How to Install a Door Switch Assembly on a Sears Kenmore Clothes Dryer

Top Lint Screen

• 1

  Unplug the dryer electrical cord from the wall outlet.

• 2

  Pull the lint screen straight out of the top of the dryer and place it aside. Remove the two screws at the front of the lint screen opening in the top of the dryer with a Phillips screwdriver. Place the screws aside.

• 3

  Insert a metal putty knife into the gap on one side of the dryer between the top horizontal panel and the front vertical panel. Push down on the handle of the knife to raise the horizontal panel and release it from the hidden retaining clip. Repeat for the opposite side of the dryer.

• 4

  Rotate the top panel upward and lean it against the wall.

Door Lint Screen

• 5

  Unplug the dryer electrical cord from the wall outlet.

• 6

  Pull the plastic end caps straight off the control panel on top of the dryer. Remove the control panel retaining screws revealed after removing the end caps with a Phillips screwdriver and place them aside. Skip this step if the control panel on your dryer does not have removable end caps.

• 7

  Slide a metal putty knife under one end of the control panel and pry it upward to release the hidden retaining clip. Repeat for the opposite side of the control panel. Skip this step if the control panel has removable end caps and retaining screws.

• 8

  Rotate the control panel upward. Remove the retaining screws on the backside of the horizontal top panel with a nut driver and place them aside.

• 9

  Slide the top horizontal panel forward and lift it straight up to remove it from the dryer.

Replace Door Switch

• 10

  Open the dryer door. Find the door switch wiring connector through the top of the dryer. Pry the connector apart with a flat screwdriver.

• 11

  Remove the door switch retaining screws on the top edge of the outside of the door opening with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the door switch straight out of the top of the dryer.

• 12

  Insert the lever of the replacement door switch through the opening from the top of the dryer. Tighten the retaining screws. Push the wiring connectors together until they click into place. Close the dryer door.

• 13

  Replace the control panel, top panel and lint screen in the reverse order of removal.

• 14

  Plug the power cord into the wall outlet. Turn on the dryer and test the switch by opening the door.