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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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.
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.)
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.)
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.
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.