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The door switch is a simple on
/ off switch to indicate whether the dryer's door is open or closed.
The dryer will not operate when the door is open. If your dryer
runs with the door open, the switch may shorted closed or there
may be a dangerous electrical short in your dryer. If your dryer
will not start when you press the start button and you hear no
sounds, the door switch may be the problem.
Caution:
Please read our safety
information before attempting any testing, maintenance or repairs.
 Before checking the door switch, unplug the clothes dryer or shut off
the power at the fuse box or breaker panel to avoid an electrical
shock hazard. Turn off the gas supply to your dryer.
The dryer door typically has a prong
the presses the door switch when the door closes. If that prong
is damaged or missing, that may be the problem and not the switch
itself.
The door switch may be accessible
without removing the front panel or cabinet. The switch is located
in the front panel of the dryer, around the perimeter of the door
opening. Inspect the switch to determine if it can be popped out
or accessed by removing a fastening screw. If it cannot be accessed
from the front, it will be necessary to open the dryer cabinet.
When reaching into the dryer be careful of sharp edges on the
cabinet and interior supports.
Access varies by model, if your
dryer has a lower front panel (kick plate) start there. It should
lift up and off or it may be held in place with a few screws or
snaps; it may also have a catch at the edges or center gap between
the kick panel and main panel. To release the catch, push a putty
knife, wrapped with masking tape, into the gap and push back the
catch. The next easiest access point is the rear panel. The rear
access panel is held in place with several screws along the outer
edges. The last resort method of access is the removal of the
entire front panel. The front panel supports the front of the
drum and so removal is more difficult. Front panel removal varies.
In general, access is gained by lifting the top (remove the lint
trap screws first), removing the screws that secure the front
panel, and detaching the panel from the drum.
Locate the start switch, it typically
has two wires connected to it. Label the wires and connections
so that you can properly reconnect them later. The wires are connected with slip
on connectors. Firmly pull the connectors off of the terminals (do not pull on
the wire itself). You may need to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the
connectors. Inspect the connectors and the terminals for corrosion. If either
is corroded they should be cleaned or replaced.
Use a continuity tester or multitester to test for continuity.
Set the multitester to the ohms setting X1. For a two wire switch,
touch one probe to each terminal. You should get a reading of
infinity. With the probes still in place, press and hold the switch,
the reading should change to zero.
If the switch does not test as described,
it should be replaced.
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