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GE Dryer starts on its own

If your GE dryer starts on its own or won't turn off, the most likely culprit is a failing motor relay that can close and feed power to the motor unexpectedly. Next in likelihood are timing or sequencing faults in the timer or main control board, both of which can send the start signal at the wrong time. Less commonly a faulty user control or touchpad behaves intermittently, so a dryer start button not working properly or acting on its own can be the trigger, so check the button and control panel if the unit seems to start by itself. Before ordering parts, verify the relay or board with a multimeter and inspect for burned components or loose connectors, since those checks often narrow the problem quickly. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact motor relay, timer, main control board, or user control and display board that fits your dryer and avoid swapping parts that are not the real cause.

01 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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.
Shop all GE Dryer User Control and Display Board Parts
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dryer start on its own and keep running?
My dryer starts then stops after a few seconds, what causes that?
The start button and controls aren't responding; could that make the dryer start by itself?
How do I test the motor relay or timer to see if they're causing the problem?
How do I find the right replacement part on RepairClinic.com?

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