Are you worried about how to fix the dryer door switch? You are not allowed to worry much because we have got your back. In just a few steps, you can; and these things you will know as you delve into this article further.
Setting the dryer door switch is an easy and affordable repair that everyone can do, even without a technician background.
But before replacing the door switch, it is essential to determine if any other part of the dryer is defective. Because sometimes, the cord of the dryer is not plugged correctly, or one of the breakers is flipped in the opposite direction in the circuit box, which causes the dryer not to function correctly. Check both of these parts and fix them before testing the door switch. Let us discuss more on this below. Keep reading!
How To Test The Door Switch?
We have listed two methods below to check the condition of the door switch.
#1. Check with a multimeter
The door relay usually has three or two terminals fixed inside a wire harness. You have to check the continuity to ensure that the switch hasn’t shorted out. Use a digital or analog multimeter and set it on RX1 or X1. Touch the probes with terminals and see if the needle of the multimeter is at infinity. Then press the switch while touching the probes with the terminals and see if the needle has moved to the zero position. That zero indicates that the door switch gives its 100% and works fine. You may also want to read about
how to check a dryer timer with a multimeter.
#2. Check the plunger
Open the dryer door and locate a plunger on the left side. When you press it against the dryer body, it should produce a click sound. The switch must have broken if the plunger doesn’t make a sound.
Steps To Fix The Dryer Door Switch
If you want to save a significant chunk of your salary, this article on how to fix the dryer door switch is just for you. Sit at a cozy corner of your home and read out this guide. We are sure that you will find it helpful.
Step #1. Open the screws from the lint screen
Don’t forget to turn off the circuit breaker before starting this first step. Or you can also pull out the cord from the electrical outlet to avoid the risk of electrocution. Please take off the lint screen and set it aside. Or open the lid if the lint screen doesn’t come out. Now pick up your Philips screwdriver and open the two screws from the lint screen housing. Set the screws aside, and let’s move to the next step.
Step #2. Remove the top panel
A spring clip on each corner of the dryer connects the top and front panels. You have to slide a putty knife between both panels to lift the top panel. Pass the putty knife beneath the locking tab and lift it. Make sure that you are not passing the knife beneath the clip itself. Repeat the process with both pins located at two inches from each dryer corner, and then lean the top panel against the wall after disengaging from the locking tabs. You may also want to read about
Step #3. Remove the door switch
Open the door and remove two Philips screws from the left side. Then push the switch actuator back towards the upper side. Close the door. Remove the door switch from the wire harness with the help of a putty knife or flat-head screwdriver. Use a pair of pliers to hold the mounting tab and slide it down the housing with the help of a screwdriver. You have successfully removed the old switch at this stage. Now it’s time to replace it with a new one.
Step #4. Connect the new switch
You must have received a new door switch at this step. Unlike the old switch with two wires, the new one could have three wires. Don’t be anxious, as an extra wire won’t cause an issue. Now reattach the wire harness with the door switch. Place the mounting tab on its housing. Line up the front part of the actuator with the dryer body and reinsert the screws. Reconnect the top panel by engaging with the spring clips and also secure the lint screen screws back in their position.
Cost
The price of a door switch is between 4 and 5 dollars. You can easily buy a door switch from Amazon or any appliance store. Replacing a door switch is a cheap fix, especially if you do it at home.
How To Bypass The Door Relay?
We know how it feels when the dryer suddenly stops and you have a mountain of clothes that need to be dried. A temporary solution is to bypass the switch with the jumper wire. Connect the solder with each end of the jumper wire. File the edges of solder by a filer. Then mold the wire in U shape and connect one end with the blue wire and the other with the white harness wire. Also, wrap the plumbing tape to secure the jumper wire with the harness and make the connection insulated.
Now you can use the dryer but bear in mind that a jumper wire cannot serve the purpose of an actual door switch. Because when your dryer is working with a door switch, it refuses to function when you open the door. Alternatively, the dryer keeps running when the button is bypassed. And we all know that avoiding a risky situation is better than its cure.
It’s A Wrap!
It’s high time to wrap up this guide on how to fix the dryer door switch. You have saved some bucks and gained some info about how to replace a dryer’s door switch. We are open to accepting your suggestions to improvise our blogs and how-to. It may also be a good idea to read about how to tell if your dryer vent is clogged and how to unhook a gas dryer.