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Frigidaire Dryer starts on its own

If your Frigidaire dryer starts on its own, the most likely cause is a stuck or failing motor relay that energizes the motor even with the controls off. Next to check is the timer, which can short or jump contacts and start the dryer, followed by faults in the main control board or related control circuitry that can send power unexpectedly. Less commonly a bad touchpad, control panel, or user control and display board will trigger the start/cancel switch intermittently, so symptoms like the dryer start button not working or other dryer controls not working point to those parts. Start by ruling out wiring or stuck buttons, then verify suspect components with a multimeter and the wiring diagram before replacing them, and visually inspect control boards for burned or shorted components. When you’re ready to order parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact motor relay, timer, control board, or touchpad that fits your dryer.

01 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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

Dryer controls not working: why does my dryer start on its own?
How can I test the motor relay or timer when the dryer starts on its own?
Dryer controls not working: my start/cancel button is intermittent, do I need a new touchpad or user control board?
Is it safe to keep using a dryer that starts on its own?
How do I enter my model number or part number to find the correct replacement on RepairClinic.com?

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