Dryer stops in mid cycle after running only 1,2 or a few minutes, randomly and in streaks. Sometimes runs for days with no problem, then does it all the time. Dryer can ALWAYS be restarted IMMEDIATELY if I move timer to 'off' then reset it to run again.

After drying stops mid cycle, the timer becomes noisy, continues running, and it advances to the 'off' position very quickly, in any cycle, timed or moisture sensing. From 30 minutes it will go to zero in < 2 minutes.

After this mid cycle shutdown, pushing the start button does not work, unless you keep holding it. It will stop as soon as start button is released.

As mentioned above, turning the timer to OFF, then setting it to a run position again, allows the dryer to start again immediately. But it usually stops again very soon within 3 minutes, the problem repeats.

Hi mrdance and welcome, the first thing I would do is make sure the dryer is clean, check lint trap and vent all the way outside. Hang tight for one of the experts to chime in. Good luck.

Driers will do that when the lint builds up like concrete on the inside of the air ducts and the lubrication dries up, plus you have a safety that is opening and closing when it cools down. It’s so full of dirt the next thing it will do is to catch on fire and burn down your house. Also, the sensors get blocked from sensing when the dryer is dirty. The safety is behind the drum, but NEVER install a safety without first thoroughly cleaning every part of the dryer. You need to totally tear it down and scrape out and wash all of the parts except the motor, which you vacuum out. You have to totally tear it down piece by piece. Halfway cleaning it will not work because all it takes is one clogged up air passage or dirty sensor. You can go to YouTube to see videos on how to take it apart, but do a very good job or it will fail again quickly. I would get a new belt and change it while you have it apart and get some white lithium grease and grease any bearings you find. The support rollers are greased by pulling the pin and greasing it and greasing the inside of the roller. You need to clean out a drier every two years, at least, according to the manual. You just unplug the wires from the sensors and remove ductwork that they are attached on and clean the entire thing with soap and water. Make sure you go all through the dryer and get all parts like the blower fan and housing (it has to be scrubbed and washed out), vacuum out motor well and clean exhaust. Mark all wires you unplug so you know where they go. If you leave any dirt in the ducts it will blow another fuse quickly or will not maintain the temperature correctly. This is an easier job than you would think. Make sure to clean around all of the sensors, if it has them. Also, change the belt while you have it torn down so you won’t be doing it later. See: Dryer vent cleaning prevents fires - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6wmD502-xE) and: Cleaning out a dryer with top lint cleanout - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBNDbyRm68M&feature=fvsr)
Cleaning out a dryer: By a woman 2 of 2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a73HTFkcB90&feature=relmfu)
Manuals: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Electrical%20Theory%20and%20Diagnosis%20of%20Major %20Appliances%20Service%20Manual.pdf
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Kenmore%20Dryer%20Manuals.zip
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Whirlpool%20Dryers.zip
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/How%20to%20use%20Test%20Equipment%20Service%20Manu al.pdf