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Universal Dryer starts then stops

If your dryer starts then stops, running briefly then stopping or stopping after a few seconds, the most likely causes are the user control and display board and the timer, with the motor relay and control boards following and the moisture sensor being a less common culprit. A failing user control or start/cancel button often causes intermittent runs, while a bad timer can cut power mid-cycle. A stuck or faulty motor relay will stop the motor, and a damaged control board or main control board can behave erratically or show burned components. The moisture sensor can falsely report dry clothes and end the cycle, but that is rare. Before ordering parts, check the door switch and touchpad for obvious faults, inspect control boards for burn marks, and test the relay or timer with a multimeter if you can. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part that fits your dryer and get step-by-step parts and repair guidance so you can fix it confidently.

01 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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?
Can a bad moisture sensor cause my dryer to stop mid-cycle?
How do I test the motor relay or timer when the dryer starts then stops?
Could the user control, main control board, or display board cause the dryer to stop unexpectedly?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic to find the right replacement part?

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