The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dryer starts then stops are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
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.
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.
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.)
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.)
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.
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.
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.
The dryer door switch allows the control to start and run the dryer once the door is fully closed. A faulty door switch may signal that the door is not closed when it is and cause the dryer to stop running. If you sometimes must open and close the door for the dryer to start, the door switch may only be working intermittently. You can test the door switch for electrical continuity with a multimeter. If the switch does not test postive for continuity when actuated, the switch should be replaced with a new one.
The control board uses the moisture sensor bars to sense the dampness of the clothes. Over time the sensor bars can become coated, expecially from dryer sheet residue. Try cleaning off the bars with warm soap and water. If the sensor bars are damaged they will need to be replaced.
A failing dryer drive motor will struggle to start, become noticably noisy during operation, and can overheat and stop before the clothes have fully dried. After the motor cools down for a half hour or so it may run again for a short period, but should be replaced with a new one to fully resolve the issue.
Confirm a circuit breaker has not tripped and the power cord is plugged tightly into the wall receptacle. A loose plug can provide intermittent power to the dryer and cause it to stop spinning during the cycle.