GE DCVH480EK How to use

GE Appliances
General Electric Company
Louisville, Kentucky 40225
31-9194
24-in. Electric Dryer
DCVH480EK
DCVH485EK
Technical Service Guide
November 2009
GE Consumer & Industrial
WRINKLE FREE MIXED LOAD
COTTONS
TEMP
AIR FLUFF
ACTIVE WEAR
DELICATES
SPEED DRY
S
ENSOR
D
RY
T
IME
D
RY
WARM UP
DEWRINKLE
TIMED DRY
SENSOR
DELAYSTART
EXTEND TUMBLE
ADJUST
TIME DRY
NO HEAT
DAMP ALERT
PAUS E
SIGNAL
POWER
START
TIME

– 2 –
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The information in this 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 its use.
WARNING
To avoid personal injury, disconnect power before servicing
this 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 must be
returned to their original position and properly fastened.
GE Consumer & Industrial
Technical Service Guide
Copyright © 2009
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.

– 3 –
Table of Contents
Airflow ....................................................................................................................................................................................17
Back Cover...........................................................................................................................................................................29
Belt Switch............................................................................................................................................................................32
Blower Wheel......................................................................................................................................................................34
Component Locator Views...........................................................................................................................................18
Control Board......................................................................................................................................................................23
Control Board Connections..........................................................................................................................................21
Control Features............................................................................................................................................................... 5
Control Panel .....................................................................................................................................................................22
Cycle Options...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Door Switch ......................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Drive Belt...............................................................................................................................................................................29
Drum and Bearing............................................................................................................................................................30
Drum Lamp Assembly....................................................................................................................................................25
Drum Rollers........................................................................................................................................................................28
Drum Support Assembly...............................................................................................................................................27
Dryer Components...........................................................................................................................................................22
Error Codes .......................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Front Panel...........................................................................................................................................................................24
Heater Assembly...............................................................................................................................................................36
Idler Bracket Assembly ..................................................................................................................................................33
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Motor ......................................................................................................................................................................................35
Operation Overview.........................................................................................................................................................16
Outlet Thermostat ............................................................................................................................................................33
Rear Drum Seal Assembly............................................................................................................................................31
Reversing the Door Swing ............................................................................................................................................10
Schematics and Wiring Diagrams............................................................................................................................41
Service Test Mode.............................................................................................................................................................38
Stacking Instructions ......................................................................................................................................................13
Thermistor............................................................................................................................................................................34
Top Cover..............................................................................................................................................................................22
Touch Sensors ...................................................................................................................................................................26
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................................38
Warranty ..............................................................................................................................................................................42

– 4 –
The new GE 24-in. electric dryer has the following features:
Nine heat cycles - 6 Sensor Dry cycles and 3 Time Dry cycles.•
Large 4.0-cubic foot 304 stainless steel dryer drum.•
LED Drum Lamp•
Built-in service test mode. Specific dryer components can be operated. Error codes are recorded and•
accessible on the control panel display.
Thermistor - Thermistors are more sensitive to temperature changes and can relay the information faster•
than thermostats. The dryer utilizes a thermistor to monitor air temperature leaving the drum. The sensor
works together with the variable heater and the blower to provide consistent, even heat.
Moisture Sensor - The moisture sensor allows the control to monitor the fabric for moisture content and•
end the cycle at the desired moisture level.
Flush Door Handle•
Reversible Door•
UV Stabilizers - The control panel has UV stabilizers to prevent yellowing when exposed to sunlight.•
The GE 24-in. electric dryer, models DCVH480EK and DCVH485EK, can be installed on top of GE 24-in. HA•
washers, models WCVH4800K and WCVH4815K. Use stacking kit GE24STACK.
Introduction

– 5 –
Control Features
(Continued Next Page)
WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read the IMPORTANT
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS before operating this appliance.
Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.
Quick Start
If the screen is dark, press the POWER button to “wake up”
the display.
Press the POWER button.
Select a cycle by turning the
Cycle Knob.
If you selected a SENSOR DRY cycle—
just press the START/PAUSE button.
If you selected a TIME DRY
cycle—select your heat setting
and the amount of time you
want your items to dry by
pressing the TIME button until
the desired time appears in
the display. Then press the
START/PAUSE button.
3
2
1
Power
Press to “wake up” the display. If the display is active, press to turn the dryer off.
NOTE: Pressing POWER does not disconnect the appliance from the power supply.
1

– 6 – (Continued Next Page)
2Dry Cycles
The dry cycle controls the cycle time for the drying process. The chart below will help you match
the dry setting with the loads.
Sensor Cycles
COTTONS For cottons and most linens.
MIXED LOAD For loads consisting of cottons and poly blends.
WRINKLE FREE For wrinkle-free/easy care and permanent press items.
ACTIVE WEAR Clothing worn for active sports exercise and some casual wear. Fabrics include new
technology finishes and stretch fibers such as spandex.
DELICATES For lingerie and special-care fabrics.
SPEED DRY For small loads that are needed in a hurry, such as sports or school uniforms. Can also be
used if the previous cycle left some items damp, such as collars or waistbands.
Time Dry Cycles
WARM UP Provides 10 minutes of warming time to warm up clothes.
DEWRINKLE For removing wrinkles from items that are dry or slightly damp. This cycle is not
recommended for delicate fabrics.
AIR FLUFF Use this feature to tumble items without heat.
Timed Dry
Use to set your own dry time. TIMED DRY is also recommended for small loads.
To use TIMED DRY:
1. Turn dry cycle dial to TIMED DRY.
2. Select the drying time by pressing the TIME button. You can increase the time in 10-minute
increments up to 1 hour and 20 minutes.
3. Select the DRY TEMP.
4. Close the door.
5. Press START/PAUSE.
Sensor Dry Level
The sensor continuously monitors the amount of moisture in the load. When the moisture in your
clothes reaches your selected dry level, the dryer will stop.
EXTRA DRY Use for heavy-duty fabrics or items that should be very dry, such as towels.
MORE DRY Use for heavy or mixed type of fabrics.
DRY Use for normal dryness level suitable for most loads. This is the preferred cycle
for energy saving.
LESS DRY Use for lighter fabric (ideal for ironing).
DAMP For leaving items partially damp.
NOTE: The Sensor Dry Levels can only be selected in a Sensory Dry Cycle.
3
4

– 7 – (Continued Next Page)
Dry Temp
You can change the temperature of your dry cycle.
ANTI-BACTERIAL This option may only be used with COTTONS or MIXED LOAD cycles. This option reduces
certain types of bacteria. The anti-bacterial process occurs when high heat is used
during a portion of this drying cycle.
NOTE: Do not use this cycle on delicate fabrics.
HIGH For regular to heavy cottons.
MEDIUM For synthetics, blends and items labeled permanent press.
LOW For delicates, synthetics and items labeled Tumble Dry Low.
EXTRA LOW For lingerie and special-care fabrics.
START/PAUSE
Press to start a dry cycle. If the dryer is running, press it once and it will pause the dryer.
Press it again to restart the dry cycle.
“CLEAN LINT FILTER” (message)
This message stays on until the START button is pressed. This message is only a reminder.
5
6

– 8 –
NOTE: Not all features are available on all dryer models.
Extend Tumble
Minimizes wrinkles by adding
approximately 20 minutes of constant
no-heat tumbling followed by 70 minutes
of intermittent no-heat tumbling after
clothes are dry. The dryer is in EXTENDED
TUMBLE when the ESTIMATED CYCLE TIME
display is illuminated in a circular pattern.
The light in the button will light up when
EXTEND TUMBLE is on.
NOTE: It is normal for the drum to pause
for short periods of time during EXTEND
TUMBLE.
Damp Alert
This option causes the dryer to beep when
clothes have dried to a damp level. Remove
items that you wish to hang dry. The DAMP
ALERT will only beep when this option is
selected (dry cycle keeps running).
Removing clothes and hanging them when
they are damp can reduce the need to iron
some items.
The light in the button will light up when
DAMP ALERT is on.
NOTE: Only for DRY, MORE DRY and EXTRA
DRY sensor dry selections.
Delay Start
Use to delay the start of your dryer.
1. Choose your dry cycle and any options.
2. Press the DELAY START button. You
can change the delay time in 1-hour
increments (up to 18 hours) each time
you press the DELAY START button. Stop
pressing the button when your desired
time is displayed.
3. Press the START/PAUSE button to start
the countdown.
The countdown time will be shown in the
ESTIMATED TIME REMAINING display.
NOTES:
■If the door is opened while the dryer is in
DELAY, the countdown time will continue
to count down the delay time. If the door
is not closed and the countdown time
expires, the cycle will not start until the
door is closed and the START/PAUSE
button is pressed.
■You can delay the start of a dryer cycle
up to 18 hours.
The light in the button will light up when
DELAY START is on.
Cycle Options
(Continued Next Page)

– 9 –
Lock
You can lock the controls to prevent any
selections from being made. Or you can
lock or unlock the controls after you have
started a cycle.
Children cannot accidentally start
the dryer by touching pads with
this option selected.
To lock the dryer, press and hold
the TEMP and SENSOR buttons together
for 3 seconds.
To unlock the dryer controls, press
and hold the TEMP and SENSOR buttons
together for 3 seconds. A sound will
indicate the lock/unlock status.
The control lock icon on the display will
light up when it is on.
NOTE: The POWER button can still be used
when the machine is locked.
Signal
When the light is “on,” the dryer will beep
at the end of the cycle and every time
you press a button on the control panel.
To turn the signal off, press the SIGNAL
button and the light will go off.

– 10 –
Reversing the Door Swing
Important Notes:
Read the instructions all the way through before•
starting.
Handle parts carefully to avoid scratching paint.•
Provide a non-scratching work surface for the•
doors.
Set screws down by their related parts to avoid•
using them in the wrong places.
All screws must be hand-tightened.•
Normal completion time to reverse the door•
swing is 20–30 minutes.
Important: Once you begin, do not move the
cabinet until door-swing reversal is completed.
These instructions are for changing the hinges from
the right side to the left side―if you ever want to
switch them back to the right side, follow these
same instructions and reverse all references to the
left and right.
Hardware Used
Mounting Screw
Hinge Bracket Anchoring
Screws
Door and Latch Screws
Tools Needed
Phillips-head Screwdriver
(Continued Next Page)

– 11 – (Continued Next Page)
To reverse the door swing:
Unplug the dryer from its electrical outlet.1.
2. Remove the hinge bracket anchoring screws.
3. Slide door and hinge assembly upward, then
remove the assembly from the dryer front panel.
4. Remove 16 door screws and male end of latch
from the inner side of the door.
5. Remove the inner face.
6. Lift and rotate the window assembly 180° and
replace. Also rotate the inner face 180° and
replace.
7. Replace a door screw in the center of the side
opposite the hinge. Then put the male end of
the latch into place and fasten with two door
screws.

– 12 –
8. Replace all door screws that were removed.
9. Remove the female end of the latch from the
front panel of the dryer, rotate 180°, and replace
on the opposite side.
10. Move the mounting screw to the upper screw
hole position on the hinge so that the door can
be set on the cabinet during final installation.
11. Fasten the hinge back on at the top and bottom
with the hinge mounting screws.

– 13 – (Continued Next Page)
The GE dryer is designed to allow placement
(stacking) on top of certain GE front load washers.
Washer models that currently qualify are:
WCVH4800K•
WCVH4815K•
Note: If you are planning to stack the washer and
dryer, order Stacking Kit number GE24STACK to be
used for this dryer. Kit sold separately.
IMPORTANT –• Save these instructions for local
electrical inspector’s use.
IMPORTANT –• Observe all governing codes and
ordinances.
Note to Installer –• Be sure to leave these
instructions with the Consumer.
Stacking installations may require a power cord•
up to six feet in length.
WARNING!
• Make sure the dryer is unplugged.
• More than 2 people are recommended to safely
lift the dryer into position.
• Avoid damage to the existing utility services.
DO NOT• place the washer on top of the dryer.
Location Requirements
When installed in a location other than an alcove
or closet, the minimal clearances to combustible
surfaces and for air opening are: 0 inches on both
sides, and 3 inches front and rear. Consideration
must be given to provide adequate clearance for
installation and service.
Note: If your dryer is approved for installation in an
alcove or a closet, it will be stated on a label on the
back.
When installed in an alcove or closet:
The dryer MUST be vented to the outdoors.•
Minimum clearance between dryer cabinet•
and adjacent walls or other surfaces is 0 inches
either side, and 3 inches front and rear.
Minimum vertical space from floor to overhead•
shelves, cabinets, ceilings, etc., is 67.7 inches.
Closet doors must be louvered or otherwise•
ventilated and have at least 60 square inches
of open area equally distributed. If the closet
contains both a washer and a dryer, doors must
contain a minimum of 120 square inches of
open area equally distributed.
Note: WHEN THE EXHAUST DUCT IS LOCATED AT THE
REAR OF THE DRYER, MINIMUM CLEARANCE FROM
THE WALL IS 5.5 INCHES.
Stacking Instructions

– 14 – (Continued Next Page)
Tools Needed
Phillips-head Screwdriver
Kit Contents (GE Kit #GE24STACK)
Screws (4)
Rubber
pads (4)
Bracket-
stack (R)
Bracket-
stack (L)
Level
Gloves
Installation Preparation
Remove the packaging.
Flatten the product carton to use as a pad to lay the
dryer down on its side. Continue using the carton to
protect the finished floor in front of the installation
location.
Carefully lay the dryer on its side. Use the1.
packing material so you don’t scratch the finish
on the dryer.
2. Remove the dryer leveling legs.
Unscrew and remove
all 4 leveling legs
3. Locate the 4 rubber pads in the parts package.
Insert rubber pads into the leveling leg holes.
4. Set the dryer upright.
Installing the Stack Bracket Kit

– 15 –
5. Remove washer top cap screw from the rear
left. Align left bracket holes with top cap
screw hole on rear left of the unit and replace
screw. Note: Leave screws loose so dryer hole
alignment will be easier.
6. Drive next screw through the bracket into the
rear of the washer.
7. Repeat the above steps with the right side.
8. Lift the dryer on top of the washer. Protect the
washer control panel with cardboard or other
protection. Be sure to lift the dryer high enough
to clear the washer control panel.
WARNING – Potential Personal Injury. More than
two people are recommended to lift the dryer into
position because of its weight and size. Failure to do
so could result in personal injury or death.
9. Align the holes in the bracket with the holes
in the back of the dryer. Using a Phillips
screwdriver, attach the 2 #8 x 1/2 inch tapping
screws.
10. Tighten the dryer bracket screws; then tighten
all stacking kit screws.
11. Refer to the washer Installation Instructions to
complete the washer installation.
12. Refer to the dryer Installation Instructions to
complete the dryer installation.
13. Carefully slide or walk the stacked washer and
dryer into place. Use felt pads or other sliding
device to assist moving and to protect flooring.
WARNING – Potential Personal Injury. Do not push
on the dryer once installed to top of the washer.
Pushing on the dryer may result in pinched fingers.
Place
hands
here
Place
hands
here

– 16 –
Operation Overview
The typical dryer cycle progresses as follows:
1. A cycle is selected and the START/PAUSE button is pressed.
2. The motor is activated. The drum motor rotates the drum at a speed of approximately 50 RPM
(revolutions per minute).
3. The heater elements are activated. The elements cycle on and off to achieve the desired temperature
throughout the heating portion of the cycle.
4. If sensor drying is selected, the heater elements are activated. The elements cycle on and off until the
load has achieved the desired dryness level.
5. If timed drying is selected, the heater elements are activated and cycle on and off for the selected time at
the selected temperature.
6. The heater coils discontinue operation after the dryness level or elapsed time has been achieved.
7. The motor continues operating until the clothes temperature drops below specified temperature (cool
down).
9. The display turns off.
Air enters the dryer cabinet, passing through the heating elements and into the drum. The hot air heats the
wet clothes, gradually removing their moisture in the form of water vapor. The moist air is vented through
the dryer exhaust. Overall heater temperature is regulated by means of an inlet temperature thermostat,
located on top of the heater assembly, and an outlet thermistor, located at the blower. A safety thermostat,
located on top of the heater assembly, and an outlet thermostat, located near the blower, cycle the heating
elements if temperatures are excessive. If the thermostat reaches a temperature beyond its maximum
temperature rating, power will be interrupted to the heating elements and the control board, thereby
terminating dryer operation.
Dryer Air Flow System
Drum Lint trap Blower Exhaust
Safety thermostat
t°
Outlet thermostat
t°
Outlet temperature thermistor
Inlet
temperature
thermostat
Heater
Assembly/
Elements
Dryer
Cabinet

– 17 –
Airflow
AIR FLOW AND SEALS
Proper air flow through the dryer is essential for normal operation of the temperature control and safety
systems. The back cover must be in place for proper airflow.
Air is pulled into vents in the rear of the cabinet. The temperature of the air rises by passing thru the
electric heaters. This heated air enters thru holes in the back of the drum and dries the clothes load. The air
containing moisture is pulled through the lint filter, where lint is screened by the filter, and enters the outlet
duct. The air in the outlet duct is pulled by the blower. From the blower the air is pushed out of the exhaust
system.
Any air leaks between the air inlet and the blower such as drum front felt or outlet duct to duct cover sealing
will result in improper temperatures. The air being pulled down the duct outlet to the outlet thermostat will be
cooler than normal, giving this thermostat a false indication (delayed or no trip).
Airflow
Airflow
Back Cover

– 18 –
Component Locator Views
(Continued Next Page)
Front view
Control Panel
Reversible Door
Door Switch
Drum Lamp
Location

– 19 –
Front view - cabinet interior
Idler Bracket Assembly
Blower Wheel
Rear Drum Seal Bearing Assembly
Motor
Thermistor (Behind Blower Cover)
Inlet High Limit Thermostat (Behind Blower Cover)

– 20 –
Rear view
Heater Assembly
Belt Switch
Terminal Cover
Exhaust Duct
Belt
Drum