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HomeRepair HelpJC Penney Dryer RepairJC Penney Dryer starts on its own Repair

JC Penney Dryer starts on its own

If your JC Penney dryer starts running on its own or won’t stop, the most likely causes are a failing motor relay, a defective timer, or a faulty control board. A sticking motor relay is the top suspect because it can apply power to the motor without any input; if that checks out, test the timer next since a bad timer can send the wrong signals to start the cycle. The main control board or control board assembly is the next common cause and can short or energize outputs randomly. Less commonly, a bad touchpad or user control and display board is to blame when the start/cancel button is intermittent—replace the user interface if the buttons act flaky. You can test relays and timers with a multimeter and inspect circuit boards for burned components before buying parts. If the dryer start button not working or the unit keeps running, RepairClinic has the replacement parts you need—enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your dryer.

01 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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.
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Common

03 - JC Penney 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.)
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Common

04 - JC Penney 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.)
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Common

05 - JC Penney 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.
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Less Common

06 - JC Penney 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.
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Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dryer start on its own or won't stop running?
How do I test the motor relay or timer when the dryer starts by itself?
How can I tell if the main control board or the touchpad is causing the dryer to start randomly?
What should I check before replacing the timer, motor relay, or main control board?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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