I have a GE dryer model GTDP490ED5WS, it won't start it has power, how do I test the thermostat, and the motor to see if it needs to be replaced?

The heating element is faulty , I don't know if parts are available,some times repairs are worth more than a new unit please check.

The start capacitor is built into the motor and you will need to replace the motor. Here is the motor if you should need it.

see this causes and fix it. God bless you
Timer The timer is normally not at fault when the dryer won't start. In many situations where timers are replaced they end up being returned. First, check all of the more common components in this troubleshooting guide before replacing the timer. If the dryer won't start, the cause is much more likely to be a thermal fuse or switch. The timer can not be tested, it must be replaced if it is defective.
Main Control Board The main control board is normally not at fault when the dryer won't start. First, check all of the other components in this troubleshooting guide before replacing the main control board. The main control board can not be tested and must be replaced if it is defective. If there are obvious signs of burning or a shorted out component on the board, it should be replaced.

Belt Switch If the dryer won't start, there might be a belt switch that has failed. This is not a common problem and most dryers do not have this switch. If the dryer has a belt switch, the switch shuts off power to the entire dryer if the belt breaks. It is possible that this switch has failed, even if the belt is not broken. It can be checked with an ohm meter or continuity checker. If the dryer works at all, even if all it does is hum, this is not the problem.

Incoming Power Problem If the dryer won't start, check to certain there is electricity to the dryer. For a gas dryer, unplug the dryer from the wall and plug something else into the outlet to see if it's working. For an electric dryer, check the home circuit breaker or fuses. If they are working, check the outlet where the dryer plugs in with a volt meter. There should be between 208 and 240 volts. If there is power to the dryer, check the more common items in this troubleshooting guide.

Thermal Cut Out Fuse Kit Most dryers have several temperature control devices such as a thermal fuse, thermal cut out, high limit fuse or high limit thermostat. Some manufacturers sell the thermal fuse and thermal cut out in a kit. These kits normally solve no-heat problems rather than when the dryer won't start. However, in some models, this kit will solve both problems. Even though this is not the most common part to fail if the dryer won't start, both can be checked using an ohm meter or continuity checker. If they have continuity they are good. If not, they should be replaced.

Drive Belt On most dryers, if the drive belt breaks the motor can still be heard and it will still be blowing air out the exhaust tube, but the drum will not spin. However, in some dryers when the drive belt breaks the tension pulley arm trips a switch which shuts off power to the entire dryer. If the dryer won't start, check to see if the belt is broken. If it is, replace the belt and the dryer should be fine. If the belt is not broken, check the other components that can fail when the dryer won't start.

Drive Motor The dryer drive motor turns the drum and the blower wheel to exhaust the air. If the dryer won't start the motor might be defective. Before replacing the motor, check the thermal fuse, start switch and door switch because all three are more likely the cause. If the dryer won't start and the dryer motor makes a humming noise there might be something caught in the blower wheel, or the drum might be binding. Try removing the belt from the motor and checking the blower wheel for obstructions. The dryer motor can't be tested easily. If the more common components have been checked and it seems the motor itself is defective, it will need to be replaced. It is not serviceable.

Door Switch The door switch is located near the dryer door and is activated when the door is closed. If the door switch fails, the dryer won't start at all. Many types of door switch will make an audible click when they are activated. If the door switch makes a clicking sound when activated it is probably not defective. If it doesn't make a click, it can be checked with an ohm meter or continuity checker. The door switch is relatively easy to replace and is usually not very expensive.

Start Switch The start switch is on the dryer control panel. Depending on the model, either press a button or turn a dial to start the dryer. If the start switch fails the dryer won't start or make any noise. Test the switch with an ohm meter or continuity checker. If the dryer hums when the start switch is activated, or if the motor runs only while activating the start switch, the motor might be defective or something might be binding the drum preventing it from turning freely. If the dryer start switch does not have continuity when it is activated, it will need to be replaced.
Thermal Fuse The thermal fuse helps to prevent a dryer fire by shutting off power to the dryer if it overheats. If the dryer won't start check this fuse first. Test the thermal fuse with an ohm meter or continuity checker. This is the most common part to fail when the dryer won't start. Once the thermal fuse has blown, it has to be replaced. It can not be reset.

see this causes and fix it.God bless you
Thermal Fuse The thermal fuse helps to prevent a dryer fire by shutting off power to the dryer if it overheats. If the dryer won't start check this fuse first. Test the thermal fuse with an ohm meter or continuity checker. This is the most common part to fail when the dryer won't start. Once the thermal fuse has blown, it has to be replaced. It can not be reset.

Start Switch The start switch is on the dryer control panel. Depending on the model, either press a button or turn a dial to start the dryer. If the start switch fails the dryer won't start or make any noise. Test the switch with an ohm meter or continuity checker. If the dryer hums when the start switch is activated, or if the motor runs only while activating the start switch, the motor might be defective or something might be binding the drum preventing it from turning freely. If the dryer start switch does not have continuity when it is activated, it will need to be replaced.
Door Switch The door switch is located near the dryer door and is activated when the door is closed. If the door switch fails, the dryer won't start at all. Many types of door switch will make an audible click when they are activated. If the door switch makes a clicking sound when activated it is probably not defective. If it doesn't make a click, it can be checked with an ohm meter or continuity checker. The door switch is relatively easy to replace and is usually not very expensive.

Drive Motor The dryer drive motor turns the drum and the blower wheel to exhaust the air. If the dryer won't start the motor might be defective. Before replacing the motor, check the thermal fuse, start switch and door switch because all three are more likely the cause. If the dryer won't start and the dryer motor makes a humming noise there might be something caught in the blower wheel, or the drum might be binding. Try removing the belt from the motor and checking the blower wheel for obstructions. The dryer motor can't be tested easily. If the more common components have been checked and it seems the motor itself is defective, it will need to be replaced. It is not serviceable.

Drive Belt On most dryers, if the drive belt breaks the motor can still be heard and it will still be blowing air out the exhaust tube, but the drum will not spin. However, in some dryers when the drive belt breaks the tension pulley arm trips a switch which shuts off power to the entire dryer. If the dryer won't start, check to see if the belt is broken. If it is, replace the belt and the dryer should be fine. If the belt is not broken, check the other components that can fail when the dryer won't start.

Thermal Cut Out Fuse Kit Most dryers have several temperature control devices such as a thermal fuse, thermal cut out, high limit fuse or high limit thermostat. Some manufacturers sell the thermal fuse and thermal cut out in a kit. These kits normally solve no-heat problems rather than when the dryer won't start. However, in some models, this kit will solve both problems. Even though this is not the most common part to fail if the dryer won't start, both can be checked using an ohm meter or continuity checker. If they have continuity they are good. If not, they should be replaced.
Incoming Power Problem If the dryer won't start, check to certain there is electricity to the dryer. For a gas dryer, unplug the dryer from the wall and plug something else into the outlet to see if it's working. For an electric dryer, check the home circuit breaker or fuses. If they are working, check the outlet where the dryer plugs in with a volt meter. There should be between 208 and 240 volts. If there is power to the dryer, check the more common items in this troubleshooting guide.
Belt Switch If the dryer won't start, there might be a belt switch that has failed. This is not a common problem and most dryers do not have this switch. If the dryer has a belt switch, the switch shuts off power to the entire dryer if the belt breaks. It is possible that this switch has failed, even if the belt is not broken. It can be checked with an ohm meter or continuity checker. If the dryer works at all, even if all it does is hum, this is not the problem.

Main Control Board The main control board is normally not at fault when the dryer won't start. First, check all of the other components in this troubleshooting guide before replacing the main control board. The main control board can not be tested and must be replaced if it is defective. If there are obvious signs of burning or a shorted out component on the board, it should be replaced.

Timer The timer is normally not at fault when the dryer won't start. In many situations where timers are replaced they end up being returned. First, check all of the more common components in this troubleshooting guide before replacing the timer. If the dryer won't start, the cause is much more likely to be a thermal fuse or switch. The timer can not be tested, it must be replaced if it is defective.

see this causes and fix it. God bless you
Timer The timer is normally not at fault when the dryer won't start. In many situations where timers are replaced they end up being returned. First, check all of the more common components in this troubleshooting guide before replacing the timer. If the dryer won't start, the cause is much more likely to be a thermal fuse or switch. The timer can not be tested, it must be replaced if it is defective.

Main Control Board The main control board is normally not at fault when the dryer won't start. First, check all of the other components in this troubleshooting guide before replacing the main control board. The main control board can not be tested and must be replaced if it is defective. If there are obvious signs of burning or a shorted out component on the board, it should be replaced.

Belt Switch If the dryer won't start, there might be a belt switch that has failed. This is not a common problem and most dryers do not have this switch. If the dryer has a belt switch, the switch shuts off power to the entire dryer if the belt breaks. It is possible that this switch has failed, even if the belt is not broken. It can be checked with an ohm meter or continuity checker. If the dryer works at all, even if all it does is hum, this is not the problem.

Incoming Power Problem If the dryer won't start, check to certain there is electricity to the dryer. For a gas dryer, unplug the dryer from the wall and plug something else into the outlet to see if it's working. For an electric dryer, check the home circuit breaker or fuses. If they are working, check the outlet where the dryer plugs in with a volt meter. There should be between 208 and 240 volts. If there is power to the dryer, check the more common items in this troubleshooting guide.

Thermal Cut Out Fuse Kit Most dryers have several temperature control devices such as a thermal fuse, thermal cut out, high limit fuse or high limit thermostat. Some manufacturers sell the thermal fuse and thermal cut out in a kit. These kits normally solve no-heat problems rather than when the dryer won't start. However, in some models, this kit will solve both problems. Even though this is not the most common part to fail if the dryer won't start, both can be checked using an ohm meter or continuity checker. If they have continuity they are good. If not, they should be replaced.

Drive Belt On most dryers, if the drive belt breaks the motor can still be heard and it will still be blowing air out the exhaust tube, but the drum will not spin. However, in some dryers when the drive belt breaks the tension pulley arm trips a switch which shuts off power to the entire dryer. If the dryer won't start, check to see if the belt is broken. If it is, replace the belt and the dryer should be fine. If the belt is not broken, check the other components that can fail when the dryer won't start.

Drive Motor The dryer drive motor turns the drum and the blower wheel to exhaust the air. If the dryer won't start the motor might be defective. Before replacing the motor, check the thermal fuse, start switch and door switch because all three are more likely the cause. If the dryer won't start and the dryer motor makes a humming noise there might be something caught in the blower wheel, or the drum might be binding. Try removing the belt from the motor and checking the blower wheel for obstructions. The dryer motor can't be tested easily. If the more common components have been checked and it seems the motor itself is defective, it will need to be replaced. It is not serviceable.

Door Switch The door switch is located near the dryer door and is activated when the door is closed. If the door switch fails, the dryer won't start at all. Many types of door switch will make an audible click when they are activated. If the door switch makes a clicking sound when activated it is probably not defective. If it doesn't make a click, it can be checked with an ohm meter or continuity checker. The door switch is relatively easy to replace and is usually not very expensive.

Start Switch The start switch is on the dryer control panel. Depending on the model, either press a button or turn a dial to start the dryer. If the start switch fails the dryer won't start or make any noise. Test the switch with an ohm meter or continuity checker. If the dryer hums when the start switch is activated, or if the motor runs only while activating the start switch, the motor might be defective or something might be binding the drum preventing it from turning freely. If the dryer start switch does not have continuity when it is activated, it will need to be replaced.

Thermal Fuse The thermal fuse helps to prevent a dryer fire by shutting off power to the dryer if it overheats. If the dryer won't start check this fuse first. Test the thermal fuse with an ohm meter or continuity checker. This is the most common part to fail when the dryer won't start. Once the thermal fuse has blown, it has to be replaced. It can not be reset.

Investigate these areas if your dryer is not starting: Proper Voltage from the House Your dryer may not be receiving adequate voltage to start. Make sure your dryer is plugged in. Also, check the circuit breaker panel to make sure all the circuit breakers are in the correct positions. Or check to make sure no fuses in the fuse panel are blown. Try plugging something else into the same outlet. If it won't work either, then there is likely something wrong with the power outlet. Any of these could be the reason power is not getting to your dryer. Also, refrain from using an extension cord to plug your dryer in. Door Switch If your dryer's door switch is defective, it will not allow your dryer to start. Test your dryer's door switch. If it is defective, replace it. Start Switch A dryer cannot start if its start switch is defective. Test your dryer's start switch. If it is defective, you will have to replace it for your dryer to start again. Thermal Fuse A thermal fuse is a heat-sensitive fuse attached to your dryer's exhaust duct (in most models) that is designed to blow if the dryer overheats. A blown fuse would cause your dryer to not heat, or to not work at all. Open up your dryer's cabinet and locate its thermal fuse. Test the component. If it has blown, replace it. Thermostat A defective dryer thermostat could be what is preventing your dryer from starting. Open up your dryer's cabinet. Test each of your dryer's thermostats. Replace any that have become defective. Timer Motor Your dryer's timer will not function properly if its motor is malfunctioning. Open up your dryer's cabinet and locate its motor. Test the component. If it is not functioning as it should, replace either the motor itself, or the entire timer assembly. Motor A burned out motor could be what is keeping your dryer from starting. Test your dryer's motor and if it is defective, replace it. You will have to open your dryer in order to gain access to its motor. For more info see the following link: http://www.partselect.com/dryer+dryer-wont-start+repair.htm

This usually caused by a blown thermal fuse on the blower housing located behind the rear access panel. This thermal fuse is wired in series with the motor and if it blows, power to the motor is terminated and the motor cannot run. No dryer function works when the motor cannot run.

Unplug the dryer or disconnect power then remove the rear access panel. Locate the thermal fuse then bypass it for troubleshooting purposes.



Bypass the thermal fuse by disconnecting the wires and joining it together. Insulate properly and plug the dryer back in. The thermal fuse is indeed blown and needs to be replaced if the dryer starts. Do not use the dryer with the thermal fuse bypassed due to fire hazards.

Clean the lint filter and make sure the vent system is not restricted then replace the thermal fuse including the cycling thermostat (thermistor for other models) as a standard operating procedure and preventive measure. The thermal fuse usually cuts out due to a failed cycling thermostat(thermistor for other models).

Hello there and thanks for choosing fixya

Investigate these areas if your dryer is not starting:

Proper Voltage from the House

Your dryer may not be receiving adequate voltage to start. Make sure your dryer is plugged in. Also, check the circuit breaker panel to make sure all the circuit breakers are in the correct positions. Or check to make sure no fuses in the fuse panel are blown. Try plugging something else into the same outlet. If it won't work either, then there is likely something wrong with the power outlet. Any of these could be the reason power is not getting to your dryer. Also, refrain from using an extension cord to plug your dryer in.

Door Switch

If your dryer's door switch is defective, it will not allow your dryer to start. Test your dryer's door switch. If it is defective, replace it.

• How to test a door switch.
• How to replace a dryer door switch.



• 
  

Start Switch

A dryer cannot start if its start switch is defective. Test your dryer's start switch. If it is defective, you will have to replace it for your dryer to start again.

• How to test a dryer start switch.
• How to replace a dryer start switch.



• 
  

Thermal Fuse

A thermal fuse is a heat-sensitive fuse attached to your dryer's exhaust duct (in most models) that is designed to blow if the dryer overheats. A blown fuse would cause your dryer to not heat, or to not work at all. Open up your dryer's cabinet and locate its thermal fuse. Test the component. If it has blown, replace it.

• How to open a dryer cabinet.
• How to test a dryer thermal fuse.
• How to replace a dryer thermal fuse.



• 
  

Thermostat

A defective dryer thermostat could be what is preventing your dryer from starting. Open up your dryer's cabinet. Test each of your dryer's thermostats. Replace any that have become defective.

• How to open a dryer cabinet.
• How to test a dryer thermostat.
• How to replace a dryer thermostat.



• 
  

Timer Motor

Your dryer's timer will not function properly if its motor is malfunctioning. Open up your dryer's cabinet and locate its motor. Test the component. If it is not functioning as it should, replace either the motor itself, or the entire timer assembly.

• How to open a dryer cabinet.
• How to test a dryer timer motor.
• How to replace a dryer timer motor.



• 
  

Motor

A burned out motor could be what is keeping your dryer from starting. Test your dryer's motor and if it is defective, replace it. You will have to open your dryer in order to gain access to its motor.

• How to open a dryer cabinet.
• How to test a dryer motor.
• How to replace a dryer motor.

Hello there:
f yourdryer won't heat up, it's possible that it is not being supplied withthe proper voltage. Here are three ways to make sure power is gettingto your dryer: First, make sure your dryer is plugged in. Next, checkthe circuit breaker panel to make sure all the circuit breakers are inthe correct positions. Finally, check to make sure no fuses in yourfuse panel are blown. Any of these could explain why power is notgetting to your dryer.

Heating Element

It is possible that your dryer isn't heating because its heatingelement is defective. Heating elements are irrepairable. If yours hasceased to function properly, you will have to replace it. Open yourdryer's cabinet and locate the heating element so that you can test it.

• How to open a dryer cabinet.
• How to test a dryer's heating element.
• How to replace a dryer heating element.



• Find a heating element for your clothes dryer.

Thermal Fuse

Another possible cause for a dryer not heating up could be attributedto a faulty thermal fuse. Once a dryer's thermal fuse has blown, it isno longer of any use. If your dryer's fuse is blown, you will have toreplace it. Open up your dryer's cabinet and locate its thermal fuse sothat you can test it.

• How to open a dryer cabinet.
• How to test a dryer's thermal fuse.
• How to replace a dryer's thermal fuse.



• Find a thermal fuse for your clothes dryer.

Thermostat

If any of your dryer's thermostats have become defective, they could bethe reason that your dryer is not heating. Open up your dryer's cabinetand test each of your dryer's thermostats. If any are faulty, replacethem.

• How to open a dryer cabinet.
• How to test a dryer thermostat.
• How to replace a dryer thermostat.



• Find a thermostat for your clothes dryer.

Timer motor

A defective timer motor could also cause your dryer to not heat up.Test your dryer's timer motor. If it is no longer functioning as itshould, replace either the entire motor assembly, or just its motor.

• How to test a dryer timer motor.
• How to replace a dryer timer.



• Find a timer for your clothes dryer.