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Universal Dryer starts on its own

If your dryer starts on its own, the most likely causes are a failing motor relay or a faulty timer that is sending power to the motor when it should not. If those parts test fine, the next suspect is the main control board, which can short or latch closed and trigger unsolicited starts. Less commonly, a bad touchpad or user control and display board — especially a flaky start/cancel button — will make the dryer start by itself or keep running. You can often isolate the relay or timer with a multimeter and the dryer wiring diagram; control boards are harder to bench-test but can show obvious signs of burning or damaged components and should be replaced if defective. If the start button is intermittent, replacing the touchpad or user control assembly usually resolves the problem. For the exact replacement relay, timer, control board, or touchpad for your machine, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com and we will show parts that fit.

01 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 by itself?
My dryer start/cancel button works intermittently. Which part should I replace?
How do I test the motor relay or timer to see if they are causing the dryer to start on its own?
Is it safe to keep using a dryer that starts by itself?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to order the correct replacement part?

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