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JC Penney Dryer starts then stops

If your dryer starts then stops — whether it runs briefly then stops or the start button only works intermittently — the likeliest culprits are the user control and display board or the timer, since a flaky start/cancel button or bad timer frequently cuts power midcycle. Next check the motor relay and the control boards, including the main control board; a failing relay can interrupt power to the motor and burned or shorted components on a control board can halt the drum. After those, inspect the door switch and touchpad to rule out simple faults, and only then consider the moisture sensor, which can falsely report dryness but is rarely the cause. You can test relays and timers with a multimeter and look for obvious burn marks on boards before replacing parts. If you need a replacement, enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your JC Penney dryer and get step-by-step parts and repair guidance.

01 - JC Penney 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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02 - JC Penney Dryer Motor Relay

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.
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03 - JC Penney Dryer Control Board

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.)
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04 - JC Penney Dryer Main Control Board

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.)
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05 - JC Penney 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.
Highly Likely

06 - JC Penney Dryer Timer

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.
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

My dryer starts then stops after a few seconds. What should I check first?
How do I test the motor relay or motor when the dryer runs briefly then stops?
Can a faulty moisture sensor cause my dryer to stop too soon?
The dryer start button works intermittently and the cycle stops. Is the user control board bad?
How do I enter my model or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?