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Error code reference

GE Dryer Error Code E5B

Heater fault (no heating)

GE codesGE dryer codes

Heater fault (no heating) — temperature reading of control thermistor has not changed in a certain amount of time.

First step from the service manual

Position cycle selector to NORMAL, temperature selector to HIGH HEAT and touch START. Measure voltage across terminals on relay RL2 (heater relay) on electronic control. If meter reads 240V on electric models and 120V on gas models, replace electronic control. If meter reads zero, remove power from dryer, disconnect wire going to NO terminal on relay RL2, reconnect power and measure voltage drop between terminal COM on relay RL2 and neutral. If meter reads zero, wire between incoming line and relay RL2 is open. If meter reads 120V, check the rest of the heater circuit.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What E5B means on a GE dryer

The E5B error code on a GE dryer indicates a heater fault caused by a failure to heat. Specifically, the control thermistor has not detected any change in temperature over a defined period of time, which signals to the electronic control board that the heating system is not functioning. This code is distinct from a thermistor failure code because the thermistor itself is reading a temperature, but that temperature is not rising as expected during a heat cycle.

The diagnostic process centers on relay RL2, the heater relay located on the electronic control board. On electric models, the relay should be switching 240V to the heater circuit. On gas models, the relay switches 120V to the igniter and gas valve circuit. If the relay is energized and delivering the correct voltage but no heat is produced, the fault lies downstream in the heater circuit itself. If the relay is not delivering voltage to the circuit, the issue could be either the relay itself, the electronic control board, or an open wire between the incoming line and the relay.

Common failure points include a burned-out heating element on electric models, a failed gas valve or igniter on gas models, a tripped or failed thermal cutoff or high-limit thermostat, an open wiring connection in the heater circuit, or a faulty electronic control board that is not properly energizing relay RL2. Proper diagnosis requires a multimeter and the systematic voltage testing procedure outlined in the service data to isolate which section of the circuit has failed.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E5B

  1. 01

    Failed heating element (electric models)

    Part replacement

    On electric dryers, a burned-out heating element is one of the most frequent causes of no-heat complaints. If the element coil has broken, no heat will be generated even though the drum continues to spin.

  2. 02

    Tripped or failed thermal cutoff or high-limit thermostat

    Part replacement

    A thermal cutoff or high-limit thermostat in the heater circuit may have opened due to overheating, blocking current from reaching the heating element or gas valve. These components are one-time safety devices and must be replaced if they have tripped.

  3. 03

    Faulty heater relay RL2 or electronic control board

    Part replacement

    If voltage testing at relay RL2 shows the correct input voltage is present but the relay is not switching and delivering output voltage, the relay or the entire electronic control board has failed and requires replacement.

  4. 04

    Open wiring between incoming line and relay RL2

    Wiring / connection

    If voltage at the COM terminal of relay RL2 reads zero when measured against neutral, the wire supplying power to the relay from the incoming line is open or has a broken connection. Inspect the wiring and connectors along that circuit path.

  5. 05

    Failed gas valve or igniter (gas models)

    Part replacement

    On gas dryers, a failed igniter or a gas valve solenoid that is not opening will prevent combustion even when the control board is correctly signaling for heat. Verify igniter operation and gas valve coil continuity as part of the downstream heater circuit check.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E5B

What does E5B mean on a GE dryer?
The E5B code means the dryer's control thermistor has not detected a temperature change over a set period of time, indicating the heating system is not working. The dryer is running but producing no heat. Diagnosis involves checking the heater relay RL2 on the electronic control board and then testing the downstream heater circuit to find the failed component.
Can I fix the E5B error code myself?
Some causes of the E5B code are within reach of a skilled DIYer, such as replacing a heating element, thermal cutoff, or high-limit thermostat. However, diagnosing this code correctly requires a multimeter and the ability to safely measure live voltage at the control board relay terminals. If you are not comfortable working around live electrical circuits, this repair is best handled by a qualified technician.
Will resetting the dryer clear the E5B code?
A power reset may temporarily clear the E5B code from the display, but it will not resolve the underlying hardware problem. If the heater circuit has a failed component such as a burned-out heating element or an open thermal cutoff, the code will return as soon as the dryer attempts to run a heat cycle. The root cause must be diagnosed and repaired for the code to stay clear.
Is it safe to use my GE dryer while it shows an E5B code?
The dryer drum will still spin when E5B is active, but no heat is being produced, so your clothes will not dry properly. There is no immediate fire hazard from running the dryer in this condition, but continued operation without resolving the fault is not recommended. You should diagnose and repair the heater circuit before relying on the dryer for normal use.
How much does it cost to repair an E5B error on a GE dryer?
Repair costs vary depending on which component has failed. Replacing a thermal cutoff or high-limit thermostat typically involves part costs in the range of $10 to $40. A heating element replacement on an electric model generally runs $20 to $80 in parts. A new electronic control board is the most expensive possibility, with parts typically ranging from $100 to $250 or more. Adding professional labor will increase the total cost by $75 to $150 or more depending on your location.

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