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Game-changer: the ultimate guide to removing your kenmore dryer’s front panel without stress

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • On the left side of the door opening, locate the door switch.
  • Locate the two screws at the top of the door panel.
  • Remove the screws and lift the door panel up and off the dryer.

If you’re facing a faulty dryer, it may be necessary to remove the front panel for inspection or repair. This guide will provide a step-by-step walkthrough on how to take off the Kenmore dryer front panel, empowering you to tackle this task confidently.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Flathead screwdriver or putty knife

Safety Precautions:

  • Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
  • Allow the dryer to cool down completely.

Step 1: Remove the Top Panel

  • Locate the two screws at the back of the top panel.
  • Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screws.
  • Lift the top panel up and off the dryer.

Step 2: Unplug the Control Panel

  • Disconnect the wiring harness from the control panel.
  • Locate the two screws securing the control panel.
  • Remove the screws and carefully pull the control panel forward.

Step 3: Remove the Door Switch

  • On the left side of the door opening, locate the door switch.
  • Using a flathead screwdriver or putty knife, gently pry the door switch loose.

Step 4: Remove the Door Strike

  • On the right side of the door opening, locate the door strike.
  • Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws securing the door strike.

Step 5: Remove the Door Panel

  • Open the dryer door.
  • Locate the two screws at the top of the door panel.
  • Remove the screws and lift the door panel up and off the dryer.

Step 6: Disconnect the Door Lock

  • Reach inside the dryer and locate the door lock.
  • Disconnect the wiring harness from the door lock.

Step 7: Remove the Front Panel

  • Locate the two screws at the bottom of the front panel.
  • Remove the screws and pull the front panel straight towards you.

Reassembly

To reassemble the dryer, simply follow the steps in reverse order.

Tips:

  • If you encounter any resistance while removing the screws, use a penetrating lubricant to loosen them.
  • Be careful not to damage the wiring or components when disconnecting the wiring harnesses.
  • If you’re unsure about any step, refer to your dryer’s user manual or consult a qualified appliance repair technician.

Troubleshooting:

  • If the front panel won’t come off, check for any remaining screws or hidden latches.
  • If the door switch is not working, it may need to be replaced.
  • If the door lock is not engaging, it may need to be adjusted or replaced.

FAQs

Q: How often should I clean the lint filter in my Kenmore dryer?
A: After every use to prevent lint buildup and improve dryer efficiency.

Q: What are the signs that my Kenmore dryer needs repair?
A: Excessive noise, longer drying times, or failure to start.

Q: Can I replace the front panel on my Kenmore dryer myself?
A: Yes, with the proper tools and safety precautions outlined in this guide.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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