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Kelvinator Dryer starts then stops

If your Kelvinator dryer starts then stops — the drum spins for a few seconds then the cycle ends or the machine shuts off — the most likely problems are a failing user control and display board or a bad timer, both of which can interrupt the cycle. After those, less common causes include a faulty moisture sensor that falsely signals the load is dry, a defective motor relay that cuts power to the motor, or a damaged control board or main control board. Before replacing parts, check the door switch and touchpad for intermittent operation and test suspect components with a multimeter where you can. If the start or cancel button works only sometimes, replace the user control and display board first. You can find the exact replacement parts and repair diagrams for your model by entering your dryer model number at RepairClinic.com, which makes it easy to order the right user control board, timer, moisture sensor, motor relay, or control board for this repair.

01 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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?
Could a bad moisture sensor cause my dryer to start then stop?
How do I test the motor relay or timer when the dryer starts then stops?
The dryer start button works intermittently and then the machine stops. Which part is likely bad?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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