Dryer: Why won't my dryer door stay shut?
If the dryer door doesn't stay shut when you close it, something is awry with the door latching components. A quick inspection should reveal whether the door strike or door catch is at fault. The bad news is that the dryer won't run if the door doesn't close. The good news is that replacing both components are quick, inexpensive fixes.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR DRYER PROBLEM
Replace the dryer door catch
The door catch is the part of the door latch assembly that's usually attached to the front panel, but sometimes is attached to the door. When the door is closed, the spring-loaded door catch encloses and grips the door strike, which is mounted across from it. The tension of the door catch keeps the door from opening until it's manually opened. If the door won't latch closed and the strike is intact, replace the catch. If the door catch holds the door closed to start the cycle but can't continue to hold the door shut during the cycle to keep the dryer running, replace the door catch.
Dryer door catch
Replace the dryer door strike
The dryer door strike is the part of the door latch assembly. It's usually attached to the door, but sometimes is attached to the front panel. When the door is closed, the door strike is pushed into the spring-loaded door catch mounted across from it. The tension of the catch keeps the door from opening until it's manually opened. If the door strike damaged, replace the strike. If the door won't latch closed and the strike is intact, replace the catch. If the door strike holds the door closed to start the cycle but can't continue holding the door shut during the cycle to keep the dryer running, replace the door strike.
Dryer door strike
Most common symptoms to help you fix your dryers
Choose a symptom to see related dryer repairs.
Main causes: bad gas valve coils, broken heating element, tripped safety thermostat or fuse, bad operating thermostat, c…
Main causes: bad drum support roller, damaged idler pulley, broken blower fan blade, worn drum glide bearing, bad drive …
Main causes: damaged door strike, worn door catch…
Main causes: clogged exhaust vent, bad motor relay, loose dryer door catch, bad door switch, control system failure, fau…
Main causes: door switch failure, lack of power, broken belt, blown thermal fuse, bad drive motor, control system failur…
Main causes: clogged exhaust system, heating system failure, deposits on moisture sensor, control system failure…
Main causes: bad timer or electronic control board, door switch failure…
Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power cord, wiring failure, bad control board, blown thermal fuse, bad door s…
Most common repair guides to help fix your dryers
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dryer.
How to replace an electronic control board in an electric dryer
The electronic control board manages the components and controls the cycle times in your electric dryer. Follow these st…
How to replace a heating element in an electric dryer
The heating element in an electric dryer generates the dryer's heat—it's one of the first things to check if the air in …
How to replace a dryer drive motor
A defective drive motor struggles to rotate the drum or might not turn the drum at all. Follow the steps in this dryer r…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your dryers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your dryer.
Get expert tips on using your dryer efficiently to save energy.…
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…