G.E. electric dryer will not run, when you turn the switch to start it only hums. What could be the problem, it is only 3 years old. Thank you

Hello
Is it a pleasant sounding hum, like the sound of a motor running? If so , probably your belt broke.If that hum goes on and on for several minutes, it's definitely belt. Bad motor or start relay, would cut out quickly. Either way ,youv'e got to pull out machine and pull off back to inspect.

check the blower wheel sometimes objects get caught in it not allowing it to spin. If it is clean open the dryer door push and hold the door switch and push start while it is humming rotate the drum. if it starts to spin then you need a new motor it will run you probably 150 - 200 dollars

Hi Stv,
There isn't really major problem, but a problem.
You will need to unplugged your unit and take it apart. Are you handy?
If and when the unit is apart look at the motor and the fan exhaust and see if there is a coin or screw is jamming the motor or the fan
while you are in there you may want to clean it up,
That should be the problrm

the motor is not turning and that's what is humming,you either have a bad motor,something stuck in the blower usually a sock or the belt is stuck

open the door and hold in the safety off switch, turn on dryer and turn drum by hand. If it tried to move..you may need to replace the belt. If it doesn't move by it's self, then you may need a new motor.

I am assuming that the hum indicates the motor is running but the drum is not turning.  Possibly a broken drum belt however the check filter warning is indicating low air flow so the blower wheel could be broken at the connection to the motor shaft.

I also had a similar problem with my maytag dryer which is 3 1/2 years old. It was the idler lever assembly with pulley. The part number is 11222607JG and the cost is about $20.00. Hope this helps.

if the motor buzzes when you push start then it is a bad motor.as long as the drum turns freely by hand.

 the only thing you can do to possibly solve this problem without a professional is to:

• tape down the door switch with strong tape, or have someone else hold it down.
• physically turn the tub inside the dryer while pushing the start switch.
• this will hopefully loosen whatever has the motor stuck.

if this does not work then the motor in the dryer might be bad or going bad, especially if a burning smell is present when you hear the humming sound.

wdhaflin when you replaced the starter switch, are you talking the start switch on the console, or the switch on the motor? Most times when this happens, the motor bushings are swelling from the motor heat and thus you get the hum. Yes turning by hand can get it going again. Back in the old days, I was taught to always try using a light weight oil on the shaft. Using a vacumn I would clean the lint out of the motor, then add oil to the motor shaft where it comes out of the motor. 3 to 4 drops is usually enough. If this didn't resolve it, then I had to replace the motor. Hope this helps.