Testing a start switch
| Note: | | Disconnect the power source to your dryer before you conduct this or any other test. 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. |
Locate your dryer's start switch. It will be located under the control console panel on top of your dryer. To gain access under the control panel, you will have to remove the screw(s) located at either end of the control panel. There may be a piece of trim, or an endcap over the screws you have to remove. Remove the trim (endcap) pieces first. Depending on your model, you will likely have to flip the console forward. It's a good idea to place a towel over the top of your dryer to protect its finish.
Label each of the two (sometimes there are three) wires leading to the start switch so that you will be able to correctly reattach them later. Using caution, remove the wires. They are 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 your ohmmeter to test your switch for continuity. Begin by setting your ohmmeter to measure resistance at a scale of R x 1. If yours is a two-wire switch, touch one tester probe to each of the switch's terminals. You should receive a reading of infinity. While the probes are still touching the switch's terminals, press in on and hold the switch. The reading should change to zero.
If the test you conduct does not produce these results, you should replace the switch.
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