GE Appliances error code E8: The blower motor that drives the exhaust airflow is not running at the expected speed or has failed. Without adequate airflow the drum will overheat and clothes will not dry.
The blower motor that drives the exhaust airflow is not running at the expected speed or has failed. Without adequate airflow the drum will overheat and clothes will not dry.
An overloaded drum forces the motor to work beyond its rated torque. Remove half the items and try running the cycle again. The motor should reach speed within seconds of starting.
Rotate the drum by hand (with power off). It should turn smoothly with a little resistance. If it grinds, catches, or won't turn, something may be lodged between the drum and the outer tub — a coin, underwire, or debris.
On direct-drive machines skip this step. On belt-drive machines, a broken or slipped belt will prevent the drum from spinning. Access the motor compartment and check the belt for cracks, fraying, or misalignment.
Tools needed: Screwdriver set
If the motor overheated, a thermal cutout may have tripped. Allow the machine to cool for 30 minutes, then retry. If the motor ran hot due to repeated overload, the thermal protector may eventually fail permanently.
Disconnect power. Locate the motor control board (separate from the main board on many front-loaders). Inspect for burn marks or swollen capacitors. Test the input voltage and output to the motor with a multimeter.
Tools needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver set
With power disconnected, remove the motor. Test continuity between each winding terminal. An open winding means the motor is burned out and requires replacement.
Tools needed: Multimeter
Disconnect power and spin the blower wheel by hand — it should turn freely. Lint packed tightly around the wheel is a common cause. If the wheel turns freely but the motor hums without turning, the motor capacitor or winding has likely failed.