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Speed Queen Dryer starts on its own

If your Speed Queen dryer is starting on its own, the most likely culprit is a bad motor relay that is intermittently sending power to the motor. After the relay, the next things to check are the timer and the main control board, both of which can falsely send a start signal if they fail. Less commonly, a faulty touchpad, start/cancel button, or user control and display board will act up and make the dryer start by itself. You can often test the relay and timer with a multimeter and a wiring diagram, and inspect the control board for burned components or shorts before replacing it. If the start button is intermittent, swapping the user control or touchpad usually fixes phantom starts. If you need parts, enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement motor relay, timer, control board, or control panel that fits your dryer, plus step-by-step repair guidance to get it back under your control.

01 - Speed Queen 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 - Speed Queen 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 - Speed Queen 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 - Speed Queen 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 - Speed Queen 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 - Speed Queen 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 or start then stop?
My dryer won’t stop running after a cycle — could the timer or control board be the cause?
How do I test the motor relay, timer, or control board when the dryer controls are not working?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to buy the correct replacement part?
Is replacing the main control board usually necessary when a dryer starts on its own?

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