How to replace the door latch on a GE dryer

Is your GE dryer’s door refusing to stay shut, leaving you with damp laundry and mounting frustration? Discover how to tackle this common issue by replacing the door latch yourself with just a few simple tools. Watch our step-by-step video guide below and get your dryer back in working order in no time!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

On a GE dryer, the door latch is mounted on the dryer frame to keep the dryer door securely closed. Over time, the latch may become damaged, causing the door strike to fail in catching onto it properly.  

Fortunately, replacing it is a quick and easy repair that you can do yourself. With just a few basic tools and a little bit of time, you’ll have your dryer running again in no time. So let’s get started!

Watch here: How To: GE Door Latch WE1M1011

You can find a replacement door latch WE1M1011 here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE dryer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Tools needed

• Torx 20 screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Part number WE1M1011 (make sure it’s compatible with your model)

The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Shut off the gas supply to prevent any gas leaks while you work. 
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 

Replacement steps

Step 1: remove the console 

1. Use a Torx 20 screwdriver to remove all four screws at the top panel of the dryer.
2. Tilt the console forward and lift it up slightly to disengage the tabs from the top.
3. Open the dryer door.
4. Use a phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold the top panel to the front panel.
5. After removing the top panel screws, close the dryer door.
6. Lift up on the top panel slightly.
7. Pull the top panel toward you to release it.
8. Lift the top panel off the dryer.

Step 2: remove the front panel 

1. Remove the phillips screws that hold the front panel in place. There is one screw on each side of the front panel.
2. Pull the front panel forward to disengage it from the mounting tabs at the bottom.
3. Lift the front panel off the mounting tabs.
4. Turn the front panel around to provide access to the inside of it.

Step 3: Remove the front drum bearings

In order to access the latch, remove the upper and lower bearings attached to the inside of the front panel.

For the upper piece, release the tabs located at the top and lift it off.

For the lower piece, remove the duct piece first, then unsnap the rest of the duct and lift it up to release the tabs through the slots.

Step 4: Install the new door latch

1. Open the dryer door.
2. Press down on the top and bottom of the latch to release the tab.
3. Once the tab is released, use needle-nose pliers to compress the small tabs and press the latch up.
4. Align the new door latch and snap it into place.

Step 5: Reassemble the dryer

1. Close the dryer door.
2. Reattach the lower bearing by aligning the tabs behind the panel and snapping it into place.
3. Lower the bearing until it aligns with the rest of the dryer and snaps into place.
4. Reinsert the tab on the upper portion by lining up the tabs and sliding them into the lower section.
5. Lift up on the light bulb if necessary, slide it into place, and snap the entire piece in until it clicks.
6. Place the front panel back onto the mounting tabs at the bottom. Secure the front panel by inserting and tightening the screws.
7. Make sure the tab on the top panel goes up into the slot.
8. Open the dryer door and reinstall the two long screws that hold the top to the front panel.
9. Push the screws up into the hole and tighten them down.
10. Close the dryer door securely.
11. Lift the control panel up and align the three tabs.
12. Push the tabs down into the slot to secure the control panel.
13. Insert and tighten the four Torx 20 screws that hold the control panel in place.

Step 6: test the dryer

1. Plug the dryer back into the power source.
2. Run a test cycle to check for any problems.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the door latch on your GE dryer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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