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Kenmore Dryer starts then stops

If your Kenmore dryer starts then stops — it runs briefly then stops or stops after a few seconds — the causes you should check, in the order this page lists them, are the moisture sensor, the motor relay, the control board, the main control board, the user control and display board, and the timer. The moisture sensor can tell the machine the load is dry and shut the drum off, though that is rarely the real problem. More often you’ll be looking at an intermittent motor relay or an electronic control board that is failing; inspect boards for burned components or shorts. If the start or cancel button works only sometimes, the user control and display board can cause the dryer to stop mid-cycle. The timer can also fail and should be tested with a multimeter if the other parts check out. Before replacing parts, make sure the door switch and touchpad are working correctly. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to pull the exact replacement part for your dryer and get diagrams and part numbers specific to your machine.

01 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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

Why does my dryer start then stop after a few seconds?
What should I check first when my dryer starts then stops repeatedly?
My dryer won't start or only runs briefly—could the user control or start button be bad?
How do I test the motor relay or timer myself?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?

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