I used to skip checking the door switch on dryers, cost me $200

A customer called about a dryer that wouldn't start, and I assumed it was the thermal fuse. I replaced it, but the problem stayed. I spent two hours on it before I finally tested the door switch, which was the real issue. That extra service call and part cost me about $200 in lost time and a return trip. Anyone have a quick method they use to test those switches first?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_riley18d ago

Steve's jumper wire trick is a solid start, but you gotta be careful with that. I saw a guy short out a control board once because he left the jumper in when he powered it on. My method is to just use a multimeter on the ohms setting right at the switch terminals. It takes maybe 30 seconds, you don't even have to pull the machine out. You hear the click when the door closes, but that doesn't always mean the contacts inside are making a good connection. That quick continuity check has saved me from chasing my tail more times than I can count.

phoenix_schmidt18d ago

My buddy Steve in Toledo had the same exact thing happen last year. He drove clear across town for a second trip because he swapped the start relay before even looking at the door switch. Now he just uses a jumper wire to test continuity before he even unloads his tools. What's your go-to test for those switches?