When you turn the machine on it makes a humming noise but the drum does not turn. I took the lid off and started turning the drum by hand and it continued on it’s own. But when I truned it off and on again it still did not start on it’s own.
If it’s not difficult to rotate drum by hand, then it sounds like a faulty motor switch. You would have to replace the motor as switch alone is not serviceable. See if it will start/run with belt removed. You will have to hold start switch since belt switch is open with belt removed.
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/ge-motor-kit-we17x10010-ap4295548.html
Eric
Since the drum rotates on the front panel can I remove the back panel to remove the belt? Does the back panel support the back of the drum or is it independent of the back panel?
No, you will have to remove front panel unless there is an access panel on rear (some GE’s have them).
Eric