## How to Fix GE Error E14 (Heating Element Failure)
This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to troubleshooting and resolving the GE Washing Machine Error Code “E14,” which specifically points to an issue with the heating element system.
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### 1. Explanation: What GE Error E14 Means
The E14 error code on your GE washing machine indicates a **Heating Element Failure**.
In models that feature an internal water heater (used primarily for sanitary or steam cycles) or those that combine washing and drying functions, the machine’s control board detects that the required temperature is not being reached within a set timeframe. This is often because the heating component is faulty, has shorted, or the thermal fuse associated with it has blown.
**Likely Culprit:** While the washing machine has a water heater, the E14 code frequently points to the failure of the **Dryer Heating Element** in washer-dryer combo units, as this is a high-wattage component subject to significant wear.
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### 2. Step-by-Step Fix: How to Diagnose the E14 Error
Before starting, ensure the machine is **unplugged** and the water supply is **turned off** to prevent electric shock or flooding.
#### Step 1: Perform a Hard Reset
Sometimes the error is simply a communication glitch.
1. Unplug the washing machine completely.
2. Wait 5 minutes.
3. Plug the machine back in.
4. Attempt to run a cycle (preferably a short hot water or steam cycle) to see if the error clears.
If the error persists, proceed to the physical diagnosis.
#### Step 2: Locate and Inspect the Heating Element (Dryer or Water Heater)
The location of the heating element varies by model. You will typically need to access the rear or bottom panel of the unit.
1. **Access the Component:** Remove the screws holding the rear access panel or the bottom kickplate.
2. **Identify the Element:**
* **Water Heater Element:** Usually located near the bottom of the tub, identifiable by two wires connecting to a metal flange.
* **Dryer Heating Element (if applicable):** Typically found inside the blower housing or heat duct near the drum.
#### Step 3: Test the Thermal Fuse
The heating element often has a thermal fuse connected in series to prevent overheating. If this fuse blows, it cuts power to the element, triggering the E14 error.
1. **Disconnect Power:** Ensure the machine is still unplugged.
2. **Locate the Fuse:** Find the small component connected directly to the heating element assembly.
3. **Use a Multimeter:** Set your multimeter to measure Ohms ($Omega$).
4. **Test for Continuity:** Place the probes on the two terminals of the thermal fuse.
* **Good Fuse:** You should get a reading very close to 0 (indicating continuity/closed circuit).
* **Blown Fuse:** If the reading remains “OL” or infinity (indicating an open circuit), the fuse is blown and must be replaced.
#### Step 4: Test the Heating Element Resistance
If the thermal fuse is good, the element itself is likely the problem.
1. **Disconnect Wires:** Carefully disconnect the wires leading directly to the heating element terminals.
2. **Test Resistance:** Place the multimeter probes on the two terminals of the heating element.
3. **Check the Reading:**
* **Good Element:** A working element will have resistance, typically between **8 and 20 Ohms** (check your appliance manual for the specific range).
* **Failed Element:** If the reading shows “OL” (Open Loop) or infinity, the internal coil of the element has burned out, and the element needs replacement.
#### Step 5: Check for Ground Fault (Short Circuit)
A short circuit to the metal chassis can also trip the error.
1. **Test Terminals to Ground:** Keep one multimeter probe on one heating element terminal. Place the other probe firmly against a clean, bare metal part of the washer chassis (ground).
2. **Check the Reading:**
* **Good Element:** The reading should show “OL” (no continuity).
* **Failed Element (Short):** If you get any resistance reading (anything other than OL), the element is shorting to ground and must be replaced immediately.
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### 3. Call to Action
Based on your diagnosis, if the Dryer Heating Element has failed the continuity or resistance test, it requires replacement to clear the E14 error.
**Check the price for a replacement Dryer Heating Element here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=GE+Dryer Heating Element&tag=trivian-20**
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