How to Fix the Frigidaire Dryer DR Error Code

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Introduction

Use this guide to diagnose a Frigidaire dryer that shows a DR error code and will not run because it is not detecting a closed door. The most common causes are a door that is not latching fully or a failed door switch. A defective control board can also cause the code if it cannot read the closed-door signal from a good switch.

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Step 1 Prepare the dryer safely

Unplug the dryer before opening the cabinet or touching the door-switch terminals.
Turn off the circuit breaker if the plug is not reachable or the dryer is hardwired.
Never use the ohms setting on a powered circuit, because this can shock you or damage the multimeter.
Let the dryer cool if it was recently running.
Shut off the gas valve before moving a gas dryer for access.

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Step 2 Identify what the DR code means

Select a cycle and press Start.
If the dryer shows DR, it is not seeing a closed door and will not run.
Close the door fully and press Start again.
If DR still flashes with the door closed, check the door closure, the door switch, and then the control board.

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Step 3 Follow the door switch circuit

Use this closed-door power path as your reference: L1 → thermal limiter → door-switch common → normally open terminal → motor relay on the control board.
With the door open, the switch routes power from common to the drum light.
With the door closed, the switch should route power from common to normally open.
If the dryer shows DR, the control is still getting power through the thermal limiter. That leaves the closed-door switch path or the control board as the likely fault.

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Step 4 Check the door closure

Close the door firmly and make sure it stays flush with the front of the dryer.
Do not force the door closed, because that can damage the catch or the door.
Press Start and watch for the DR code.
Inspect the small catch at the top if the door does not stay completely closed.
A broken catch can make the door look closed without pressing the switch far enough.
Press gently on the door while you press Start.
If light pressure lets the dryer start, repair or replace the door catch before testing the switch.

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Step 5 Check the switch even if the light works

Open the door and check whether the drum light turns on.
Do not stop the diagnosis just because the drum light works.
The switch can still power the light with the door open while failing between common and normally open.
Test common to normally open to confirm that the closed-door contact works.

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Step 6 Set up the door switch test

Unplug the dryer again if it is still connected.
Expose the door-switch terminals enough to reach them with the multimeter probes.
Identify the common and normally open terminals on the switch.
Touch one multimeter probe to common and the other to normally open.
Set the multimeter to ohms.

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Step 7 Read the door switch

Close the door so the switch should be activated.
Read the multimeter while the probes stay on common and normally open.
OL means open line, so the switch is not making the closed-door connection.
Replace the door switch if the meter shows OL with the door closed.
A reading around 0.1 ohm with the door closed means the switch is good.

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Step 8 Identify a bad control board

Confirm that the door closes properly.
Confirm that the door switch reads about 0.1 ohm between common and normally open with the door closed.
Reconnect any wiring you disconnected during the switch test.
Do not power the dryer with exposed wiring or loose terminals.
Plug in the dryer, select a cycle, and press Start.
If DR remains with a properly closed door and a good switch, unplug the dryer and replace the control board.
At that point, the control board is not reading the closed-door signal correctly.

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Conclusion

After repairing the faulty door catch, replacing the door switch, or replacing the control board, close the door, select a cycle, and press the start button to confirm the DR code is gone. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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