GE Dryer Won't Run

General
1

Brand: GE
Model Number: GTDP180ED2WW
Main Symptom: Only runs if the start button is held in
What happens & when:

Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried:
Photos / video link:

2

The most likely cause is a broken dryer belt: GE WE03X29897 Dryer Drive Belt | Genuine OEM Part.

The dryer has a belt safety switch that is engaged by the idler pulley. When the belt breaks, the idler pulley releases the switch, preventing the dryer from running.

Here are two simple ways to check the belt:

  1. Open the dryer door, press and hold the door switch, and try to start the dryer. If you hear the motor running but the drum does not turn, the belt is most likely broken.
  2. With the dryer off, try turning the drum by hand. If the drum turns very easily with little resistance, that is another good indication that the belt has broken.

Try those tests and let me know what you find. If the belt is broken, I can give you instructions on how to replace it.

3

The belt is new. The idle spring switch tests good. The drum spins without any noise or drag.

4

So when you test start it with the door switch depressed does the drum spin?

For GE GTDP180ED2WW, if the dryer runs only while the Start button is being held, the most likely failure is the motor centrifugal switch / motor assembly, not the Start button itself.

When you press Start, the Start switch temporarily powers the motor’s start circuit. Once the motor reaches speed, the centrifugal switch inside the motor should change contacts and keep the motor energized after you release Start. If that contact does not close, releasing the button kills the motor.

Check in this order:

  1. Motor centrifugal switch — inspect for burned contacts, broken plastic actuator, or a switch that isn’t changing position.
  2. Motor wiring/connectors — especially loose or overheated terminals at the motor.
  3. Start switch — lower probability because it clearly supplies power while held.
  4. If the centrifugal switch is integral to the motor on this version, replace the motor assembly rather than trying to repair the internal switch.

A thermal fuse usually causes a no-start condition, so it does not fit “runs normally as long as Start is held” nearly as well.

Likely diagnosis: Drive motor / centrifugal switch failure. Disconnect power before accessing or testing the motor circuit.