Ge Dryer Error Code: 002 or 004

Error Code 002 – Abnormally High Thermistor Resistance

When your dryer displays Error Code 002, it’s signaling an issue with the thermistor circuit, specifically higher-than-expected resistance. This anomaly suggests that the dryer’s main control board believes the inlet temperatures are lower than they should be. There are two common culprits for this error:

1. Faulty Inlet Thermistor:

• Internally damaged thermistors may exhibit resistance outside the normal range, reaching megaohms.
• Problems like cracked housing, corroded wire leads, or broken internal components can trigger incorrect resistance values.

2. Wiring Harness Problems:

• Loose wire connections, shorts, or incorrect routing can also result in abnormal resistance levels.
• Intermittent shorts or continuity issues that change with movement or vibration may be present.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting:

• Safely Accessing the Inlet Thermistor:
  • Disconnect the dryer’s power and ensure you follow lockout/tagout procedures for safety.
  • Carefully open the dryer to access the inlet thermistor, typically found along the rear ductwork.
• Testing Resistance with a Multimeter:
  • After disconnecting power, detach the thermistor’s wiring harness plug (never test resistance through the control board).
  • Use a multimeter to measure resistance across the thermistor’s terminals, referring to factory specifications.
  • Compare your readings to expected values based on room temperature. A significantly high resistance over 1,000,000 ohms indicates a defective thermistor that should be replaced.
• Inspecting the Thermistor Wiring:
  • If resistance readings are normal, shift your focus to the wiring harness:
  • Visually inspect the harness for damage, loose connectors, or poor wire connections.
  • Check for continuity through each wire segment to uncover any opens or high-resistance points.
  • Verify that wiring routing matches the factory wiring diagram precisely, as deviations can lead to intermittent continuity issues.
• Final Repair and Validation:
  • If the thermistor is found to be defective, install a new OEM inlet thermistor (avoid attempting to repair the sensor).
  • Address any wiring repairs identified during the harness inspection, using heat shrink splices for secure connections.
  • Reconnect all wiring, restore power, and test operation through several complete cycles. Error Code 002 should no longer be displayed.
  • If the error persists, consider replacing the main control board as a last resort.

Error Code 004 – Abnormally Low Thermistor Resistance

Error Code 004 indicates that the main control board detects lower-than-expected resistance in the inlet thermistor circuit, believing that inlet temperatures are higher than they should be. Common causes for this error include:

1. Faulty Thermistor:

• Internal shorts in the thermistor can result in significant resistance drops, with readings below 500 ohms at room temperature.
• Damage to the physical housing or connector issues may also contribute to inaccurate resistance values.

2. Wiring Harness Problems:

• Shorts between wires or to the ground can occasionally cause abnormal resistance drops.
• Intermittent connections, incorrect routing, or loose plugs may also affect resistance levels.

The troubleshooting process for Error Code 004 mirrors that of Error Code 002:

• Safely Access the Inlet Thermistor:
  • Always disconnect power and adhere to lockout procedures to ensure safety during troubleshooting.
  • Carefully open the dryer to access the inlet thermistor on the rear duct.
• Use a Multimeter to Check Resistance:
  • With the power off, detach the thermistor’s wiring plug (never test resistance through the control board).
  • Verify resistance readings compared to expected values based on room temperature.
  • Unusually low resistance, below 500 ohms, indicates a damaged inlet thermistor that should be replaced.
• Inspect Thermistor Wiring:
  • If resistance readings are normal, focus on the wiring harness:
  • Visually inspect for breaks, damage, loose connectors, or poor connections.
  • Check for continuity through each wire segment to uncover any unexpected shorts.
  • Verify that harness routing precisely matches the factory wiring diagram.
• Complete Repairs and Retest Operation:
  • If the thermistor is found to be defective, install a new OEM inlet thermistor (avoid attempting to repair the existing sensor).
  • Address any wiring harness repairs identified during the inspection, using heat shrink splices for secure connections.
  • Reconnect wiring, restore power, and test operation through several complete cycles. The Error Code 004 should no longer be displayed.
  • If the error persists, consider replacing the main control board as a last resort.

Preventing Inlet Thermistor Issues

To minimize inlet thermistor problems, consider these tips:

• Clean the lint filter thoroughly before each cycle to maximize airflow and cooling.
• Ensure the dryer drum turns freely without friction or binding issues, preventing overheating.
• Avoid overloading the drum, as it can lead to excessive internal heat buildup.
• Allow proper clearance behind the dryer for ventilation and cooling airflow.
• Handle the thermistor with care to avoid damaging wire leads or connectors.