If your KitchenAid dryer starts then stops—runs for a few seconds and then quits—the most likely causes are a failing user control and display board or a defective timer that interrupts the cycle. After those, a faulty moisture sensor can falsely tell the control the load is dry and shut the drum, though that happens less often. Less common causes include a bad motor relay or a damaged control board or main control board that cuts power mid-cycle. Before replacing boards, make sure the door switch and start/cancel button are working and test suspect parts where you can with a multimeter or by swapping known-good components. RepairClinic has the parts you need and clear diagnostics to guide you through each test and replacement, and you can enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part that fits your dryer.
01 - KitchenAid Dryer Moisture Sensor
The moisture sensor monitors the clothing’s moisture level and sends a signal to the control board when the clothes are dry. If the moisture sensor is malfunctioning, it could inaccurately report that the clothing have sufficient dried, causing the drum to stop spinning. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the moisture sensor check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, replace the moisture sensor.
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If both the door switch and dryer touchpad are working appropriately, it's possible the motor relay is defective. However, this is not that common of a problem. Before replacing the motor relay, check all the more commonly defective parts. If you determine that all of the other components are working properly, you can test the motor relay by using a multimeter and consulting the wiring diagram to help determine if it is malfunctioning.
If both the door switch and dryer touchpad are working appropriately, it's possible the control board is defective. However, this is not that common of a problem. Before replacing the board, check all of the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, replace the control board. (The control board cannot be easily tested, but you can try to inspect it for signs of burning or a shorted-out component.)
If both the door switch and dryer touchpad are working appropriately, it's possible the main control board is defective. However, this is not that common of a problem. Before replacing the board, check all of the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, replace the main control board. (The control board cannot be easily tested, but you can try to inspect it for signs of burning or a shorted-out component.)
05 - KitchenAid Dryer User Control and Display Board
If the dryer's start/cancel button is only working intermittently, it's likely the user control and display board is malfunctioning and causing the dryer to stop running. A new board will need to be installed to resolve the problem.
If both the door switch and dryer touchpad are working appropriately, it's possible the timer is defective. However, this is not that common of a problem. Before replacing the timer, check all the more commonly defective parts. If you determine that all of the other components are working properly, test the timer by using a multimeter and consulting the wiring diagram. If the timer is defective, replace it.