How To Replace A Washing Machine Timer

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Troubleshooting Difficult Appliances

Few things are more frustrating than appliances that simply won't stop having trouble. In addition to disrupting your daily routine, appliances with problems can also absorb a great deal of your time. A few months ago, I spent an entire Saturday trying to figure out why our dishwasher wasn't working. To end these kinds of problems, I decided that it would be smart to invest in an appliance services plan. Simply put, professional technicians would come out and repair our appliances whenever they stopped working properly. This plan was a lifesaver for our family, and this blog is all about why.

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How To Replace A Washing Machine Timer

2 August 2016
 Categories: , Blog

If your washing machine won't advance to the next cycle, or only works in some cycles, replace the timer. The timer controls how long the clothes are washed, and what cycle to use. Timers are commonly the first parts to wear out on a washer because of constant usage, but beginning DIY person can replace them. Here are some tips to replace a washing machine timer.

Prepare to Work

For this project, you need:

  • work gloves
  • putty knife
  • screwdriver
  • needlenose pliers
  • 1/4 inch nut driver
  • large, thick cloth or plastic
  • replacement timer

Unplug the cord from behind the washing machine. Turn off the hot and cold water valves on the washer by rotating them to the right. The valves are commonly located behind the machine.

If you can't find the shutoff valves, turn off the main water supply to the house, which is a knob on the water meter. Cover the machine with a large, thick cloth or plastic to protect the finish while you work.

Remove the Old Timer

Loosen the screws on the control panel on the top of the washer with the screwdriver. The screws may be installed along the front or the back. Fold the panel over to remove it, and set the screws and panel aside. On models without panel screws, insert a putty knife under the panel to depress the clips.

Switch the old timer to "on." Detach the thin, plastic clip or pin behind the timer knob by pressing the needle-nose pliers against them. Pull the indicator ring, or "skirt" that controls the rinse cycles, from the timer.

Pull the timer from the shaft, or twist it off the shaft, which should expose the dial. Pull the dial from the timer to expose a hex screw. Remove the nut with a nut driver, and unhook the wire harness.

Install the New Timer

Slide the new timer in the panel; reattaching the indicator ring. Place the ends of the timer on the back of the tabs. Reattach the wire harness.

Align the slots on the new timer shaft with the tabs on the dial, and push the dial in place. Pull the shaft from the control panel, and use the needle-nose pliers to slide the clip in place. Align the slots on the knob with the tabs on the shaft, place the knob on the shaft, and tighten the knob.

Push the shaft and knob in place. The timer knob should be in "off" position. Reattach the control panel and the skirt, then tighten the screws.

Restore power and water to the dryer, and run a test cycle. If the washing machine still doesn't work, or you don't trust your skill, contact an appliance service.

For appliance services, contact a company such as Goldman  Appliances Inc.