Replacing a door switch
| Note: | | Disconnect the power source to your dryer before you conduct this or any other repair. Either unplug the unit from the wall outlet, remove the appropriate fuse from the fuse box, or flip the appropriate breaker in the circuit breaker panel. |
A door switch is a simple on/off mechanism that prohibits the dryer from operating when the door is open. Dryer door switches are a little over an inch long. Many are white in color and all have metal prongs, called terminals, extending out from the body of the switch.
Some door switches have only two metal prongs extending from the body, while others have three. Those with three terminals will have a common (COM) terminal, a normally closed (N.C.) terminal, and a normally open (N.O.) terminal. Those switches with only two terminals will have either a common terminal and a normally open terminal, or a common terminal and a normally closed terminal.
Locate your dryer's door switch. It will be located around the door opening in the front panel. You may be able to pop the switch out of place, or remove it by removing only a single screw. If you are unable to remove your dryer's door switch this way, you will have to remove the front panel of your dryer. See our section How to open up your dryer for details.
Label each of the two wires leading to the door switch so that you will be able to correctly reattach them later. Using caution, remove each wire. They are both connected with the use of metal slip-on connectors. Grasp the connectors and pull firmly from the connectors. Do not pull on the wires themselves. You may need to use a pair of needle nose pliers to help you.
Use extra caution in removing switches that are a part of the latch assembly or that have a bracket. You do not want to end up breaking the switch's housing because then you will have a bigger problem on your hands.
Replace the old switch with a new one. If the old switch just popped out of place, simply pop it back in. If you've had to open you dryer's cabinet in order to access and remove the door switch, reassemble it now. Run your dryer through a cycle to make sure it is working properly.
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