July 01, 2015

How to replace a laundry center washer timer

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace a washer timer in a laundry center. The timer is the "brains" of the washer, controlling the fill, agitate, drain and spin functions of the washer and the duration of each cycle. Replace the washer timer with the manufacturer-approved laundry center part if the timer no longer works.

Follow these steps to replace a washer timer in Kenmore, Frigidaire, Gibson and White-Westinghouse laundry centers.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Phillips screwdriver

#2 Square-head screwdriver

Pliers

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Replacing a washer timer on a laundry center

This video explains how to replace the washer timer on a laundry center.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the power
Unplug the laundry center. If the dryer uses gas, shut off the gas supply.
02.
Release the control panel
Remove the mounting screws from the front access panel and pull off the front access panel.
Remove the control panel mounting screws.
Pull the control panel down and forward to release it from the laundry center frame.
Let the control panel hang by the wires below the dryer front panel.
PHOTO: Remove the access panel mounting screws.
PHOTO: Remove the front access panel.
PHOTO: Remove the control panel mounting screws.
PHOTO: Release the control panel from the laundry center frame.
03.
Remove the timer
On the back of the timer, pry out the timer knob shaft to release the control knob locking tab and remove the timer knob and skirt.
Remove the mounting screw on the front of the timer beside the timer knob shaft.
Unplug the wire harness from the timer.
Slide the timer to the left to release mounting tabs and remove the timer.
PHOTO: Pry up the timer knob shaft.
PHOTO: Remove the washer timer knob.
PHOTO: Remove the timer knob skirt.
PHOTO: Remove the mounting screw beside the timer shaft.
PHOTO: Unplug the wire harness from the washer timer.
PHOTO: Remove the washer timer.
04.
Install the new timer
Position the new timer in the console and slide the timer to the right to engage the mounting tabs.
Reinstall the mounting screw on the front of the timer beside the timer shaft.
Reconnect the timer wire harness.
Reinstall the timer skirt.
Push the timer knob onto the timer shaft.
On the back of the timer, push in the timer knob shaft to lock the timer knob in place.
PHOTO: Install the new washer timer.
PHOTO: Reinstall the timer screw.
PHOTO: Reconnect the timer wire harness.
PHOTO: Reinstall the timer knob skirt.
PHOTO: Push the timer knob onto the timer shaft.
05.
Reinstall the control panel
Push the control panel onto the laundry center frame and engage the console locking tabs.
Reinstall the control panel mounting screws. Reinstall the front access panel and secure it with the mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the control panel.
PHOTO: Reinstall the control panel screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the front access panel.
PHOTO: Reinstall the access panel mounting screws.
06.
Restore power to the laundry center
Plug the laundry center into the wall outlet. If it uses gas for the dryer, turn on the gas supply.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.