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Admiral Dryer starts on its own

If your Admiral dryer starts on its own or the dryer keeps running without you pressing a button, don't panic. The most likely cause is a faulty motor relay, which can close the circuit and kick the motor on unexpectedly; if the relay checks out, the next suspects are the timer and then the main control board, both of which can send power to the motor when they short or fail. Less commonly, a bad touchpad or user control and display board will behave intermittently and make the dryer start or not respond to the start/cancel button. You can often test the relay and timer with a multimeter and a wiring diagram, and visually inspect control boards for burned components, but replacing a defective board or touchpad is usually the fix. If you need parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement motor relay, timer, control board, or touchpad for your dryer so you can get back in control.

01 - Admiral Dryer Motor Relay

If the dryer touchpad is 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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Highly Likely

02 - Admiral Dryer Timer

If the dryer touchpad is 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.
Common

03 - Admiral Dryer Control Board

If the dryer touchpad is 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.)
Common

04 - Admiral Dryer Main Control Board

If the dryer touchpad is 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.)
Common

05 - Admiral Dryer Touchpad and Control Panel

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 start running. A new board will need to be installed to resolve the problem.
Less Common

06 - Admiral 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 start running. A new board will need to be installed to resolve the problem.
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

My dryer controls aren't working and it starts on its own — what could be wrong?
Could a bad touchpad or user control board make the dryer start by itself?
How do I test the motor relay or timer when the dryer starts on its own?
The dryer sometimes starts on its own and then stops after a few seconds — what should I check?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?

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