Part Location Diagram of WE4X881 GE Rotary Start Switch
See part 35 in the diagram
Replacing your General Electric Dryer Rotary Start Switch
( Grid squares measure 1x1 inch )
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Rotary Start Switch WE4X881

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20 Reviews

Rated by 27 customers 

Really Easy 

15 - 30 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.

$ 54.65
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PartSelect Number PS268305
Manufacturer Part Number WE4X881
Manufactured by GE
Product Description

Rotary Start Switch Specifications

This part is used to start the dryer once you have selected a setting on the timer.
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Part Videos

Replacing your General Electric Dryer Rotary Start Switch

Replacing your General Electric Dryer Rotary Start Switch
Troubleshooting
This part fixes the following symptoms:
Won’t Start
This part works with the following products:
Dryer.
This part works with the following products:
General Electric, Hotpoint.
Part# WE4X881 replaces these:
AP2042901, 2420, WE4X881, WE04X0881, WE04X10033, WE4M408, WE4X10033
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Customer Reviews
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20 Reviews
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Customer Repair Stories
 Average Repair Rating: 4.5 / 5.0, 27 reviews. What's this?
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Sorry, we couldn't find any existing installation instruction that matched.
Inop Start switch, holes in lint filter
Switch replacement needs only Torks driver, very simple.

The lint filter arrived damaged. The screen is mangled and the frame is cracked. It may be repairable.
Other Parts Used:
Selector Knob with Clip Rotary Start Switch Lint Filter with Frame
  • James from GRAND FORKS, ND
  • Difficulty Level:
    Very Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
  • Tools:
    Nutdriver
2 of 2 people found this instruction helpful.
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Switch was either stuck in start position or had to rotate full turn to start
Removed four allen head screws to expose inside of panel. Used flat blade screwdriver to raise spring retainer and turned switch counter clockwise to remove.
  • DERALD from Burleson, TX
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
2 of 2 people found this instruction helpful.
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Start knob was broken off flush with switch
I turned off the power, unscrewed the 4 screws from the top of the dryer. I then opened it and turned the switch that was in there counterclockwise exactly as utube video said to do. I then took off the two wires from the old switch. The rotary start switch fix right in where the old one was. I put the panel back together, put on the old knob and turned the power back on! It took less than 15 minutes from start to finish! If I can do it anyone can! Joanne Klinkhammer Cecil, Wisconsin
  • Joanne from Cecil, WI
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
1 of 3 people found this instruction helpful.
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Start switch broke off
I followed the video instructions. I did have to run to the hardware store to pick up a torx screwdriver but otherwise the instructions were perfect. I generally hire someone to do repairs, but this was too easy! I highly recommend doing this yourself as it is definitely a time and money saver. The website made ordering easy and the part arrived quickly!
  • Pamela from Atlanta, GA
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
0 of 2 people found this instruction helpful.
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there was no problem
installation exactly how your directions told me on the computer
  • Edward from Garrison, NY
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
  • Tools:
    Pliers, Screw drivers
3 of 5 people found this instruction helpful.
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Start switch and knob busted
Just followed the installation video. The only issue with the video was that a phillips screwdriver was specified and I actually needed a torx screwdriver.
Other Parts Used:
Selector Knob with Clip Rotary Start Switch D-Shaped Knob Clip
  • William from Islip Terrace, NY
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
16 of 25 people found this instruction helpful.
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Both Switch Shafts Were Snapped Off In Move.
T-10 driver to remove panel/expose switches. Screwdriver to lift metal tab and hand rotate switch 45 degrees ccw. Switch comes out. Pull connectors off switch one at at time and put on new switch. Install new switch snap in place. Install panel with t-10.
Other Parts Used:
Temperature Switch Rotary Start Switch
  • KEITH from MCBEE, SC
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
  • Tools:
    Pliers, Screw drivers
7 of 11 people found this instruction helpful.
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broken knob,and damage rotary start switch
replace both,in less than 5 minutes.save 80dollars in labor
Other Parts Used:
Selector Knob with Clip Rotary Start Switch D-Shaped Knob Clip
  • Rosa from miami, FL
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
9 of 13 people found this instruction helpful.
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dryer would not start
My husband replaced the rotary start switch that we bought. However, the dryer still would not start. He then tested each remaining switch/dial (before we spent more money on parts) to see if the dryer would start if the electrical connection by-passed that part. None of the top panel switches was the culprit. Then he pulled the door switch. The dryer worked with the switch out, but still connected. He reset each wire, put the door switch back in place, and it failed again. He pulled the switch, added electrical tape to all the connections, and put it back. The dryer works fine now.
  • Marie from Charlotte, NC
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    15 - 30 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
5 of 7 people found this instruction helpful.
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Dryer would not start
The switch made a humming sound when I turned it so I thought that might be the problem. Using the instructions on this Web site I took the top panel of the dryer off (after unplugging it), unplugged two wires leading from the switch (needed pliers for this), and removed the switch unit by rotating it counterclockwise (when behind it).
The replacement part came in two days. The installation went a lot quicker-maybe ten minutes.
  • Ray from Kingwood, TX
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    30 - 60 mins
  • Tools:
    Pliers, Screw drivers
33 of 37 people found this instruction helpful.
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Questions and Answers

Ask our experts a question about this part and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!

25 questions answered by our experts.
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John
January 21, 2018
On the start switch, the knob and the shaft are broken. If the shaft is broken do I still need to replace the entire rotary start switch?
PartSelect logo
Hello John, Thanks for your question. Yes, the shaft is a part of the switch itself, so both would need to be replaced. I hope this helps.

21 people found this helpful.

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Michele
September 23, 2017
The dryer starts when i turn the knob, but i have to hold the knob to keep it running. As soon as i let go, the dryer stops.
For model number DPSR4483ea1WW
PartSelect logo
Hi Michele, Thank you for your question. It sounds like you may need to check this switch with a multimeter to see if it is still working correctly. After removing the switch and touching each probe of your multimeter to the prongs of your switch, press down on the shaft to actuate it. If the meter does not change, then you may have to replace the part. Good luck with your repair.

9 people found this helpful.

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ANTHONY
April 12, 2018
Looking for replacement start knob its # 29 on diaigram but no part # or part to order from
For model number NVL333GB2WW
PartSelect logo
Hello Anthony, thank you for your question. The PartSelect part number for the #29 knob is PS264466. Please enter the part number into the site for current price and availability. Good luck with your repair!

4 people found this helpful.

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Joan
August 13, 2017
Does the start switch go out at once.Or does it act up?
For model number Dwsr48ea1ww
PartSelect logo
Hello Joan, that is a great question. The shaft on that switch can wear out and cause the knob to slip. If you determine that is not the case then the switch is bad and will need to be replaced. Hope this helps!

3 people found this helpful.

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Bob
January 31, 2018
Old starter has three wire attachments, new replacement has only two. How should I wire the 3 wires into the 2 attachments? Thanks.
For model number DJSR473ET1WW
PartSelect logo
Hi Bob, Thank you for the question. You will need to attach the wires labeled for the two prongs and the third is left and not used. Hope this helps!

2 people found this helpful.

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Stewart
July 1, 2019
Switch will rotate and dryer turns on, but as soon as the switch is released, the dryer turns off. The original switch and the new switch operate the same. If you “hold” the switch in the “start” position, the dryer works as intended and dries the clothes. We have had the GE washer and dryer for many years without any issues. Please help. Stewart boal
For model number Ps268305
PartSelect logo
Hello Stewart, thank you for writing. It sounds as though you need to replace the Rotary Start Switch, but we will need the model number for your dryer to locate the correct replacement. We look forward to hearing back from you.

2 people found this helpful.

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Lewis
January 8, 2020
I have a GE dpsr473ew0ww dryer when i try to set the time i hear a buzzing sound and it only turns off if the dryer door is open or if i have to timer in the off position. It won't start. This happen all of a sudden after a load of towels. Is this a rotary start switch, i did open the dryer and manually press the white button like the door of the dryer normally would if closed and i saw some sparks of electricity. Is this fixable and how?
For model number 4258308122
PartSelect logo
Hello Lewis, thank you for your question. We would recommend testing the Rotary Start Switch PartSelect Number: PS268305, high limit thermostat PartSelect Number: PS267900 and the PartSelect Number: PS2344321 door switch. These parts can be tested with a multimeter. I hope this helps.

1 person found this helpful.

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Ole
March 6, 2018
Hi my dryer will not start when i turn the knob,maybe it is the thermal fuse?.thank you
For model number dvl223ebiw
PartSelect logo
Hello Ole, thank you for your question. The issue could be a thermostat on the unit. I would test the Rotary Start Switch Part Number: WE4X881 first as this is one of the most common parts that cause this issue. The thermostats you will want to test are the Control Thermostat Part Number: WE04X10028 the High Limit Safety Thermostat Part Number: WE4X757 and the Thermal Limiter Part Number: WE04X10094. These parts can all be tested with a multimeter. I hope this helps!

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Tony
January 12, 2018
My rotary start switch has 3 wire connects 2 on top 1 on bottom. Do i need a certain switch, the one i got only has 2 connections.
For model number DBXR453ET3WW
PartSelect logo
Hello Tony, Thank you for your inquiry. We are showing that this is the compatible rotary start switch for the model number you listed. Hope this helps!

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Doug
November 7, 2018
On dryer there were 3 wire into switch pt# we4x881, only 2 places to connect on switch, where does the 3rd wire go to ? I have to wires marked for 1-2-3, 1 being top #1 3rd on #2,bottom, but on the 2nd wire no thing to attach too?
For model number DWSR405EB0WW
PartSelect logo
Hi Doug, Thank you for your question. There is a video listed with the part on our website that you may reference for more information on how to install it. I hope this helps. Thank you and have a great day!

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Model Cross Reference
This part works with the following models:
PartSelect Number: PS268305
Manufacturer Part Number: WE4X881
Brand
Model Number
Description
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65361T0WW
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65371T3WW
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General Electric
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General Electric
662310
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662410
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General Electric
662411
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663615
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General Electric
663617
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General Electric
66361T3WW
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General Electric
66361T5WW
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General Electric
664615
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