The on/off switch on my Bosch WTA 3100 Tumble Dryer only works when held in. When the switch is released the dryer stops. I have had the top off, but can see no way to detach the switch panel, with a possible fix of replacing the switch. Can anyone help please?

Ken, March 2008

I had same problem with on/off switch not latching 'on'. RonM's helpful advice on dismantling enabled me to remove the switch unit (although he didn't mention the need to disconnect the Bowden cable connected to the door catch). I had nothing then to lose by dismantling the two halves of the switch to see why it had failed; the latching tabs on the sides are simply prised away gently. I did this dismantling very carefully to minimise disturbance or loss of innards - it may be worth getting an assistant to watch and note or sketch what goes where as it comes apart. I could find nothing obviously wrong with the moving or other parts inside (nothing broken; no apparent wear) but one small plastic slider seemed to be doing nothing. I eventually worked out what it did and where it should fit and reassembled the switch accordingly after applying a small amount of silicone spray lubricant. After replacing it in the machine and refixing all panels, everything worked as it should - so saving the cost and delay incurred to get a replacement!

Nick S, April 2009

The on/off switch is combined with the door release switch in one item - part number 154145 (a little over £20) and my problem was the door interlock bit had failed. The following worked for me :
Plug out, remove top panel, and open door + look up at switch panel - you see 5 slots under the switch panel (the 2 outer ones are mostly covered by the main front panel). Start at either side and work across, using as wide-bladed a screwdriver as will fit across the slot width : put a wood block under blade as a support and lever bottom of panel towards front - each has a plastic pin behind pointing towards the rear, held by a spring clip. Each will pop clear and when all are unclipped you rotate the panel outwards from the bottom edge, taking the timer knob and its drive linkage with it. To get switch out I removed the door and the screws around the main front panel - one is hidden behind a cover plug below the access port (to gain access to bottom screws on main panel, lever the bottom panel outwards along its top edge).

RonM, September 2008