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HomeRepair HelpMagic Chef Dryer RepairMagic Chef Dryer starts then stops Repair

Magic Chef Dryer starts then stops

If your dryer starts then stops, or runs briefly then stops, the parts most likely to blame include the moisture sensor, the motor relay, the control board (including the main control board), the user control and display board, and then the timer, listed here in the order this model’s troubleshooting recommends. Start by checking simple controls: make sure the door switch and touchpad or start button are behaving correctly. The motor relay and timer can be tested with a multimeter against the wiring diagram, while control boards are harder to bench-test so inspect them for burned components or shorts. A faulty moisture sensor can tell the machine the load is already dry and halt the cycle, though that is less common than the other failures, so only replace it after you’ve checked the usual suspects. If the start or cancel button works intermittently, the user control/display board is a frequent culprit. Enter your dryer’s model number on RepairClinic.com to pull up the exact replacement parts and repair steps for your machine.

01 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 causes that?
How can I test the motor relay or timer when my dryer starts then stops?
Could a bad moisture sensor cause my dryer to stop early?
How do I know if the control board or the user control and display board is bad?
How do I enter my model number or part number at RepairClinic.com to get the correct replacement part?