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Magic Chef Dryer starts on its own

If your Magic Chef dryer starts on its own or the dryer keeps running without you hitting start, the most likely culprits are electronic control parts rather than the drum or motor. Start with the motor relay, which can energize the motor unexpectedly, then check the timer if your model uses one. Next suspects are the main control board or other control boards, which can short or stick and send power to the motor. Less commonly the problem comes from the user touchpad, control panel, or user control and display board, especially if the start/cancel button is intermittent. Before you replace parts, test the relay and timer with a multimeter and consult your wiring diagram, and inspect control boards for burned or shorted components. If you need an exact replacement, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to pull up the right motor relay, timer, control board, or touchpad for your dryer and get step-by-step repair help so you can fix it confidently.

01 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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

Why does my dryer start on its own and won't stop?
My dryer controls not working — is the touchpad or control board causing it to start unexpectedly?
Can a bad motor relay or timer make a dryer start then stop?
My dryer not starting after a reset — could the main control board be the problem?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic to find the right replacement part?

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