Why Your Dryer Won’t Shut Off (And How to Fix It)

If you’re facing the frustrating problem of a dryer that won’t shut off, don’t worry – we’re here to help you troubleshoot the issue and get your appliance back in working order.

Proper diagnosis and repair not only save you money on service calls but also give you a sense of accomplishment in maintaining your household appliances. So, let’s get started! With a little knowledge, patience and the right tools at your disposal, you’ll be well on your way to fixing your dryer and restoring order to your laundry routine.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your dryer while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Causes

If your dryer continues to run even when the load is dry and the cycle should be complete, there are a few potential causes to consider:

• Anti-wrinkle cycle option: Many dryers feature an anti-wrinkle cycle option, which tumbles the drum intermittently after the main cycle to prevent wrinkles. If this option is accidentally selected, the dryer will continue running until the clothes are removed.
• Air flow problem: If the dryer’s venting system is clogged or partially blocked, it restricts the airflow, leading to longer drying times. Cleaning the venting system at least once a year prevents air flow issues. 
• Clogged lint filter: The lint filter can accumulate lint and residue from dryer sheets or fabric softeners over time, obstructing airflow. Regularly cleaning the lint filter is necessary to maintain proper airflow.
• Dirty moisture sensor bars: The moisture sensor bars detect the dampness of the clothes. These bars can become coated with residue, particularly from dryer sheets. Cleaning the moisture sensor bars with warm soapy water can restore their function. If the bars are damaged, they may require replacement.
• Faulty door switch: The dryer’s door switch allows voltage to be sent from the control board to the drive motor when the door is closed, and interrupts the voltage when the door is opened. If the dryer continues running even when the door is opened, it indicates a probable shorted door switch. Testing the door switch with a multimeter for electrical continuity can confirm if it needs to be replaced.
• Malfunctioning timer: Dryer timers, similar to clocks, have a motor that rotates them down to the off position on the control panel. If the timer’s motor malfunctions, it fails to move during a timed dry cycle, causing the dryer to run indefinitely.
• Defective control board: On models with a control board instead of a timer the control board regulates the voltage supplied to all electrical parts. If there are no obstructions in the venting system, and the dryer heats up properly, a defective control board may be the reason for the extended run time. Inspecting the control board for damage or shorted components, along with testing voltage to the drive motor using a multimeter and referring to the dryer’s wiring diagram, can help diagnose a faulty board.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.

Troubleshooting steps

Step 1: Venting system

1. Turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Disconnect the dryer vent from the back of the dryer.
3. Inspect the vent for any visible blockages, such as lint buildup or debris. Remove any obstructions using a vent brush or vacuum cleaner.
4. Check the vent cover on the exterior of your home to ensure it is not obstructed.
5. Reconnect the vent to the dryer securely.
6. Locate the lint filter, typically located on the top or inside the dryer door.
7. Remove the lint filter and inspect it for any visible lint or residue buildup.
8. Clean the lint filter by rinsing it with warm water and mild soap. Use a soft brush or your fingers to remove any stubborn residue.
9. Allow the filter to dry completely before placing it back in the dryer.
10. Run a drying cycle to determine if the issue has been resolved.

Step 2: Moisture sensor

1. Locate the moisture sensor bars, typically on the front vent grille or back of the drum.
2. Inspect the sensor bars for any visible residue or damage.
3. Clean the sensor bars using a soft cloth or sponge dampened with warm soapy water. Gently remove any residue.
4. Ensure the sensor bars are completely dry before proceeding.
5. Run a drying cycle and monitor if the dryer shuts off properly. 

Step 3: Door switch

1. Locate the door switch, typically found near the dryer door’s latch or strike.
2. Using a multimeter set to continuity mode, test the door switch to check for electrical continuity.
3. With the switch closed, touch the multimeter probes to the terminals of the door switch. If there is no continuity, the switch is defective and needs to be replaced.
4. Replace the faulty door switch following the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Plug the dryer back in and test if the issue is resolved. 

Step 4: Timer

1. Locate the timer or control board on the control panel of the dryer.
2. Inspect the timer or control board for any visible damage or signs of malfunction.
3. If the timer appears damaged or fails to move during a timed dry cycle, it is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
4. Inspect the control board for any visible signs of damage, such as burnt components or loose connections.
5. If any damage is detected, the control board may need to be replaced. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement.
6. If there are no visible signs of damage, use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the drive motor following the dryer’s wiring diagram.
7. If no voltage is detected, the control board may be defective and require replacement.
8. Reassemble the dryer, plug it back in, and test if the issue is resolved.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you need replacement parts for any of your appliances, check out AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can enter your model number to find exactly what you’re looking for. Most orders arrive in two business days, and we have thousands of free resources to show you how to install your new parts.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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