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Kenmore Dryer starts on its own

If your Kenmore dryer starts on its own or begins tumbling without pressing Start, the most likely culprit is the motor relay. If that checks out, the next items to suspect are the timer and then the main control board or other control board components. Less commonly the problem comes from the touchpad, start switch or user control and display board, especially when the start/cancel button works intermittently. Start with simple checks: inspect the start switch and touchpad for sticking, corrosion or moisture, look over wiring and connectors for loose or burnt contacts, and test the relay and timer with a multimeter while consulting the wiring diagram. Control boards are harder to bench-test but often show visible damage, scorched traces or shorted components when they fail. Replacing the correct component stops the dryer from powering up on its own and prevents unwanted cycles. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part and a step by step repair guide for your dryer, and only replace boards after ruling out simpler failures.

01 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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

My dryer won't stop or keeps starting on its own — what could cause that?
Dryer controls not working: could the touchpad or user control board make the dryer start randomly?
How do I test the motor relay or timer if my dryer starts on its own?
Could the main control board be causing my dryer to start by itself and how can I tell?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to buy the right replacement part?

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