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Dryer Door switch and latch: What It Does and Signs It's Failing

The door switch sits in the front of the cabinet where the door closes and tells the dryer the door is shut. The latch or catch on the door holds it closed while the drum turns. On some models the same switch also runs the drum light.

How it works

Closing the door presses a tab on the switch, and the control sees the door as shut. If it doesn't get that signal, the dryer won't start, and opening the door mid-cycle stops it. A worn catch lets the door drift open far enough to break the circuit.

Signs it is failing

• Dryer won't start with the door shut
• Dryer stops at random mid-cycle
• Switch tab has no resistance and no click
• Door pops open while the drum is turning
• Drum light doesn't work

Door-open codes point here first, once you've checked that nothing is caught in the door and the lint filter is pushed fully in. On GE dryers, a code for a door switch stuck closed comes from this switch or its wiring.

Can you replace it yourself?

Unplug the dryer, then press the switch tab with a finger; a good one pushes back and clicks. A new catch usually just snaps into the door, while the switch means taking off the top or front panel and moving its wires across. Don't tape the switch down or jumper it so the dryer runs with the door open.

Buying the right part

Door switches are cheap but model-specific, and some ship without screws. Order by the full model number.

Error codes linked to the door switch and latch

• 008 / 00d / F08Door switch reads as stuck closedGE
• dEDoor is not closedLG
• dEDoor not detected as closedSamsung
• ERRDoor not fully closed and latchedWhirlpool

Last reviewed 2026-10-19.