Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions

RCA Dryer starts then stops

If your RCA dryer starts then stops — the drum spins for a few seconds or the cycle begins then cuts out — the most likely culprits are the user control and display board or a failing timer, especially if the start/cancel button works only intermittently. After those, check the motor relay, then the control board or main control board, since a faulty relay or board can interrupt power to the motor; the moisture sensor is less likely but can falsely tell the control the load is already dry. Before replacing parts, verify the door switch and touchpad are functioning and use a multimeter and the wiring diagram to test relays and timers when possible. If the start button is flaky, replacing the user control board often fixes the problem. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part that fits your dryer and get step-by-step guidance for testing and swapping components.

01 - RCA 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution

02 - RCA 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.
Top Solution

03 - RCA 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.)
Top Solution

04 - RCA 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.)
Top Solution

05 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 RCA dryer start then stop after a few seconds?
How do I test the moisture sensor if the dryer keeps stopping early?
Can a bad control board or timer cause the dryer to start then stop?
How can I tell if the problem is the user control board or the motor relay?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to get the correct replacement part?