How to replace the door switch on a Kenmore 80 Series 110.62802101 dryer

If your Kenmore 110.62802101 80 Series dryer doesn't stop running when you open the door, the problem is most likely the door switch. Replacing a faulty door switch is something most homeowners can probably do themselves rather than pay a repairman. The switch itself costs less than $10, and it can be replaced in less than 15 minutes.

A replacement door switch (part number 3406107) can be purchased from a local appliance repair/parts shop or ordered online. Amazon, Sears, Appliance Parts Pros, Grainger and many other sites sell this switch.

Once you have the new switch, installing it is not difficult. You basically just need to remove the dryer door and then open the top panel to get to the switch. Doing both of those things is easier than it may look at first. The steps below will walk you through the process.

1. Unplug the dryer

It's a good safety precaution to unplug the dryer before any disassembly/repair.

2. Remove the dryer door

Open the dryer door fully, to the horizontal position. Four screws secure the door, two on each hinge. Remove each inner screw (closest to the dryer body) first. When removing the remaining screws, hold the hinge bracket down firmly or have someone else hold it down. The hinges are spring-loaded; once you loosen the remaining screw on each hinge, the spring pressure will push the bracket up quickly.

Once all four screws have been removed, close the dryer door most of the way -- so it's almost vertical but not locked into place -- then slide it out, away from the dryer, and set it aside.

3. Open the top panel

To access the door switch, you'll need the dryer's top panel (the flat horizontal panel) out of the way. Remove the lint trap, exposing two screws. Remove those screws.

The top panel is now only held in place by two plastic clips. Each clip is located on the front underside of the top panel, between that panel and the front panel.

Release each clip by sliding a slotted screwdriver between the panels and prying the top panel up gently. Once both clips are released, raise the top panel and lean it back against the wall. (You may need to slide the dryer forward first for clearance.)

4. Replace the door switch

Remove the two screws securing the switch in place. The screw heads are located on the underside of the switch (where the dryer door would be).

Disconnect the door switch by pulling the two white plugs apart. Squeeze the sides of the plugs together to pop the clips on the top and bottom free. Separating the plugs can be tricky, but with the screws removed you can pull the plugs up for a better look.

Remove the old switch and install the new switch. Secure it with the two screws, then plug it into the wire harness. (The plug is keyed and will only go in one way.)

5. Reassemble the dryer

Flip the dryer top panel back into place, setting it onto the two clips and pushing it down until it snaps into place. Secure the top panel with the two screws, then reinstall the lint trap.

Slide the dryer door back on, almost vertical, then flip it open (horizontal). Hold each hinge bracket down and secure it with the outer screw first, then the inner screw. Close the dryer door and plug the dryer back into the outlet.

6. Test the new switch

With the dryer put back together, start a dryer cycle and open the front door. The dryer should stop running when the door is open, and the light inside the drum should turn on. If the dryer continues to run when the door is opened, check your switch to be sure it's fully plugged in and screwed into place.