Electrolux EFME627UTT – Reversing motor relay failure Repair Guide

🔩 Reversing motor relay failure Repair Guide for Electrolux EFME627UTT

💡 Don’t panic! Reversing motor relay failure on your Electrolux EFME627UTT dryer is a common issue that many DIY enthusiasts successfully repair. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step with detailed explanations to help you diagnose and fix the problem safely and effectively. 🎉 You’ve got this!

đź”§ Required Tools & Parts

📝 Pro Tip: Gather all your tools and parts before starting. This saves time and prevents frustration mid-repair. Most of these parts can be found online or at appliance parts stores. Make sure you have the correct model number when ordering parts! ✔️ Double-check compatibility before purchasing.

⚠️ Safety First!

⚠️ Always disconnect power before working on your dryer. Electrical safety is non-negotiable. If you’re working with gas dryers, also shut off the gas supply. If you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional technician. Your safety is more important than saving a few dollars! ⚠️ When in doubt, call a pro!

✔️ Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

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đź”§ Step 1: Disconnect power to the dryer

  1. Locate the electrical cord at the back of the dryer, extending from the lower rear panel approximately 8 inches from the bottom edge.
  2. Grasp the dryer’s side panels with both hands and pull the unit straight forward away from the wall, creating 3-4 feet of clearance to access the rear completely.
  3. Identify your connection type:
  4. Locate your wall outlet behind the dryer at approximately 12-18 inches from floor level.
  5. Grip the plug body (not the cord) with both hands where it connects to the wall outlet.
  6. Pull the plug straight out from the wall outlet using steady pressure until completely disconnected.
  7. Walk to your home’s electrical service panel (breaker box), typically located in the basement, garage, or utility room.
  8. Open the breaker panel door by lifting or pulling the cover straight out.
  9. Locate the double-pole breaker labeled “Dryer” or “Electric Dryer” – this will be a switch that occupies two adjacent slots, rated at 30 amps.
  10. Flip the dryer breaker switch to the OFF position (handle moves toward the outside edge of the panel).
  11. Return to the dryer and attempt to press the power button or turn the control dial – nothing should illuminate or respond, confirming power is disconnected.
  12. Place a piece of tape over the breaker switch in the OFF position and write “DRYER REPAIR IN PROGRESS” to prevent accidental re-energization.
  13. Coil the electrical cord loosely and set it on top of the dryer or secure it to the back panel to prevent tripping hazards.

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🛠️ Step 2: Remove control panel to access control board

  1. Locate the two screws at the top edge of the control panel, positioned approximately 2 inches from each side edge of the dryer top.
  2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver #2 to remove both screws by turning counterclockwise. Set these screws aside in a container.
  3. Grip the control panel at both ends where you removed the screws.
  4. Pull the top edge of the control panel toward you approximately 1 inch until it releases from the plastic retaining clips located at the bottom edge.
  5. Tilt the control panel forward and down, rotating it approximately 45 degrees so the bottom edge swings away from the dryer cabinet.
  6. Locate the wire harness connector on the back of the control panel—a white rectangular connector approximately 2 inches wide with 10-12 wires entering it, positioned on the right side.
  7. Press the locking tab on the wire harness connector with your thumb while pulling the connector straight away from the control board socket. The tab is located on top of the connector and requires approximately 5 pounds of pressure.
  8. Set the control panel face-down on a clean towel on top of the dryer to prevent scratching the finish.
  9. Identify the control board—a green circuit board measuring approximately 6 inches by 4 inches, now visible in the space behind where the control panel was mounted.
  10. Note the two mounting screws securing the control board to the metal bracket, located at the top left and bottom right corners of the board.

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⚙️ Step 3: Locate reversing motor relay on control board

  1. Position yourself facing the open rear panel of the dryer where you exposed the control board in the previous step.
  2. Identify the main electronic control board, which is a green or blue circuit board measuring approximately 8 inches by 6 inches, mounted vertically on the right side of the cabinet interior.
  3. Look at the lower right quadrant of the control board, approximately 2 inches up from the bottom edge and 1.5 inches in from the right edge.
  4. Locate a clear or blue plastic relay component measuring roughly 1 inch by 1 inch by 0.75 inch tall – this is the reversing motor relay (part number 137353900 or 5303931775 depending on production date).
  5. Identify the relay by its distinctive cube shape with 4 or 5 metal prongs protruding from the bottom that plug directly into the control board.
  6. Verify you have found the correct relay by looking for the text “MOTOR RELAY” or “RY1” printed on the control board directly beneath or beside this component.
  7. Examine the wire harness connections near this relay – you should see 2 wire connectors plugged into terminals on the control board adjacent to the relay, with wires leading toward the motor assembly at the bottom of the dryer.
  8. Note the relay’s orientation by observing which direction the manufacturer’s marking or text on the relay body faces – typically the text faces upward or toward the front of the dryer.
  9. Check that the relay is fully seated in its socket by visually confirming all prongs are inserted completely into the board with no gaps visible between the relay body and the circuit board surface.

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🔩 Step 4: Listen for relay clicking when dryer changes direction

  1. Plug the dryer back into the 240V electrical outlet to restore power to the unit.
  2. Locate the control panel at the top front of the dryer where the electronic display and buttons are positioned.
  3. Press the Power button once to energize the control board without starting a cycle.
  4. Position yourself within 2-3 feet of the right side panel of the dryer, where the reversing motor relay is mounted on the main control board.
  5. Select any timed dry cycle by pressing the Cycle Select button until “Timed Dry” appears on the display.
  6. Press the Start/Pause button to initiate the drum rotation.
  7. Listen carefully for a distinct “click” sound coming from inside the right side panel area approximately 3-4 inches below the control panel.
  8. Count the seconds between hearing the relay clicks—you should hear one click approximately every 10-12 seconds as the drum reverses direction.
  9. Watch the drum through the open door between clicks to verify it stops briefly (1-2 seconds) and reverses rotation direction with each click sound.
  10. Press the Start/Pause button to stop the cycle after you’ve confirmed 3-4 relay clicks and corresponding drum reversals.
  11. If you hear the clicking sound consistently timed with drum direction changes, the reversing relay is functioning correctly—proceed to Step 5.
  12. If you hear no clicking sounds but the drum rotates in only one direction continuously, the reversing relay has failed and requires replacement (part number 5304505522).
  13. If you hear clicking but the drum does not reverse direction, the reversing motor itself is likely faulty rather than the relay.
  14. Press the Power button to turn off the dryer and unplug the unit from the electrical outlet before proceeding to the next diagnostic step.

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đź“‹ Step 5: Test relay contacts with multimeter

  1. Set your digital multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting, specifically the 200-ohm range or the lowest available ohm setting.
  2. Locate the start relay, which is a small rectangular component approximately 2 inches tall by 1.5 inches wide, typically black or gray in color, attached to the compressor at the lower rear of the dryer.
  3. Pull the start relay straight off the compressor terminals using a firm grip on the relay body—it should slide off with moderate force after wiggling slightly side to side.
  4. Identify the three terminals on the relay: the “C” (common) terminal at the top center, the “S” (start) terminal on the left side, and the “R” (run) terminal on the right side. These letters are usually molded into the plastic housing.
  5. Touch the multimeter’s black probe to the “C” terminal and the red probe to the “R” terminal—the reading should show between 3 and 20 ohms of resistance.
  6. Move the red probe to the “S” terminal while keeping the black probe on “C”—you should see infinite resistance (display shows “OL” or “1” with no numbers following).
  7. Turn the relay upside down so the terminals face upward, then retest between “C” and “S” terminals—you should now see between 3 and 20 ohms as an internal weight inside the relay shifts position.
  8. Hold the relay at ear level and shake it gently—you should hear a single loose component rattling inside, which is the internal overload weight. If you hear multiple pieces rattling or no sound at all, the relay has failed internally.
  9. Write down all resistance readings on a piece of paper for comparison against normal values: C-to-R = 3-20 ohms (any position), C-to-S = infinite (upright), C-to-S = 3-20 ohms (inverted).

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✅ Step 6: If relay clicks but motor doesn’t reverse, relay contacts may be stuck

  1. Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet and verify power is off using a non-contact voltage tester at the terminal block inside the rear access panel.
  2. Locate the reversing relay mounted on the blower housing motor bracket, approximately 8 inches from the bottom of the dryer cabinet and 4 inches to the left of the motor centerline.
  3. Press the relay plunger (the white or gray button on top of the relay body) 10-15 times with your index finger, applying firm downward pressure until it bottoms out, then releasing completely.
  4. Use a flat-head screwdriver (1/4-inch width) to pry open the relay cover by inserting the blade into the slot on the side of the relay housing and twisting 45 degrees counterclockwise.
  5. Examine the two silver contact points inside – you’ll see a fixed contact on the bottom and a movable contact attached to the plunger arm above it.
  6. Look for black carbon deposits, pitting, or melted material on either contact surface.
  7. Fold a piece of 400-grit sandpaper in half with the abrasive side facing out, creating a strip approximately 1 inch wide.
  8. Insert the folded sandpaper between the contacts and press the plunger down while sliding the sandpaper back and forth 15-20 times to remove carbon buildup.
  9. Wipe both contacts with a lint-free cloth dampened with 91% isopropyl alcohol.
  10. Press the relay cover back onto the housing until it snaps into place with an audible click.
  11. Plug in the dryer and run a test cycle – the drum should now reverse direction every 30-60 seconds during tumbling.
  12. If the relay still clicks but the motor doesn’t reverse, replace the relay (part number 137353100) by disconnecting the three wire terminals and unbolting the single 1/4-inch hex-head mounting bolt.

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🔍 Step 7: Check relay coil for proper operation

  1. Locate the relay on the main control board, positioned on the left side of the board approximately 2 inches from the top edge—it’s a clear or blue rectangular component measuring roughly 1 inch by 0.75 inches with 4 metal terminals on the bottom.
  2. Set your multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting at the 200-ohm range.
  3. Touch the multimeter’s black probe to terminal 1 (leftmost terminal when viewing the relay from the front) and the red probe to terminal 2 (second from left).
  4. Read the resistance value—a functional coil reads between 300-500 ohms; anything outside this range indicates coil failure.
  5. Move the red probe to terminal 3 (third from left) while keeping the black probe on terminal 1.
  6. Verify the reading shows infinite resistance (OL or overload on display)—this confirms proper coil isolation from the switching contacts.
  7. Switch your multimeter to DC voltage setting at 120V range.
  8. Reconnect the wire harness to the control board connector (white 8-pin connector located 3 inches below the relay).
  9. Restore power to the dryer at the circuit breaker.
  10. Press the start button on the dryer control panel.
  11. Place the black multimeter probe on the metal chassis ground (bare metal surface on the control housing) and the red probe on terminal 1 of the relay.
  12. Observe the voltage reading—you should see 120V AC when the start button is pressed, dropping to 0V after 2-3 seconds.
  13. Disconnect power at the circuit breaker again.
  14. If the coil resistance was outside 300-500 ohms OR no voltage appeared at terminal 1, replace the relay (part number 137353500) or the entire control board assembly (part number 137546600).

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đź’ˇ Step 8: If relay is faulty, control board replacement may be needed

  1. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet and wait 5 minutes for capacitors to discharge.
  2. Remove the console panel by taking out the 2 Phillips-head #2 screws located at the rear top edge, approximately 3 inches from each side.
  3. Lift the console panel up at a 45-degree angle and let it rest backward on its hinges.
  4. Locate the main control board—a green circuit board measuring approximately 8 inches by 5 inches, mounted on the right side of the console cavity.
  5. Photograph the wire harness connections showing wire colors and positions on the control board using your phone (critical for correct reconnection).
  6. Disconnect the 3 wire harness connectors by pressing the plastic release tabs on each connector while pulling straight out—you’ll feel each connector release with slight resistance.
  7. Remove the 4 Phillips-head #2 screws securing the control board to the mounting bracket, located at each corner of the board.
  8. Lift the control board straight up and out of the mounting bracket.
  9. Place the new control board (part number 137503100) into the mounting bracket, aligning the 4 screw holes at each corner.
  10. Install the 4 Phillips-head #2 screws finger-tight, then snug them down with 1/4 turn—do not overtighten as the plastic housing can crack.
  11. Reconnect the 3 wire harness connectors by aligning the connector shapes with their matching ports and pushing firmly until you hear a distinct click from each connector.
  12. Lower the console panel back to its closed position, aligning the front tabs with their slots.
  13. Reinstall the 2 Phillips-head #2 screws at the rear of the console panel, tightening until the screw head sits flush with the surface.
  14. Plug the dryer back into the electrical outlet—the control board display should illuminate within 2 seconds, showing “- – – -” or “Clean Filter” message.

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⚡ Step 9: Test motor operation in both directions if possible

  1. Locate the motor drive connector on the motor housing – this is a white rectangular plastic connector with 5 wires (typically red, blue, black, white, and green) positioned on the top-left side of the motor body.
  2. Leave the motor connected to its wiring harness for this test.
  3. Plug the dryer back into the 240V outlet to restore power.
  4. Turn the circuit breaker back on at your electrical panel.
  5. Open the dryer door and press the start button while watching the motor pulley (the grooved wheel on the motor shaft that holds the drive belt).
  6. Observe the motor pulley rotating clockwise when viewed from the motor’s front – the drum should start spinning within 2-3 seconds and reach full speed in approximately 5 seconds.
  7. Listen for smooth, consistent motor operation without grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds – normal operation produces a steady humming noise at approximately 1450 RPM.
  8. Press the door switch button (located inside the door frame at the top-right corner, 2 inches from the right edge) to stop the motor after 10-15 seconds of operation.
  9. Close the dryer door, select a cycle, and press start again – the drum should rotate for the full cycle duration.
  10. To test reverse operation on models with reversing motors, allow the dryer to run for 3-5 minutes, then observe if the motor changes direction (the drum will stop briefly for 1-2 seconds, then spin in the opposite direction).
  11. Turn off the dryer by pressing the stop button or opening the door.
  12. Verify the motor stops completely within 3-4 seconds after the door opens – this confirms proper brake operation.
  13. Turn off the circuit breaker and unplug the dryer to prepare for final reassembly.

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🎯 Step 10: Replace control board if relay is integrated

  1. Locate the main control board mounted on the back panel of the dryer, positioned approximately 18 inches from the top and centered horizontally behind the console area.
  2. Take a photo of all wire harness connections to the control board showing the exact positions of each connector before removal.
  3. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver #2 to remove the 4 mounting screws securing the control board bracket—one screw in each corner of the rectangular mounting plate.
  4. Disconnect the main wire harness by pressing the locking tab on the large white connector (approximately 2 inches wide) while pulling straight back until it releases with a click.
  5. Disconnect the smaller 6-pin connector on the left side of the board by squeezing the sides of the gray plastic housing and pulling straight out.
  6. Disconnect the thermal sensor connector—a small 2-wire white plug located at the bottom right corner of the board—by pulling straight back on the connector body, not the wires.
  7. Remove the grounding wire attached by a single 1/4-inch hex screw on the metal mounting bracket using a nut driver.
  8. Lift the old control board and mounting bracket assembly straight up and away from the dryer cabinet.
  9. Transfer the mounting bracket to the new control board (part number 137260800) by removing the 2 Phillips-head screws holding the bracket to the old board and securing it to the new board in the same position.
  10. Position the new control board assembly into the mounting location, aligning the 4 screw holes with the cabinet holes.
  11. Install the 4 mounting screws finger-tight, then tighten each one-quarter turn past snug using the Phillips-head screwdriver.
  12. Reconnect all wire harnesses in reverse order, pressing each connector until you hear and feel a distinct click indicating full engagement.
  13. Verify the grounding wire connection is secure with no movement when gently tugged.

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đź”§ Step 11: Reassemble and test reversing operation

  1. Reconnect the white wire harness to the reversing motor by pushing the connector straight onto the motor terminal until you hear an audible click.
  2. Route the wire harness along the left side of the drum housing, securing it with the plastic clip located 3 inches below the motor mounting bracket.
  3. Position the access panel against the lower front of the dryer, aligning the four mounting holes at each corner.
  4. Insert and tighten the four Phillips-head screws (two on each side) using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, turning clockwise until finger-tight, then adding one quarter-turn.
  5. Plug the dryer power cord into the 240V outlet.
  6. Restore electrical power at the circuit breaker by flipping the double-pole 30-amp breaker to the ON position.
  7. Open the dryer door and rotate the drum manually one complete revolution clockwise, then one complete revolution counterclockwise to verify free movement without obstruction.
  8. Close the dryer door and press the power button on the control panel until the display illuminates.
  9. Select any drying cycle using the cycle selector knob and press the START button.
  10. Observe the drum through the door window—it should rotate counterclockwise (when viewed from the front) for approximately 50 seconds.
  11. Watch for the automatic reversal—the drum will pause for 1-2 seconds, then rotate clockwise for approximately 50 seconds.
  12. Allow the dryer to complete three full reversal cycles (approximately 5 minutes total runtime) while listening for unusual grinding, squealing, or clicking sounds from the motor area.
  13. Press the PAUSE button to stop the cycle.
  14. Open the door and place your hand inside the drum to verify warm air is circulating and the drum interior feels evenly heated across its entire width.
  15. Close the door and run a complete 20-minute timed dry cycle with damp towels to verify continuous reversing operation under load conditions.

đź›’ Recommended Products

Here are the recommended products for this repair: