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Dryer Won't Stop

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dryer won't stop 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.

Most Frequent Causes for Dryer won't stop

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.


Cause 1Air Flow Problem

If the vent is clogged or partially clogged, it will restrict the airflow through the dryer, substantially increasing the drying time. To ensure proper dryer performance, you should clean your dryer’s venting system at least once per year.

Cause 2Anti-wrinkle cycle option selected

Most dryer models have an anti-wrinkle cycle option that can be selected to reduce wrinkles. When selected the dryer drum will tumble the clothes every few minutes after the cycle is completed to help keep wrinkles from occurring. If this option was inadvertently selected the dryer will intermittently run until the clothes are removed.

Cause 3Blower Wheel

The blower wheel draws air through the dryer and pushes the air out the vent. Clumps of lint, socks, and small articles of clothing can escape the lint filter and get caught in the blower wheel. In addition, the blower wheel sleeve can wear out, allowing the blower wheel to wobble on the motor shaft. If the blower wheel is obstructed or defective, it may take too long to dry clothes. To determine if the blower wheel is working properly, remove the dryer vent and assess the strength of the air flow. If the air flow is weak, check the blower wheel for obstructions. If no obstructions are present, try rotating the blower wheel by hand. If the blower wheel wobbles as it turns, replace it.

Parts
Cause 4Incoming Power Problem

Plug in the dryer or check house power at outlet/circuit breaker.

Cause 5Control Board

A dryer's control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If there's no obstruction in the dryer's venting and the dryer is heating to the proper temperature, it's possible the control board is defective and allowing the appliance to run longer than it should. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the drive motor after reviewing the dryer's wiring diagram.

Parts
Cause 6Main Control Board

A dryer's main control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If there's no obstruction in the dryer's venting and the dryer is heating to the proper temperature, it's possible the control board is defective and allowing the appliance to run longer than it should. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component.

Parts
Cause 7Dirty Moisture Sensor Bars

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.

Cause 8Lint Filter

The lint filter might be clogged. Dryer sheets and fabric softener can leave a residue on the lint filter, reducing the air flow. If the lint filter is clogged, clean it.

Parts
Cause 9Door Switch

A dryer door switch will allow voltage to be sent from the control board to the drive motor once the door is closed and interrupt that voltage when the door is opened. If the dryer is not stopping when the door is opened, the door switch has likely shorted closed. You can use a multimeter to test the door switch for electrical continuity. If the switch tests positive for continuity both before and after actuation, the component is defective and will need to be replaced.

Parts
Cause 10Moisture 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 is still moist, causing the dryer to keep running even though the clothes are dry. 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.

Parts
Cause 11Timer

Mechanical timers have a motor on them like a clock that rotates the timer down to the off position on the control panel. If the motor goes bad on the timer it will not move when set to a timed dry cycle and the dryer won’t stop.

Parts
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