GE Dryer start switch question

[ken]

So my sister tells me her dryer quit. Its an electric GE from 2000. I look at it and determine the belt broke which is an easy enough fix. But the thing I find strange is how the start switch is acting. If I turn the knob to the right to "start" and hold it there the motor comes on and element gets hot. If I let go of the knob like you normally would and it moves back to the left like its supposed to it turns off.

Would this indicate the switch is bad too and its just a coincidence it went bad at the same time the belt broke? Or is it some kind of safety feature since the drum isn't turning?

 

[mrb627]

Belt protection

There may be a belt protection switch that will not allow the dryer to run if the belt is detected broken.

Malcolm

 

[cuffs054]

Ken, not sure I understand the issue. Normally you would turn knob to right, release it and the dryer would run until timer finishes or door opened. Are you saying that when you turn the knob to the right, the dryer starts (even with no belt) and then stops when you release the knob?

 

[combo52]

Malcolm, is correct, if the belt is broken the dryers motor and heater will only come on if you hold the start knob in the start position.

 

There is nothing wrong with the start switch.

 

[ken]

Cuffs: Yes, that's what Im saying.

Malcom & John: Thanks for the info. Ordered a new belt yesterday.