How To Replace A Dryer Door Switch (With Video!)

Is your dryer refusing to start despite being perfectly intact? A faulty dryer door switch could be the culprit, leaving your laundry in limbo. But don’t worry—fixing this common issue is easier than you think. Discover how to quickly replace your dryer door switch with our step-by-step tutorial and accompanying how-to video, right below!

Need a replacement door switch for your dryer? Search below using your specific dryer machine model number to identify the exact part needed:

The dryer door switch triggers when your dryer door is closed, signaling to the appliance’s control board that it’s safe to start tumbling once the button is pressed. You might not think it, but if this tiny part breaks or fails, it can stop your dryer from running entirely until you replace it.

Luckily, this is a cheap and incredibly easy fix. In just a few minutes you can replace a dryer door switch and your dryer will be back in working order. Want to know how to take care of it? Keep reading!

How Can I Tell If My Dryer Door Switch Is Bad?

There are a few clear signs that your dryer door switch is faulty. If any of these are happening to you, it’s probably time to swap that switch out!

• Start with a visual inspection. Open the dryer door, can you see the door switch’s actuator lever? Sometimes, particularly if the dryer door was slammed shut, the switch can crack or break off. If that little lever is missing, you’ll need to replace the door switch.
• Does the light not come on in your dryer when you open the door? The switch may have shorted out, and the dryer thinks the door is closed.
• Does the dryer tumble even when the door is open? The switch has probably shorted out, and the dryer thinks the door is closed. Dryers should not continue to run with the door open. For safety, you should replace the switch as soon as possible to amend this.
• Is the dryer not running at all? The switch may have shorted or worn out, and no longer signals to the dryer when the door is closed.

Finding The Right Replacement Part

To track down a compatible door switch, you’re going to need your appliance’s model number. You can find that on a label somewhere on your appliance. Check inside the door and on the sides and back of the unit for a sticker listing this information. Failing that, the old switch likely has a part number printed on it. If your appliance is older, the part number may be outdated, but it can still help you to track down the model number for your dryer! Once you have that model number, you can easily get the exact OEM part you need at AppliancePartsPros.com. Order online and you’ll have it in just a few days!

How To Replace A Dryer Door Switch

For this tutorial, we replaced the door switch on a Whirlpool dryer. Most dryer door switches can be replaced in much the same way, regardless of the appliance’s brand or model, so this guide can help you out whatever dryer you have. That said, if you do find yourself stuck on a step, you can check out our YouTube channel. We have tons of guides for different dryer brands.

Tools for the Job

To replace this component, you’ll just need a few basic tools. Get these together before you start:

• Phillips & flathead screwdrivers
• A putty knife
• Pliers
• Work gloves

Before you begin…

For safety, be sure to disconnect your dyer from power either at the wall outlet or circuit breaker. Even for relatively quick jobs like this one, you should never do maintenance on an appliance that’s still receiving power!

Replacing a dryer door switch

1. Lift up or remove the lint screen cover to expose the screws beneath. Remove those with a Phillips screwdriver.
2. Free up the top of the dryer. To do this, slide a putty knife into the seam at the front of the dryer. About a half an inch in from each corner, you’ll find a locking tab that will need to be pressed in to release the top of the dryer. When you do this, make sure that you angle the putty knife up slightly so that you depress the tab and aren’t getting it stuck on the tab’s prongs. Check out our video for a detailed look!
3. Lift the lid up and carefully set it back out of the way.
4. Open the dryer door and remove the hardware holding the old door switch in place. You’ll find the door switch in the frame, likely near the top on the right side. It’s held in place by two Phillips head screws.
5. Once the screws are out, push the switch’s actuator up to push the switch out into the machine.
6. Release the mounting tab that’s holding the switch’s wires. This plastic clip is pushed up through the top of the dryer’s front panel. To remove it, squeeze it with a pair of pliers, then press down on the top of it with a flathead screwdriver.
7. Disconnect the wire harness. You may need a flathead screwdriver to pry the two components apart.
8. Install the new switch.  Start by feeding the switch’s actuator lever through the hole in the door frame. Hold it in place while installing one of the mounting screws. You can let go once one screw is in to install the other screw. Next, press the wire harness clip into place on the dryer frame. Plug the wire harness in.
9. Lift the top back over and press it into place on the locking tabs. It will click loudly when they lock.
10. Reinstall the mounting screws by the lint screen and then put the lint filter back in.
11. Time for a test run! Plug your dryer back in and do a test with an empty dryer. You want to make sure that the light comes on when the dryer door opens, that it runs when a cycle is selected and the door is closed, and that it stops running if the door is opened. If it all checks out, you’re done!

Wrapping Up

In just a few minutes, your dryer should be back in working order! Once you’ve got your laundry squared away, why not come back to AppliancePartsPros.com and check out what else we have to offer? Our tips, tutorials, and genuine replacement parts can help you to repair and maintain all your appliances yourself and at a fraction of the cost of a professional repair.

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to contact or call us at 877-477-7278. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!

Since 1999, AppliancePartsPros.com has helped millions of people repair their broken appliances by providing high-quality original parts at well below retail prices, free support and troubleshooting, and award-winning customer service from an expert, friendly, US-based customer support team!