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Dryer starts then stops

If your dryer starts then stops — the drum spins for a few seconds and then the machine shuts off, or the dryer stops after a few seconds and only runs briefly — the most likely culprits are the user control and display board or the timer. Those two parts commonly cause intermittent runs, especially if the start/cancel button or cycle selector is acting flaky. Next up to check are the motor relay and the various control boards, which can fail and cut power to the motor, and you can often spot a burned component or test relays and timers with a multimeter. Less commonly, a faulty moisture sensor can misreport dryness and stop the cycle, though that is rare. Start your troubleshooting by confirming the door switch and touchpad respond correctly and that the start button works consistently. If you need a replacement, enter your dryer model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your machine and get step-by-step guidance for installing it.

01 - Dryer Moisture Sensor

The moisture sensor monitors the clothing’s moisture level and sends a signal to the control board when the clothes are dry. If the moisture sensor is malfunctioning, it could inaccurately report that the clothing have sufficient dried, causing the drum to stop spinning. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the moisture sensor check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, replace the moisture sensor.
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02 - Dryer Motor Relay

If both the door switch and dryer touchpad are 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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03 - Dryer Control Board

If both the door switch and dryer touchpad are working appropriately, it's possible the 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 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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04 - Dryer Main Control Board

If both the door switch and dryer touchpad are 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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05 - 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 stop running. A new board will need to be installed to resolve the problem.
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Highly Likely

06 - Dryer Timer

If both the door switch and dryer touchpad are 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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Highly Likely

07 - Dryer Door Catch

If the door catch is obstructed or damaged, the door may pop open just enough to open the door switch contacts and shut the dryer off. Inspect the door catch for any obstruction or damage and replace the part if required.
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Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

My dryer starts then stops after a few seconds — what should I check first?
Could a bad moisture sensor cause the dryer to start then stop?
How do I tell if the user control and display board or the main control board is causing the dryer to stop?
How can I test the motor relay or timer when my dryer starts then stops?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?

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