How to Troubleshoot and Repair a Dryer Door That Keeps Popping Open

If your dryer's door doesn’t stay shut, loosens itself during a cycle, or keeps popping open, its catch-and-strike mechanism may be faulty. Think of this mechanism as two puzzle pieces that fit together – the catch is mounted on the dryer door whereas the strike is found on the dryer’s body. The catch latches onto the strike when the door is closed. If either or both parts are damaged, the door will not tightly close and lock.

Our repair guides, 3D renderings, and instructional videos can help you assess if your dryer door keeps popping open due to one of the common issues we list below or if one of these two parts has failed. If you need to replace the catch-and-strike mechanism, we also offer step-by-step details for accessing, removing, and installing the part.

Using This Page, You Will Be Able to Troubleshoot the Following Symptoms

1. The dryer door does not stay closed after shutting it, preventing you to start a run cycle.
2. The dryer door pops open mid-cycle.

Inspect These Common Issues First

If you find that your dryer door isn’t closing properly, check these common problem areas first. Sometimes, the door cannot close because there is a blockage somewhere – and removing the blockage solves the problem. If none of these issues are causing the door problem, you will likely need to replace the door catch or strike.

FIX TIP

Remember, when troubleshooting any dryer symptom, start by unplugging it from the electrical outlet or turning off the breaker. If you have a gas dryer, cut off the gas supply.

Is the Door Being Blocked by Laundry or Lint?

If your dryer is overfilled, your laundry may be preventing the dryer door from closing properly. Make sure that the drum is not more than three-quarters full. Debris such as accumulated lint can also interfere with the strike and catch, so clear any blockages that are near the door latch.

Is the Door Latched Correctly?

While your door may look like it is closed, it might not have latched. Push on the door to engage its latch. You should hear a clicking sound whenever you start a run cycle that indicates that the lock has been activated.

Is the Door Bent?

If the dryer’s door is bent, the catch won’t line up with the strike when the door is closed, so the door will not latch. To straighten the door, tighten the hinges along the frame using a screwdriver. If the hinges are damaged, they will need to be replaced.

Is the Dryer Leveled?

If the legs on your front-load dryer aren’t balanced, the dryer might tilt forward, making its front side nearer to the ground than its rear. This causes the clothes inside to push against the door, and that pressure on the door makes it pop open.