How to Replace W10111905 Dryer Door Catch on Whirlpool Dryer — Step-by-Step

You press the dryer door closed and hear... nothing. No click, no latch, just a loose door that won't stay shut. On Whirlpool and Maytag dryers like the WED6200SW1 or WED8000BW0, the door catch (part W10111905) takes hundreds of impacts over its lifetime. Eventually that plastic striker wears down or cracks, and your dryer won't run because it thinks the door's open.

The good news? This is one of the easiest dryer repairs you'll ever do. No special tools, no disassembly beyond the catch itself. Most people finish in under 10 minutes.

What You Need Before Starting

• Phillips screwdriver (most models)
• Flathead screwdriver (some older Kenmore models)
• Replacement W10111905 door catch
• Good lighting (phone flashlight works fine)

Repair Time: 5-10 minutes
Difficulty: ● Easy — Perfect first repair

Safety First

Unplug the dryer before starting. Even though you're not working on electrical components, the door switch is right there, and it's smart practice. If your dryer's stacked or hard to access the plug, flip the breaker. This repair involves zero risk otherwise — no sharp edges, no heavy parts.

Step 1: Locate the Door Catch on the Dryer Cabinet

Open the dryer door fully. Look at the right side of the cabinet opening (the side opposite the hinges). You'll see a white or black plastic piece with a curved striker that the door latch grabs when you close it. That's your door catch. It's held by two Phillips screws in most Whirlpool models like the WED6400SW0 or WED7600XW0.

Step 2: Remove the Two Mounting Screws

Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove both screws holding the catch. They're short, usually about 3/4 inch long. Keep them — you'll reuse these same screws. The old catch should pull straight out once the screws are gone. If it's stuck, gently pry with a flathead screwdriver, but don't force it.

Step 3: Compare Old and New Catches

Hold the old W10111905 catch next to your new one. Check that the striker shape matches and the screw holes line up. You're looking for cracks, worn edges, or a striker that's been beaten flat — that's why your door wouldn't latch. On WED8500BC0 and similar models, the catch takes a beating because the door's heavy and people slam it.

Step 4: Install the New Door Catch

Slide the new catch into position so the screw holes align with the cabinet holes. The striker should point toward the door opening. Start both screws by hand first to make sure they're threading correctly, then tighten them snug with your screwdriver. Don't overtighten — you're threading into plastic, and stripping it means you're drilling new holes or using anchors.

Step 5: Test the Door Latch Action

Close the door slowly and listen for a solid click. The latch on the door should grab the striker firmly. Open and close it 5-6 times — it should feel consistent every time. If the door still won't latch, check that the door latch itself (the part on the door, not the catch) isn't broken. That's a different part.

Testing After Installation

Plug the dryer back in and run it on air fluff for 30 seconds. The drum should spin normally, which confirms the door switch is registering as closed. If the dryer won't start, open and re-close the door firmly. Sometimes the door switch needs a good solid close to reset. Your WED6200SW0 or WED6400SB1 should now operate like normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this door catch fit my Kenmore dryer made by Whirlpool?

Yes, if your Kenmore dryer starts with model numbers 110.6 or 110.8, it's Whirlpool-made and likely uses the W10111905 catch. Check your model number against the compatibility list or look at your existing catch — if the part number WPW10111905 or 8572982 is stamped on it, this is your replacement.

Why does the door catch break so often?

It doesn't, usually. Most door catches last 10-15 years. But if someone routinely slams the dryer door hard, or if the door itself is slightly misaligned and hitting the catch at an angle, it'll wear out faster. The plastic striker takes all that impact energy and eventually fatigues.

Can I just glue the old catch if it's cracked?

Don't. Glue won't hold up to the repeated stress, and a door catch that fails mid-cycle can jam the door shut or prevent the dryer from starting at all. At $9.99, the replacement part costs less than your time messing with epoxy that'll fail in three weeks.