers and letters. Usually, when you get an error code, you’ll also notice an issue with the dryer’s operation. However, that’s not always the case. In some situations, the dryer can alert you to a potential problem before it affects the appliance.

Error codes are a way for your dryer to communicate potential problems so you can fix them. But it’s hard to fix the dryer when you don’t know what they mean.

There are a variety of different GE error codes that could appear on your dryer’s display at any time. However, some are more common than others. In this article, I’ll list all the most common error codes, explain what they mean, and tell you how to fix them.

The Most Common GE Dryer Error Codes

GE dryer error codes are a way for the dryer to communicate with you what’s going on with the appliance. Some indicate an actual error or problem with the dryer, while others are part of the appliance’s normal operation.

To understand which error codes are normal and which indicate a serious problem, you need to know what the codes mean because not all error codes are created equal.

Many issues can be solved with a simple reset of the dryer. GE dryers don’t have a dedicated reset button, so you have to do it manually by performing a power cycle.

To reset a GE dryer, do the following:

Turn the dryer off.
Unplug the dryer or turn the circuit breaker off.
Wait 1-2 minutes for residual electricity to drain from the machine.
Restore power to the appliance.
Turn the dryer back on.

Once you power down, wait, and then power the dryer back up, it should reset. This process resets and reboots the system’s cache memory, which erases error codes and fixes bugs and glitches.

To confirm that the reset worked, run a short test cycle and see if the code comes back. If it doesn’t, the problem is either fixed or a software issue. But if the error code comes back, it’s usually a hardware problem.

Click to learn more about how to reset a GE dryer. I have an entire article explaining all about it, and how to use a reset as a way to troubleshoot problems with your dryer.

Error Code E3-E6

Error Codes E3-E6 signifies an error with the dryer’s thermistor. A thermistor is a temperature-sensitive device that measures the temperature inside the dryer’s drum. If the drum overheats, the thermistor sends a signal to the control panel, which turns off the dryer.

Thermistors have a tendency to malfunction over time because of how hot they get. When they do start to malfunction or completely stop working, you’ll receive the error code E3-6 on the dryer’s display

How to Fix: Check your malfunctioning thermistor for loose wires or damage before replacing it. A multimeter comes in handy for running diagnostics if you know how to use one.

A GE dryer thermister is fairly easy to replace. Generally, they’re secured with two screws and connected to a wire.
To replace it, simply remove the screws and wires, screw in the new thermister and attach the wires.
Make sure to turn the dryer off and unplug it before performing the repair.
You should reset your GE dryer after receiving error code E3-E6 to clear the code.

To perform a reset, turn off and unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker > wait 1-2 minutes > restore power, and turn the dryer back on. It should now be reset, and the error code should be erased.

To confirm that the reset worked, run a short test cycle and see if the error code comes back.

Error Code 000

Error code 000 means no errors were found with your GE dryer, and no fault codes are in the system memory. This code will generally only appear when running a diagnostic test on the dryer. However, if it appears during the operation of your dryer, disregard it.

Error Code E7

Error Code E7 indicates an electrical connection failure.This could be a problem with the dryer’s power cord, the outlet, the circuit, or the extension cord if you’re using one.

How to Fix: Make sure your dryer is directly plugged into the correct electrical outlet instead of using an extension cord. Dryers are power hungry appliances and generally require their own dedicated circuit and a special outlet. Most modern dryers also require a higher voltage than a standard outlet; you can check the power output of your outlet with a multimeter.

Make sure you’re using the correct power cord for your dryer. Not all dryer cords are equal. The cord must be rated for the amount of voltage your dryer requires.
Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure a fuse hasn’t blown or that a breaker hasn’t tripped.

To reset the code, turn off and unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker > wait 1-2 minutes > restore power and turn the dryer back on. It should now be reset, and the error code should be erased.

To confirm that the reset worked, run a short test cycle and see if the error code comes back.

Error Code 001 or 003

Error Code 001 or 003 indicates a problem with the dryer’s inlet thermistor, which is a temperature sensor. The inlet thermistor is located on the side of the inlet air duct inside the dryer. It measures the temperature of heated air entering the dryer drum

How To Fix: Unplug the dryer and locate the inlet thermister. If you find loose wires connected to the thermister, reconnect them. Inspect the wire harness for damage and replace it if necessary. If the wires are okay and the thermister is undamaged, you’ll probably need to replace the inlet thermistor itself.

Since checking the inlet thermister requires turning off and unplugging the dryer, it will automatically reset and clear the error code.

Error Code 002 or 004

Error Code 002 or 004 indicates a problem with the dryer’s outlet thermistor, which is a temperature sensor. The outlet thermistor is located on the blower housing behind the fan. It measures the temperature of heated air leaving the dryer drum.

How To Fix: Unplug the dryer and locate the outlet thermister. Inspect the thermister and reconnect any loose wires. Then, inspect the wire harness for damage and replace it if necessary. If the wires and harness are okay, replace the outlet thermistor.

Since checking the outlet thermister requires turning off and unplugging the dryer, it will automatically reset and clear the error code.

Error Code E11 or 009

Error Code E11 or 009 indicates an issue with the dryer drum motor. The motor may not be turning properly, there could be a problem with a belt, or one of its switches could be malfunctioning. This is a fairly serious error code to receive because the dryer is essentially useless if the drum doesn’t spin properly.

How to Fix: If the dryer isn’t spinning properly, I would call a technician for help unless you’re experienced opening and working in dryers. You’ll need to open the outer body and inspect the motor itself, the belt, and the switches for issues.

If you receive error code E11 and the dryer is working normally, reset the dryer and see if the error code comes back. There’s a chance the code was sent by mistake or part of a malfunction. This is fairly common after a power surge or outage.

Replacing a GE dryer switch isn’t that hard and can be done DIY. Inspect the switches with a multimeter for continuity, and if you find a damaged switch, remove and replace it.
I recommend calling a professional to inspect and repair the motor and belt.
Changing a belt isn’t that hard if you have the right tools, but it requires some disassembly to get the new belt on and tense. So, I recommend letting a Pro do it.

Working inside the dryer requires turning off and unplugging it for a long time so it will automatically be reset when you power it on again.

Error Code 005

Error Code 005 indicates the main control board is defective. This is potentially one of the worst codes you can receive on a GE dryer because the dryer is essentially inoperable if the main control board stops working. However, error code 005 could be a glitch or big.

How To Fix: There’s a chance that you received error code 005 as a glitch. If you receive it, reset the dryer by turning it off and unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker > wait 1-2 minutes > restore power and turn the dryer on. Once the dryer comes back on, it should be reset. Run a test dry cycle to see if the error code comes back.

If the code doesn’t come back, it was a glitch. However, if the code comes back again, there’s probably an issue with your control panel, and you’ll have to replace it.

Error Code 007

Error Code 007 indicates the power supply is wired incorrectly. If the power wires are wired incorrectly, the dryer won’t power up and function properly. Luckily, this is an easy fix if you have basic wiring knowledge.

How To Fix: The Line 2 (L2) and Neutral (N) are reversed. Turn off the power to the appliance either by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker. Undo the wires and wire them correctly according to the wiring diagram provided in the dryer’s instruction manual.

Since rewiring the dryer’s power cord requires turning off and unplugging the dryer, it will automatically reset and clear the error code.

Error Code E14 or 006

Error Code E14 or 006 indicates that one of the control panel keys is stuck. If the key is stuck, the function it activates/deactivates won’t operate normally.

How to Fix: Turn the dryer off and check the keys by pressing them one at a time. They should depress and spring back up once you take your finger off. Once you find the stuck key, clean it thoroughly. Most stuck keys are caused by dirt or lint getting into the space between the key and the control panel.

A dirty control panel can cause keys to stick.
Wipe down the dryer control panel with a damp soft cloth.
Gently rub around each key to remove grime and lint.
Use a cloth that doesn’t shed.
A damp Q-tip can be used to remove dirt around the keys.

Once you’ve cleaned the display and got all the keys working and unstuck, reset the code. To do it, turn off and unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker > wait 1-2 minutes > restore power and turn the dryer back on. It should now be reset, and the error code should be erased.

To confirm that the reset worked, run a short test cycle and see if the error code comes back.

If the error code continues to come back after a reset, even if the keys are all working properly, you could have an issue with the control panel.

Error Code Clean Filter

GE dryer error code “Check Filter” is a reminder to clean the lint filter at the end of a drying cycle. It’s nothing to worry about and does not indicate an error or problem with the dryer. However, you should clean your dryer lint screen after every dry cycle.

How to Fix: The code will disappear when a new drying cycle begins. It can’t be disabled, and cleaning the lint filter doesn’t clear the code.

The Clean Filter error code is a prompt, not a true error code. It will continue to appear when you run new dry cycles to remind you to clean the lint screen.

Error Code SENSE

Some GE dryer models have an Estimated Total Cycle Time shown on the control panel. These dryers can determine the moisture level of a load of laundry and estimate how much time it will take to dry.

During the drying cycle, “SENSE” will flash on the control panel as the dryer assesses the moisture level of your laundry. Once moisture stops being detected, the drying cycle will end.

How to Fix: “SENSE” is not an error message; it’s a prompt. It’s a normal function of some dryer models and not a malfunction. It will disappear when the dryer cycle ends.

Summary: What Are GE Dryer Error Codes?

Ge makes some of the most reliable dryers in the world. But like any appliance, they can sometimes have issues with their electrical components, wiring, software, or a component. Modern GE dryers with a control board have a built-in diagnostic system and a variety of sensors that monitor the appliance and tell you what’s wrong with it in the form of error codes. Whenever your dryer has an issue, an error code will appear which corresponds with a specific problem. You can then look up the code to find out what’s wrong with the dryer so you can fix it.

Error codes are a way for your dryer to communicate potential problems so you can fix them. But it’s hard to fix the dryer when you don’t know what they mean.

If you have any questions or comments about GE dryer error codes and what they mean, email any time.