Dryer Keeps Running and Won’t Stop? Separate Wrinkle Care From a Real Shutoff Problem

First decide whether the dryer is continuously running or only tumbling intermittently

Look at the display or cycle dial before touching the machine. Wrinkle-prevention features on many dryers periodically tumble the load after the main drying cycle so clothes do not sit compressed in the drum. That can sound like a dryer that restarted itself even though the heat may be off and the feature is operating as designed.

A true shutoff problem is different: the drum runs continuously well past the selected timed cycle, the machine keeps heating after the clothes are dry, the timer never reaches Off, or the dryer continues running when the control is clearly set to Off. Write down the selected cycle and options before canceling them so you can reproduce the symptom accurately.

Compare a Timed Dry test with an automatic or sensor cycle

GE explains that timers can behave differently in automatic cycles than in Timed Dry. On sensor cycles, the timer may advance intermittently because the dryer uses temperature or moisture information rather than a simple minute-by-minute countdown. A knob that seems motionless for a while is not automatically failed.

If your manual allows it, select a short Timed Dry cycle with a small appropriate load and observe whether the dryer reaches the end and stops normally. Then compare that behavior with the automatic cycle that caused concern. If Timed Dry stops but an automatic cycle runs excessively long, sensing, airflow, load size, or cycle selection becomes more relevant than a completely stuck timer.

1. Turn off wrinkle-prevention or extended-tumble options for one controlled test.
2. Confirm the lint screen is clean and the outside vent is not visibly blocked before testing.
3. Run a short model-approved Timed Dry cycle and note whether the control reaches the end and the drum stops.
4. Compare that result with the automatic or sensor cycle that was running too long.
5. Cancel the cycle and disconnect power if the dryer ignores Off, runs continuously, or continues heating abnormally.

Airflow can make an automatic cycle run much longer without creating a control failure

A restricted lint screen, crushed transition duct, clogged exhaust vent, or blocked exterior hood can keep moisture and heat from leaving the dryer normally. That can extend drying time and confuse the symptom: the dryer appears to be refusing to finish when it is actually still sensing a wet load. This overlaps with poor drying performance, so check airflow before assuming the timer is defective.

Do not keep running long cycles to compensate for a blocked vent. Lint restriction is a fire risk and can overheat the appliance. If the outside exhaust flap barely opens while the dryer is running, or the duct is inaccessible for safe cleaning, stop using the dryer until the vent path is corrected.

Sensor and control faults belong behind a service boundary

If a timed cycle also fails to end, or the dryer starts or keeps running independently of the selected controls, the problem can involve a timer, relay, electronic control, push-to-start circuit, or another internal component. Maytag technical material for some models treats a dryer that will not shut off as an internal electrical diagnosis requiring power disconnection and component testing.

Do not open the cabinet and test energized relays or motor circuits as a trial repair. Electric dryers commonly use a 240-volt supply, and gas dryers combine electrical controls with a gas burner system. Unplug the dryer if accessible or switch off the correct breaker, then schedule appliance service. Renters should report the fault rather than removing panels.

The replacement decision depends on the failed system, not just the dryer's age

Before approving parts, give the technician the model number, fuel type, cycle used, whether the dryer heated continuously, whether Timed Dry ended normally, and whether the drum stopped when Off was selected. Those observations can prevent a moisture-sensor issue from being confused with a timer or control-board failure.

After repair, test both a short timed cycle and a normal sensor cycle. The dryer should stop at the expected endpoint, the drum should not restart unless an enabled wrinkle-care feature calls for it, and the exterior vent should have normal airflow. If the dryer ever continues heating with the drum stopped or produces a burning smell, disconnect power and stop using it immediately.