Replacing Dryer Door switch. How can I get at it?

[Michael]

I have a Kenmore dryer. Today I noticed that the door switch is broken and permanently stuck in the closed state. While this means I can still use the dryer, it also means that it will still work with the door open and the light inside won't come on.

I called Sears (makers of Kenmore) and was told that it would cost $60 just to come look at it (more to fix) since it's no longer under warrantee.

I believe I could fix it myself, but I can't figure out how to get at it. From the diagram at

appears that the screw I need to remove the front panel is INSIDE the dryer.

Anyone know how to get the front panel off and get access to the switch?

[Robert A. Barr]

Getting to the front panel is really easy on these. Look at part #50 on the cabinet diagram. That's just a heavy-duty catch, or snap. The top surface of the dryer pivots at the rear, and opens up like a car hood.

You just insert a large screwdriver (padded with a cloth) at the front left and front right corners, and pry upward. It takes a little grunt, but the snaps will pop free, and you'll be looking downward at the part you need to access.