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Whirlpool Dryer starts on its own

If your Whirlpool dryer starts on its own or keeps running when you never pushed start, the most likely culprit is a faulty motor relay — it can send power to the motor without a command. Next most common causes are a bad timer or a failed main control board or control board assembly, which can intermittently close circuits and turn the machine on. Less commonly the problem comes from the touchpad, user control, or display board if a stuck or shorted button is sending a start signal. Before you buy parts, make a quick check: confirm the start button is not physically stuck, then test the motor relay and timer with a multimeter and consult the wiring diagram; inspect the control board for burned components or shorts. If the touchpad behaves erratically replace the user control/display assembly. You can enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement motor relay, timer, control board, or touchpad that fits your dryer so you get the right part the first time.

01 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 won’t stop or keeps running after a cycle, what should I check?
How do I test the motor relay or timer that might be causing this?
The start button only works sometimes—do I need a new touchpad or a control board?
How can I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?

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