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Montgomery Wards Dryer starts on its own

If your Montgomery Wards dryer starts on its own, the most likely culprit is a failing motor relay, especially when the touchpad appears to work normally; the relay can energize the motor without a user command. After that, a faulty timer is a common cause and can send power at the wrong time. Main control issues come next: a damaged control board or main control board can send unintended start signals, and those boards are harder to bench-test so inspection for burned components helps. Less commonly, the problem is the touchpad or user control and display board itself, such as an intermittent start/cancel button that makes the dryer turn on unexpectedly. If you want to repair it yourself, test the relay and timer with a multimeter and consult the wiring diagram, replace obviously damaged control boards, and swap a suspect touchpad if the button is flaky. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part that fits your dryer and get the parts and instructions you need.

01 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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?
My dryer start button works intermittently — which part should I replace?
How do I test the motor relay or timer?
The control board looks burned — do I need to replace it?
How do I find the right replacement part on RepairClinic.com?

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