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KitchenAid Dryer starts on its own

If your KitchenAid dryer starts on its own, the most likely culprit is a failing motor relay that allows the motor to energize without a button press. If the relay checks out, the next things to check are the timer and then the main control board, both of which can send power to the motor at the wrong time when they fail. Less commonly, a faulty touchpad, start/cancel button, or the user control and display board will register a phantom start and kick the machine on. You can often narrow the cause by watching whether the dryer starts intermittently, starts then stops, or behaves as if the start button is being pressed without input. Testable parts like the relay and timer can be checked with a multimeter against the wiring diagram, while control boards and touchpads usually need replacement if they show signs of burning or intermittent contacts. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your dryer and the correct part for a reliable fix.

01 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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?
Can a bad touchpad or user control cause the dryer controls not working or the dryer to start unexpectedly?
How do I test the motor relay, timer, or control board to find the cause?
My dryer starts then stops after a few seconds — what parts 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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