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GE Dryer starts then stops

If your GE dryer starts then stops or the dryer stops after a few seconds, the most likely culprits line up in a predictable way: begin by checking the moisture sensor, which tells the control when clothes are dry and can falsely signal a finished cycle; next look at the motor relay, which can cut power to the motor if it fails; then inspect the control board and main control board for burned components or shorts; the user control and display board can also cause intermittent stops if the start button is failing; finally, a faulty timer may be to blame. Before swapping parts, verify simple things first: the door switch and touchpad or start button are making proper contact and you have no obvious wiring damage. For each suspect part you can test with a multimeter following the wiring diagram, or replace the component if inspection shows damage. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement parts and step-by-step repair guides that fit your dryer so you fix it right the first time.

01 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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?
Is the control board or motor relay usually the cause when a dryer starts then stops?
How can I test the motor relay, timer, or moisture sensor?
Do I need to replace the moisture sensor if my dryer keeps stopping early?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?