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HomeRepair HelpGE Dryer RepairGE Dryer has a burning smell Repair

GE Dryer has a burning smell

A burning smell from your dryer usually means something is rubbing or overheating where lint or a worn part can ignite. Start with the simplest and most common cause: excessive lint build-up in the lint screen, blower housing or venting that can char near the heating element or burner. If the vent and lint trap are clean, check the drive belt next; a stretched or frayed belt that slips on the drum or blower often produces a hot, burning odor. Less common but still possible are a shorted main control board or scorched electrical components, and a stuck blower wheel or worn blower belt that drags and overheats. Faulty idler pulleys or the idler assembly that stop turning let the belt slip and generate heat as well. Inspect for burn marks, damaged belts, seized pulleys and restricted vents before running the machine again. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement part for your dryer and get the correct belt, pulley, blower or control board for the repair.

01 - GE Dryer Lint Filter

Excessive lint build-up in the dryer can be a fire hazard. The element or burner can cause the lint to catch on fire. It is recommened to clean out the dryer and dryer venting at least once a year.
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02 - GE Dryer Drive Belt

A drive belt that is stretched, worn or frayed can slip producing a burning smell. If the belt is damaged also check that the drum and idler pulley turn freely.
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03 - GE Dryer Main Control Board

A dryer's main control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. The board itself can become shorted and produce a burning smell. You should inspect the board for any burn marks or a shorted components and replace if necessary.
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04 - GE Dryer Blower Belt

Some dryer models use a belt to run the blower. If the blower gets stuck or the blower belt is worn, loose and slipping, it can produce a burning smell. Confirm the blower turns freely and replace the belt if needed.
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05 - GE Dryer Idler Pulley

The idler pulley keeps tension on the belt to prevent it from slipping. If the idler wheel is damaged or stops turning, the belt can slip on the drive pulley, producing a burning smell. If your idler pulley is damaged or doesn't turn, you should replace it. Replacing the drive belt is also recommended.
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06 - GE Dryer Idler Assembly

The idler pulley assembly keeps tension on the belt to prevent it from slipping. If the idler wheel is damaged or stops turning, the belt can slip on the drive pulley, producing a burning smell. If your idler pulley assembly is damaged or doesn't turn, you should replace it. Replacing the drive belt is also recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dryer smell like something is burning?
Is it safe to keep using the dryer if it smells like burning?
How can I tell if the burning smell is caused by the drive belt, idler pulley, or blower belt?
Could the main control board or heating element cause a burning smell, and how do I check them?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?

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