[zerf77]

I'm guessing on the age of this dryer since it came with the house when we bought it...

Dryer won't advance in automatic cycles (we usually always use Perm.Press/Knits) and will run until we turn it off... and gets HOT!
I tried searching GE's site for this particular model, and of course I can't find anything on it. What could be the cause of this, and how easy would it be for a total novice to fix?
Thanks!

[denman]

I could not find a schematic so am doing a little guessing

Here is your parts breakdown
GE DDE7200SBLWW
If you click on the part number (blue print), another page will open, scroll down and often there is help from others that have used this part.

Check in the control console to see if the wiring diagram is there.

3 most likely culprits are
1. Resistor
2. Thermostat
3. Timer

How it works, I think!!
On timed dry, timer gets power from one side of the line (120 volts) through a set of timer contacts.

On perm press, the timer gets power from the heater voltage (220 volts), only when the heater is off through a different set of timer contacts.
The resistor in the console reduces the voltage to 120 volts for the timer motor.
Resistor is usually around 4 kilohms. If this is open the timer will not advance.
The voltage to the resistor is there when the temp thermostat is open (heater off). If the thermostat contacts are welded shut then the timer will not advance.
Dryer will run hotter than normal since the temperature is being regulated using an over-temp (safety) thermostat.

Here is a wiring diagram for a different unit but it will give you a basic idea of how your unit is wired, is nice as it also has a timing chart. Not sure if the link will take you to the correct page, if not it is on Page 7 of 9.

Here is a good link to additional help/info
Dryer Help Sections, repairing dryers, Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Inglis, GE, Frigidaire, White Westinghouse, Magic Chef, Norge, changing a 3 prong cord to a 4 prong cord, no heat, electric dryers, gas dryers, how to take apart my dryer, what can st

If you have to open it up, give it a good cleaning, check for any worn parts ( belt, idler, felts seals etc.), replace as necessary, re-grease the drum bearing using high temp grease, also clean and check your vent system.

How easy is it to fix? Depends on the ability of the novice, like everything else do it once and it becomes a piece of cake. Be sure to unplug it before working on it. Helps to have a volt meter to check parts for resistance/continuity.

[kayakcrzy]

I would first take the front off the dryer, and once you do that, clean all the lint out of the blower area. Then mounted on the blower frame are two thermostats. As old as the unit is replace them both. They operate the perm press, and timed dry cycles. The part #s are WE4X811, and WE4X812. If you need me you can reach me at ApplianceEducator.com Tom