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Bosch Dryer starts on its own

If your Bosch dryer starts on its own or the dryer keeps running after you walk away, start with the most likely causes and work down the list. First check the touchpad and start/cancel button for stuck contacts; if the user controls look fine, the motor relay is the top suspect and can send power to the motor without a button press. Next most likely are a faulty timer or a failing main control board, both of which can close circuits unexpectedly; you can test the relay and timer with a multimeter and consult the wiring diagram, while the control board is best inspected for burned components and replaced if damaged. Less commonly, an intermittent touchpad or user control and display board will trigger unwanted starts and will need replacement. If you need parts for the repair, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement motor relay, timer, control board, or touchpad that fits your Bosch dryer.

01 - Bosch 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 - Bosch 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 - Bosch 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 - Bosch 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 - Bosch 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 - Bosch 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 or keep running when I didn't press start?
Can a power surge or outage make my dryer start by itself or damage the control board?
The start button works only sometimes. Could the touchpad or user control board be causing the dryer to start unexpectedly?
How do I test the motor relay or timer to see if they're making the dryer start on its own?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?