GE dryer burning smell

Common reasons your GE dryer has a burning smell

The most common reasons your GE dryer has a burning smell are an open heating element, broken idler assembly or a worn drum bearing.

  • 64%

    64% of the time it's the Heating Element

  • 15%

    15% of the time it's the Idler Assembly

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the Drum Bearing

  • 7%

    7% 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 cause a burning smell in your dryer if the element shorts against metal inside the cabinet. You may smell a metallic odor or wiring insulation burning when the broken element touches metal. When you smell a burning odor coming from the dryer, shut the dryer off and have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and examine the dryer. The technician will check the heating element and replace it if it’s broken.

Idler Assembly Replacement

When you smell a burning odor coming from your dryer, a worn or broken idler assembly could be causing the smell. A bad idler assembly won’t tension the drive belt on the drum properly so the belt will slip across the drum and get hot quickly. When you smell a rubbery burning odor coming from the dryer, you’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and examine the dryer. The technician will replace the idler assembly if it’s broken.

Drum Bearing Replacement

A burning smell coming from your dryer could be caused by a worn drum bearing. The drum bearing normally prevents friction between the drum and the cabinet as the drum spins. When the drum bearing wears out, friction between the drum and the cabinet can cause remnants of the worn drum bearing to get hot and start smelling like burning metal or plastic. When you smell a burning odor coming from your dryer, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and replace the drum bearing if it’s worn out.

What to expect when you experience a GE dryer burning smell issue

How is the burning smell problem fixed?

Correcting most burning smell problems usually involves replacing the heating element, idler assembly or drum bearing. 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 burning smell

When the dryer has a burning smell 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 burning smell 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.

A scorched odor from a GE dryer often points to lint on the heating element or a seizing motor. Continuing operation risks fires and severe damage. Power down and book dryer repair. Swift diagnosis ensures safe operation and fresh-smelling results.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my GE dryer have a burning smell?
A clogged vent, overheating motor, or a malfunctioning heating element could be causing the burning smell. Check these parts for damage or blockages.
How can I fix my GE dryer if it has a burning smell?
Clean the vent system, check the motor for overheating, and inspect the heating element for damage. Replace any faulty components.
Could a clogged vent cause my GE dryer to have a burning smell?
Yes, a clogged vent can cause the dryer to overheat and emit a burning smell. Clean the vent to prevent this issue.
What should I do if my GE dryer smells like burning?
Clear the vent system, check for overheating parts, and replace any malfunctioning components like the heating element.

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Glossary Terms

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.

A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.

A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.

GE dryer burning smell - Solutions & Quick Fixes for a Safer Home
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