How to Access the Door Switch Assembly on a Sears Kenmore Dryer

Identify which design of Kenmore dryer you own. New models have controls mounted to the front panel above the door while some older versions have a separate upright control panel attached to the top of the appliance. Only complete step 2 if your dryer has a separate upright set of controls attached to the top panel.

Remove the two screws on either side of the upright control panel and pull it forward and up to detach the locking tabs; flip the panel back to reveal the inner wiring and the screws holding the top panel of the dryer in place. Remove these screws, set them to one side and slide the top panel of the dryer forward and up to detach it from the appliance. Skip to step 4.

Remove the three screws at the top of the rear panel of the dryer if the controls are mounted above the dryer door. Slide the top panel forward and up to detach it from the appliance and reveal the insides.

Open the door of the dryer and remove the pair of screws holding the door switch in place. The door switch, which is attached to the door frame, looks like a button and is sometimes covered with a rubber cap. Once the screws are removed reach down inside the dryer via the top to access the wiring harness attached to the back of the door switch.