GE DBL333 How to use

CGE Consumer Service Training
TECHNICAL SERVICE GUIDE
PUB # 31-9037
LARGE CAPACITY DRYERS
DBL333
DCL333
DVL223

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The information in the service guide is intended for use by
individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical,
electronic and mechanical experience. Any attempt to repair a
major appliance may result in personal injury and property
damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for
the interpretation of this information, nor can it assume any
liability in connection with it’s use.
CAUTION
To avoidpersonalinjury,disconnect powerbeforeservicingthis
product. If electrical power is required for diagnosis or test
purposes, disconnect the power immediately after performing
the necessary checks.
RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING DEVICES
If grounding wires, screws, straps, clips, nuts or washers used
to complete a path to ground are removed for service, they
mustbe returnedtotheir original positionandproperlyfastened.
GE Consumer ServiceTraining
Technician Service Guide
Copyright © 1999
All rights reserved. This service guide may not be reproduced in whole or in part in
any form without written permission from the General Electric Company.

1
Table of Contents
Model Series Features
Installation Highlights
Top and Front Panel Removal
Door Gasket and Handle
Drum Glide and Upper Seal
Lower Drum Seal
Drum Removal
Drum Shaft and Bearing
Start Switch
Temperature Selector Switch
Timer
Door Switch
ControlThermostat and Heater
High LimitThermostat
Thermal Limiter
Heat Systems
Belt Switch
Motor
Wiring Diagrams
Troubleshooting Flowcharts
Exploded Views & Part Lists

2
Model Features
DBL333EY/GY - GE 5.7 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity Dryer
STARTHIGH
MEDIUM
FLUFF
MOREDRY
MOREDRY
=PREFERREDREGULARSETTING
80MIN
70
60
50
40
30
20
LESSDRY
LESSDRY
COOL
DOWN
AUTOMATIC
COTTONS
AUTOMATIC
PERMANENT
PRESS
TIMEDDRY
3Cycle Automatic Heavy Duty Large Capacity
STARTTEMPERATURE
Features and Benefits
DCL333EY/GY - GE 5.7 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity Dryer
START
MOREDRY
MOREDRY
=PREFERRED REGULAR SETTING
80MIN
70
60
50
40
30
20
LESSDRY
LESSDRY
COOL
DOWN
AUTOMATIC
COTTONS
HIGHHEAT
AUTOMATIC
PERMANENT
PRESS
MEDIUMHEAT
TIMEDDRY
NOHEAT
3 Cycle Automatic Heavy Duty Large Capacity
START
Features and Benefits

3
Model Nomenclature
DVL223EY/GY - GE 5.7 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity Dryer
START
MOREDRY
=PREFERREDREGULARSETTING
80MIN
70
60
50
40
30
20
LESSDRY
AUTOMATIC
COTTONS
HIGHHEAT
MEDIUMHEAT
TIMEDDRY
2 Cycle Automatic HeavyDuty Large Capacity
START
Features and Benefits
™

4
Exhaust Options:
Circuit Requirements:
Electric Dryer Rating:
Note:
Installation Information:
Electric Dryer
Exhaust Options:
Circuit Requirements:
Gas Dryer Electric Rating:
Gas (BTU/HR):
Gas Dryer
Installation Specifications

5
NOTE: When exhausting from the side or bottom, a vent kit is available as publication
#14-A018. The vent kit replaces the existing duct inside the dryer to allow a 90° elbow
to vent the dryer out the side or bottom. The kit consists of a 6 1/2” long, 4” diameter
metal duct with attached mounted bracket and instructions. A 90° elbow is not supplied
and must be provided by the installer.
Exhaust Ducting Length
• DO NOT
•

6
DRYER OPERATION
The dryer drum rotates clockwise at 48 – 54 rpm
as viewed from front. On electric models, air is
drawn into the heater housing and across the
open coils of the electric heater. On gas models,
air is drawn into the combustion chamber and over
the burner flame. The air is then pulled through
the tumbling clothes, picking up moisture and lint.
Lint is filtered out as air passes from the drum,
across the filter screen and into the blower duct,
where it is discharged out the vent. The bias
control thermostat, according to the setting of the
fabric selector switch, controls the air temperature.
The length of the drying cycle is controlled by the
number of minutes selected on the timer or auto-
matically controlled by the timer, in conjunction
with the thermostat, for the type of fabric selected
(automatic dry cycles).
ACCESSINGTHE DRYER COMPONENTS
Top Panel Removal
The top panel is held in place by two spring clips
locatedat the frontofthedryerandtwotabs located
at the back. To release the clips, use a stiff putty
knife inserted between the top and front panel at
the locations shown at right. Holding the putty knife
in a horizontal position, push in on one spring clip to
release that edge of the top. Repeat with the other
clip, lift the top at the front and disengage it from the
tabs at the rear.
START HIGH
MEDIUM
FLUFF
MORE DRY
MORE DRY
= PREFERRED REGULAR SETTING
80 MIN
70
60
50
40
30
20
LESS DRY
LESS DRY
COOL
DOWN
AUTOMATIC
COTTONS
AUTOMATIC
PERMANENT
PRESS
TIMEDDRY
3Cycle Automatic HeavyDutyLargeCapacity
STARTTEMPERATURE
Front Panel Removal
The remove the front panel, disconnect power and
remove the top panel. Once the top panel is off,
remove the two Phillips screws, one on each side,
located on the top inside edge of the front panel.
Disconnect the two wires from the door switch.
2 Phillips screws
Starting at the top edge, pullthefrontpanelforward.
3guide clips align the frontpaneltothesides. Once
the clips are released, lift the front panel to remove.
Guide Clips
Air Duct
Front Panel Air Duct
The front panel air duct is glued to the front panel.
Should the air duct need to be replaced, an air duct
seal will also be required. The foam air duct seal is
gluded to the air duct and seals between the duct
and the opening for the blower wheel on the blower
housing. To replace the air duct or install a replace-
ment front panel, remove the front panel, remove
the lint filter, remove the 2 Phillips screws from the
lint trap cover and remove the lint trap cover. Using
a sharp knife, cut the adhesive between the air duct
and the front panel. If reinstalling the original front
panel, use a putty knife to remove as much of the
old adhesive as possible. Apply adhesive along the
edgeoftheairductand position it on the front panel.
Air Duct Seal

7
Apply a bead of WH60X20 adhesive on the air duct
seal and position it on the air duct. Reinstall the lint
trap cover and filter, front and top panel.
Door Gasket
The door gasket is secured to the door panel by
tabs. To replace the gasket, pull the old gasket off
the inner door panel, align the new gasket tabs with
theslots in the doorandpressthegasketintoplace.
Door Handle
The door handle is secured to the outer door panel
by tabs. To replace the door handle, remove the
door from the front panel and remove the screws
from the sides and bottom of the door. Separate
the inner and outer door panels. Release the tabs
that secure the door handle to the front panel.
Drum Glide and Upper Seal
The drum glide is glued to the top outer edge of the
door opening and is a part of the felt upper drum
seal. To replace the drumglide/upperseal assembly,
raise the top panel, remove the two Phillips screws
on the front panel and pull the front panel towards
you. Remove the old seal assembly and glue the
new seal in place using WH60X20 adhesive.
Reinstall the front and the top panels.
Drum Glide and Upper Seal
Lower Drum Seal
The lower drum seal is glued in place around the
outer lower edge of the door opening on the front
panel. To replace the lower seal, remove the top
panel and the front panel. Remove the old seal and
glue a new seal in place. Reinstall the front and top
panels.
Rear Access Panel
The rear access panel allows access to view the
motor, centrifugal switch, idler pulley assembly, belt
and belt switch. The panel is secured to the back by
two Phillips screws.
NOTE: Located on the rear of the dryer is a heat
deflector shield. The purpose of the shield is to
prevent someone from coming in contact with the
hotpartofthecabinetneartheheater. Ifyou remove
the shield for any reason, make certain to reinstall
the shield upon dryer reassembly.
Rear Access Panel
Heat Deflector Shield
Mini Manual

8
Dryer Drum Removal
To remove the dryer drum, disconnect power and
remove the top and front panels. Next, remove the
yellow spacer/bumper attached to the top cross
brace by a Phillips screw.
Drum Spacer/Bumper
Remove the drive belt from the motor drive pulley
byreachingunderthedrumfromthefrontorthrough
the rear access opening. Once the belt is loose, the
drum must be lifted
straight up to disengage
the drum shaft from the
drum bearing. Once the
shaft ball is above the
drumbearingcup,pull the
drumforwardthroughthe
cabinet opening.
Drum
Shaft
Drum
Bearing
Drum Shaft
The drum shaft is attached to the drum by three
Torx screws. To replace the drum shaft, align the
mounting holes and use a piece of tape to hold the
shaft in place while installing the Torx screws from
inside the drum. Thoroughly lubricate the shaft ball
with Lubriplate or a high quality lithium grease.
Drum Vanes
All three dryer drum vanes are replaceable. Each
vane is attached to the drum by two Phillips screws.
Drum Bearing
The drum bearing mounts to the inside rear of the
dryer cabinet by means of a sheet metal bracket
secured by two 5/16”screws. To replace, remove
the two screws holding the bearing to the back of
the dryer. Note: A small steel ball is used to keep
theshaftalignedinthe bearing. Thoroughlylubricate
thenewbearingwithlithiumgreaseandreassemble.
NOTE: If necessary, the drum shaft and bearing are
availableasakitunderthepart#WE25X10001. The
kit contains the drum shaft, shaft bearing, mounting
brackets,asteelball,screwsandatubeofLubriplate,
a high quality lithium grease.

9
Temperature Selector Switch
The rotary temperature selector switch, one of the
controls on the model DBL333, allows the customer
to select different temperature settings for drying.
Theswitchcontainsa3Kohmresistorontheelectric
model and a 2.4K ohm resistor on the gas model.
On the “Medium”setting, the selector switch
activates a control thermostat bias heater, which is
in series with the resistor on the switch. To check
theswitch, disconnect power,removethewiresfrom
the switch and check
for continuity. With the
switch set on“Regular”
setting,thereshouldbe
continuityonlybetween
terminals 1 and 2. On
the “Medium”setting,
there should be
continuityonlybetween
terminals 3 and 4. On a“Fluff”setting, there should
be no continuity between either set of terminals.
Resistor
3
5
21
4
Dryer Controls
To access the dryer controls, disconnect power and
remove the four Phillips screws at the top of the
switch trim. Graspthetrim atthetopandpull forward.
Threetabsat thebottomfitintoslots onthetoppanel.
STARTHIGH
MEDIUM
FLUFF
MOREDRY
MOREDRY
= PREFERRED REGULARSETTING
80MIN
70
60
50
40
30
20
LESSDRY
LESSDRY
COOL
DOWN
AUTOMATIC
COTTONS
AUTOMATIC
PERMANENT
PRESS
TIMEDDRY
3CycleAutomatic HeavyDuty LargeCapacity
STARTTEMPERATURE
Start Switch
The start switch energizes the start windings on the
drivemotor. Itisamomentarycontact,rotary switch.
To test the switch, remove the wires and check for
continuity between the switch terminals. There
should be continuity only while turning the switch
clockwise. Oncereleased,theterminals should read
open. Should the switch need to be replaced, turn
the switch clockwise (as viewed from the back) to
release it from the switch trim.
Timer
Thetimerisan electromechanicalcontrolwitha120v
drive motor. Depending upon the model, the timer
will control cycles for timed fluff (no heat), timed dry,
automatic cottons and/or automatic permanent
press. On a timed cycle, the timer motor receives
120 volts continuously for the number of minutes
selected for the cycle. When an automatic cycle is
chosen, the time will vary based of the quantity of
clothes and their moisture content. When the heat
sourceison,thetimermotor does notreceivepower.
When the clothes warm and the control thermostat
is satisfied, the heat is turned off and voltage is then
supplied to the timer motor. When the thermostat
cools,theheatisagainturnedonandthetimerstops.
As the clothes dry, the control thermostat reaches
temperature faster and the timer motor receives
power more often until the end of cycle is reached.
To diagnose thetimer,usethetimer barchartlocated
on the mini manual behind the switch trim. Rotate
the timer to a point in the particular cycle you want
to check. Find the appropriate location the timer
pointer is set in the cycles across the first column.
Read vertically down the chart from that point. At
each point you cross a shaded row, the contacts
listed at the left on the same row should have
continuity. Note the shaded areas are proportional
to the total time, so take several continuity
measurements at different points within the cycle
before determining the timer needs replacement.
Timer Bar Chart

10
Depending on the dryer model, the timer can have
one or two resistors connected to it. Refer to the
wiring diagram with the dryer.
Automatic Dry
Resistor
Medium Heat
Resistor
Onelectricmodeldryerswith anautomaticdrycycle,
a 4.4K ohm resistor is used in series with the heater
toreducethe240voltsto120voltsandrun the timer
motor when the control thermostat is open.
NOTE: The automatic dry cycle resistor resembles
a jumper wire between the terminals TM and R on
the timer.
4.4K OHM RESISTOR
MEDIUM HEAT
RESISTOR
Asecondtyperesistorwillbeusedongas or electric
model dryers with a medium heat setting. This
resistor is wired in series with the bias heater on the
controlthermostattocyclethethermostatatalower
temperature.
To replace the timer, remove the timer knob and the
two Phillips screws under the knob.
Door Switch
The door switch is a normally open switch wired in
series with thedrivemotor. When thedoorisclosed
andthemotorrunning,acircuitiscompletedthrough
the motor’s run winding. To test the switch, remove
the top panel and wires from the switch. When the
door is closed, the switch should read continuity.
Whenthedoorisopen,theswitchshouldreadopen.
To replace the switch, squeeze the retaining clips
together and pull the switch from the front of the
dryer.
ControlThermostat and Bias Heater
The control thermostat regulates the temperature
insidethedryer drum. Itisasinglepole, single throw
switch wired in series with the high limit (or safety)
thermostat and the heat source. It is mounted on
the front of the blower housing. The control
thermostatalsocontainsabiasheater. The purpose
of the bias heater is to apply a small amount of heat
to the control thermostat when the fabric selector
switch issettothemediumtemperaturesetting. This
smallamountof heat causes the thermostatto open
sooner to maintain a lower drum temperature.
THERMOSTAT
TERMINALS
BIAS HEATER
TERMINALS
NOTE:
The control thermostats are not interchangeable
betweenanelectric and a gas dryer. The resistance
of the bias heater is 28K ohms on the electric dryer
and 7K ohms on the gas dryer.

11
To check the control thermostat, remove the wiring
from the terminals. At room temperature, the
thermostat should have continuity between the
control thermostat terminals. To check the bias
heater, remove the wiring from the bias heater
terminals. Check the resistance between the bias
heaterterminals. Onan electricdryer,theresistance
shouldbe28Kohms. Onagasdryer,theresistance
should be 7K ohms.
To check for correct dryer temperatures, make
certain all panels are in place on the dryer and
removetheexhaustventingfromtherearof thedryer.
Place a thermometer capable of reading at least
300°F in the end of the dryer duct. Set the timer
and allow the dryer to operate for 10 minutes with
anemptydrum. Checkthetemperatureimmediately
after the thermostat has cycled off and the dryer
has reached its highest temperature. Depending
upon the cycle selected, the temperatures should
be between 165°F-195°F on a “High” setting and
between 150°F-180°F for a “Medium”setting. If the
complaintislong drying times and the temperatures
are correct, check for a restricted vent, too long a
vent run, or an excessive number of turns in the vent.
High Limit (Safety)Thermostat
The high limit (safety) thermostat is a single pole,
single throw switch wired in series with the control
thermostat. It is mounted towards the top of the
heater pan shield at the rear of the drum. If the
control thermostat should fail closed or an air
blockage occurs, raising the temperature in the
heaterpan,thehigh limit thermostatopensthe circuit
to the heat source.
Thermal Limiter
The thermal limiter is wired in series with the drive
motor on all electric dryers. The purpose of the
thermal limiter is to shut down the dryer should the
control thermostat and the high limit thermostat fail
to open. Once the thermal limiter has opened, it
must be replaced. In addition, the condition that
causedittoopenmustbecorrected. Themostlikely
cause would be an excessively long vent or a vent
with excessive turns. This is especially true if vinyl
or plastic venting was used.
Heat System (Electric Dryers)
The heater assembly is located behind the dryer
drum. Holes in the back of the drum allow heated
air to be drawn into the drum. The heating element
is an open coil heater, attached to a metal shroud
with ceramic standoffs. Check the heating element
THERMAL
LIMITER
HIGH LIMIT
SAFETY
THERMOSTAT
HEATER
TERMINALS
HIGH LIMIT
SAFETY
THERMOSTAT

12
by removing the drum and visually inspecting the
element for breaks. Remove the leads from the
heater terminals and check for 12 ohms across the
terminals, then check each terminal to ground. If
theelementisopenor grounded,replacetheheating
assembly. To replace the heater assembly, remove
the four Phillips screws holding the assembly to the
cabinet back. Transfer the high limit (safety)
thermostat from the old heater shroud to the new
shroud and install the new assembly.
Heat System (Gas models)
The heating system for a gas dryer is comprised of
threemaincomponents,the ignitor, the flamesensor
switch, and the gas control valve.
The ignitor is a silicon carbide thermistor mounted
atananglewiththetipextending into the flame area.
Depending on room temperature, the resistance of
the ignitor should be between 50 to 400 ohms. The
ignitor is fragile and susceptible to contamination
fromskinoils. Useonlytheignitor’s insulatedsupport
when handling to prevent damage. Electrically, the
ignitorisinparallelwiththeboostercoil. Theparallel
circuit of the ignitor and booster coil is in series with
the secondary coil on the gas valve. The series –
parallel circuit of the ignitor, booster coil, and
secondary coil is in turn in parallel with the holding
coil on the gas valve. Note: During the auto dry
cycle, you will be able to read some voltage at the
ignitor whenever the dryer is operating.
The flame sensor switch mounts on the side of the
burner duct and is single pole, single throw switch.
When the ignitor reaches approximately 1800OF,
theflamesensorswitchdetectsthishighradiantheat
and opens. This energizes the secondary solenoid
gas valve coil, allowing gas to flow through the gas
valve. Gas flowing into the burner duct is ignited by
the still hot ignitor. The flame within the burner duct
heats the air being drawn into the back of the drum.
IGNITOR
FLAME SENSOR
BURNER ASSEMBLY
GASVALVE
Belt Switch
The belt switch is a normally closed switch and is
mounted on the motor bracket next to the idler arm.
If the drive belt breaks or jumps off the idler pulley,
theidler armwill contact the beltswitch, causing the
switch contacts to open, and thereby opening the
circuittothemotor. Toaccess thebeltswitch,remove
the access panel on the rear of the dryer. Remove
the leads from the switch and connect an ohmmeter
across the switch terminals. The ohmmeter should
read continuity when the belt is on.
BELT SWITCH
Motor
The drive motor is a single speed, dual shaft, ¼ hp,
1725 rpm motor with an automatic reset overload
protector. The overload protector in an internal
component of the motor and cannot be replaced
separately. The motor shaft is threaded on one end
for the blower wheel, with the belt pulleyontheother.
The pulley is not available separately and comes
pressed on the shaft of a new motor.
CENTRIFUGAL SWITCH

13
Themotorcontainsacentrifugalswitchwhichserves
three purposes: It disengages the motor start
winding, engages the motor run winding and closes
the circuit for the heat source. When the motor is
off, the switch completes a circuit from M5 through
the motor start winding to M4. The contact M1 to
M2 is open. Immediately as the motor is started,
centrifugal force pulls the switch activating collar in
on the motor. This opens the circuit through the
start winding and completes the circuit M6 through
the run winding to M4. The contacts M1 to M2 close
to activate the heat source.
MOTOR OFF
MOTOR RUNNING
To checktheswitch,disconnectthedryerfrompower
and remove the drum. If the motor starts to run and
stops when the start switch is released, place an
ohm meter across terminals M5 and M6 and
manually pull in on the collar to activate the switch.
You should read continuity. If the motor runs and
there is no heat, activate the switch and check
between M1 and M2. You should read continuity.
Motor Removal
To replace the motor, disconnect power, remove the
top and front panels, belt and dryer drum. Remove
the fan cover by carefully removing the aluminum
FAN COVER
tape, two Phillips screws and the six clips holding
the cover in place.Note the retaining clips under the
aluminum tape at the bottom edge of the cover.
When reassembling, make certain the cover is
sealed to the housing with aluminum tape. If the
original tape cannot be reused, use aluminum tape
WD49X27 to seal the cover.
Unscrew the blower wheel in a clockwise direction
fromthemotorshaftusinga7/8”socketonthe blower
wheelandholdingthe motor shaft bythepulley. The
clockwise direction is marked on the center of the
wheel.
Once the blower wheel is unscrewed, remove the
motor mounting clip and unplug the wiring harness
from the motor.
MOTOR
MOUNTING
CLIP WIRING HARNESS
Direction
of removal
marked on
the blower
wheel
7/8”
hex nut

14
FAN
HOUSING
LOCK
Next, remove the fan housing lock from the rear of
the blower housing.
To remove the lock, insert a flat bade screwdriver
asshownbelow. Pry the lockawayfromthehousing
far enough to clear the retaining tab and lift the lock
out of the channel.
(Motor remove for clarity in illustrations)
Once the lock is removed, the motor can be pulled
from the blower housing.
FAN
HOUSING
LOCK
RETAINING
TAB
9 8 7 6 5 3 1
G
N
D
5 4 6 1 2
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W
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E
G
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A
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E
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O
W
B
L
A
C
K
INTERNAL MOTORWIRING
HARNESSWIRING
YELLOW
ORANGE
BLACK
3.4
4.3
TERMINALS
MOTOR AND HARNESS WIRING

15
DBL333E

16
DBL333G

17
DCL333E

18
DCL333G