This push-to-start switch activates the dryer when the button is pressed and released. If your switch is not turning on or off, will not start, or the contacts inside the switch are shorted out, it is best to replace this part as a possible solution. Remember to unplug your appliance before beginning the installation process, as safety precaution. For installation instructions and accurate guidance, refer to the diagram provided by the manufacturer.
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Part Videos
Replacing your Kenmore Dryer Push-To-Start Switch
Troubleshooting
This part fixes the following symptoms:
Won’t Start
This part works with the following products:
Dryer, Washer Dryer Combo.
Part# WP3977456 replaces these:
AP6009036, 3977456
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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18 Reviews
3.9
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★★★★★
★★★★★
Luis A - September 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
Easy repair
The part is in great condition
★★★★★
★★★★★
Dian G - September 30, 2022
Verified Purchase
Dryer
Great part
★★★★★
★★★★★
Carol H - July 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
Easy repair and great instructions.
Easy to find the part needed by using model number. Video instructions were clear and extremely useful. Dryer now working great!
★★★★★
★★★★★
Benny R - May 5, 2020
Verified Purchase
Easy Repair
Perfect fit, and easy to replace.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Jerald G - April 8, 2020
Verified Purchase
Responsive with a Quality Part!1
I got my part in just 48 hours. I found it easy to install with “how to video” provided by partselect.com. All is well with quality part from quality company!
★★★★★
★★★★★
Kyle R - December 3, 2019
Verified Purchase
Didn’t fix the problem
It was the right switch but the part wasn’t the problem
★★★★★
★★★★★
Eileen W - October 8, 2019
Verified Purchase
Easy Repair, Fast delivery
The part worked great! I'm very pleased with the service. They even have a youtube to with instructions.
https://www.youtube.com/user/partselect/search?query=whirlpool+dryer
★★★★★
★★★★★
Robert S - September 20, 2019
Verified Purchase
Start switch
Ordered the switch it came as described in perfect condition and worked
★★★★★
★★★★★
Margit T - December 5, 2018
Verified Purchase
Wrong part
the part I received is not the part pictured. I need the part in the picture.
December 6, 2018
Hello,
Thank you for leaving a review on the part ordered. I have sent you an email in regards to the order. Hope to hear from you!
★★★★★
★★★★★
Dennis C - November 19, 2018
Verified Purchase
Switch
Did not work
November 20, 2018
Hello, Thank you for leaving a review on the part ordered. Checking the order I am showing you have already contacted us to address the issue. Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.
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Customer Repair Stories
Average Repair Rating: 3.5 / 5.0, 12 reviews.
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Dryer Would not start
Repair was easy after identifying the problem. Parts select was correct with the 3 parts for trouble shooting. However I should have looked at the door switch 1st. Ordered a thermostat and On switch 1st. Then had to reorder the door switch. In the future just order all 3 to avoid the shipping charges and return what you don't need to
... Read moresave time and money.
The dryer took at least 3 rounds to dry light clothes and 4-5 for towels.
This was my second time making repairs. The only difference this time I replaced all parts from top to bottom. When I pulled the heating element out only one coil was working the others had burned out. It was easy to do and the videos on the site are very helpful and informative. I followed the steps and if I thought I missed a step I re
... Read moreplayed it again. I am a woman and found it very easy and not at all intimidating at all. I am going to hopefully have it for another 10 yrs. You guys keep up the good work.
Moved top control panel and pulled cabnet back changing switch,then reassembled,very easy,don’t forget to un plug
LeRoy from OLYPHANT, PA
Difficulty Level:
Very Easy
Total Repair Time:
30 - 60 mins
Tools:
Screw drivers
3 of 3 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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start switch replace
i could not perform the repair because despite using the proper id numbers, i received the wrong parts from kenmore three times in a row. now i am trying to return the wrong parts which cost me 120.00 for the start switch, and the knob for the switch, so far. the switch was 40.00 the simple plastic button was (wrong) 40.00, and the wrong
... Read moreunidentifiable part, suposedly correct one, which also was 40.00. this, with the original 40.00 wrong switch amounted to the 120.00 that i am still trying to have returned. otherwise, the fix should be quick and simple, o yeah, its been three months.. you tell me if i am satisfied....
Read less
john from GERBER, CA
Difficulty Level:
Very Difficult
Total Repair Time:
More than 2 hours
Tools:
Screw drivers
3 of 3 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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The Dryer wouldn't start after pressing the Start Button.
I found a video tutorial that explained the three things that are usually the problem when a dryer stops working. This showed how simple the task is. I used a multimeter to check the switch, to make certain that this was the part that needed replacement. This was part of the tutorial, as well. I ordered from PartSelect because it was rec
... Read moreommended to me by an application that I use to find places where items are less expensive. The correct part arrived in a few days and it worked fine. I'm not a handyman by any means, but the tutorial showed exactly what needed to be done. It appeared simple and it was.
Read less
David from CARROLLTON, TX
Difficulty Level:
Really Easy
Total Repair Time:
30 - 60 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver
7 of 7 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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dryer stop working
1st- installed the push to start switch-was not the problem 2nd installed the dryer thermal fuse and was not the problem 3rd installed the dryer door switch and the dryer started right lup
Actually this site also has a video on how to do this repair, which was awesome. Mine was slightly different because the top where the controls were didn't raise up like on the video.I unplugged the dryer. I had to take the nuts off the back metal sections to expose the parts. I popped the Push-To-Start button out, removed the fuse and pu
... Read moret the new parts on. Put the metal sections back on and plugged it in. WA LA it worked!! I probably didn't need the push button part but figured I might as well use it since I bought it. I do believe it was the Thermal fuse that was bad. Saved me probably over $100.00 by doing it myself.
After unplugging and removing the back cover from the dryer, locate the push button switch. Slide putty knife around outer cover to unhook catch. Replace with new push button switch. My dryer is still not working, but this was a simple replacement.
Maura from Newtown, CT
Difficulty Level:
Really Easy
Total Repair Time:
Less than 15 mins
22 of 33 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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Broke start switch while moving
Turned off the power.Pulled the dryer out, removed the screws from the control cover panel, unplugged the switch, pressed the release clip the did the opposite to install new switch. Replaced the back panel, put the nob on and it looks as good as new.Turned on the power.
Dennis from Port Orchard, WA
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Screw drivers
109 of 118 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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Questions and Answers
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25 questions answered by our experts.
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Gary
November 28, 2017
Does the start switch 3977456 also come with the (white plastic ) lock in bracket? I cracked the old lock in bracket removing the old switch. If not how do i order it.
For model number WED5300SQ0
Hi Gary,
Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, the switch does come with the white bracket. I hope this helps. Thank you and have a great day!
26 people found this helpful.
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Theresa
November 20, 2017
The dryer will start when start button is pushed but will not stay running. I have replaced the start switch but still won't stay running. Heating is fine, cleaned out lint from machine when I replaced start switch. What is the likely culprit of this problem? Thanks!!
For model number LER4634PT1
Hi Theresa, Thank you for the question. The first thing to check is the Door Catch Kit,PartSelect Number PS334230 to make sure it is staying latched and secure. If this part is lose and the door is not fully closed it will turn the dryer off.It is also a good idea to check the Door Switch Assembly,PartSelect Number: PS11742178.If the door switch and catch are good you can test the Internal-Bias Thermostat, PartSelect Number PS11741405.A cycling thermostat is in tune with the temperature of your dryer and regulates it in order to maintain a certain temperature. This thermostat reaches a temperature of 155 degrees, turns off, and then turns on again once it has dropped by 25 degrees. If your dryer is not staying on or turning off to soon this could be the issue.Hope this helps!
Issue: The only way the dryer will run is if you hold in the push to start button.You can tape it closed and it keeps running. Would this be a switch replacement issue of something else?
For model number 110.64982300
Hi Dominick, Thank you for the question This issue could be a defective motor. The motor shoudl stay on once the switch is released.You can check the start switch to see if there is continuity without pushing the button. If there is then this would be a faulty start switch. If the start switch is good then this will be a faulty motor. Hope this helps!
4 people found this helpful.
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Rachel
August 8, 2017
I ordered the push start switch/button (part#3977456) for my Whirlpool electric dryer. What i received was wp3977456. The white "frame" around the new part isn't like the original. So, how is it going to work, or do i need to find one like the original?
For model number LEB6000KQ1
Hi Rachel,
Thank you for the great question! Even though this part is not the same as your original, it should actually still install the exact same way. I hope this helps!
4 people found this helpful.
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Douglas Chaney
February 28, 2019
Replace on off switch on dryer but still won’t stay running , what else came be the problem? Thxs won’t stay running when pushed.
For model number Kenmore 73932
Hello Douglas, Thank you for contacting us. In order for us to locate the correct parts and repair information we will require the model number of the unit. Once you have located the model number please feel free to resubmit the question and we will be happy to help you. Look forward to hearing from you!
3 people found this helpful.
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Jerry Ryner
March 13, 2018
Dryer does not start when pushing start button. If you hold start button in the dryer will run. Does that switch have some type of contact to hold it closed or is there a relay somewhere? What part do i need?
For model number GEW9878LW0
Hi Jerry,
Thank you for your question. If pressing the push-to-start switch will not will not start the dryer without you holding it down, there may be a connection issue with the wiring attached to it that you will have to check. You will need to make certain it is attached firmly and not loose where it is mounted. I hope this helps. Thank you and have a great day!
2 people found this helpful.
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Kathy
November 5, 2018
My dryer runs fine, but when i open the door(while it is running) it will not stop. What part should i be replacing?
Hi Kathy, thank you for your question. You should always pause or cancel the cycle before opening the door. It is likely that you will have to replace your door switch. I hope that helps. Good luck with your repair.
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Jeremy
February 22, 2019
I have a Amana ngd5100tq1, won't start only buzzes when pushing the start button. Is this the part that i need?
For model number NGD5100TQ1
Hello Jeremy, thank you for your question. The issue could be the push to start switch, door switch, or capacitor on the motor. We would recommend testing the switches to confirm if they are faulty or not before ordering. I hope this helps!
2 people found this helpful.
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Sherry
December 15, 2019
Hi my dryer will not start when i push the button do i need to replace the switch?
For model number 3977456 0346
Hello Sherry, thank you for your question. That is a good place to start. The issue could be with the start switch or a blown fuse or thermostat. I hope this helps.
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Marijane
February 21, 2020
My dryer trys to run when the push to start button then 2 seconds it stops. Will a new switch fix this?
For model number 11069422801
Hello, Thank you for you question. Yes, that would b the first part to check would be the push to start switch. If that isn't the issue you may wish to look into the fuse. We hope this helps.
