If your top load washing machine (or some older front load washers) is stuck on one continuous cycle and will not advance and forward to the next wash cycle, then most likely the washer timer is faulty and needs replacement. The timer on your washing machine controls all aspects of the wash, spin, and rinse cycles. When it does not automatically move onto the next cycle, you can assume that the timer is the cause of your problem. You can replace a timer very easily and it should not cost you very much money. No matter what the timer costs, and if you do it yourself, it will save you hundreds of dollars instead of hiring a washing machine repair technician.
What causes a washer timer to go bad?
It could be that the timer motor has shorted out or the contacts in the timer have shorted. When this happens the timer is not usable and a replacement is needed.
What exactly does the washer timer control?
It is the main control of the washing cycles and controls all wash, spin and rinse cycles. (If your washer does not advance to the next cycle, then the timer is the most probable part for replacement.)
NOTE: In a machine with a mechanical timer, the timer only advances when power is being supplied to the timer motor. Make sure to read the wiring diagram. Check: is there power to the timer motor? At that point in the cycle where should the power be coming from? The fill switch? The lid switch? The timer itself? Without knowing why the timer is “stuck” you have not made a diagnoses yet. Diagnoses are made from a series of observations. In an electronic timer machine, various inputs provide information to the computer and the computer decides when to advance the cycle. So be sure that the timer is actually bad before replacing it.
How do I replace the timer on my washing machine?:
It is a matter of removing power from the machine, turning off the water (to be safe), taking off the plastic disc that holds the knob on the timer, remove the knob, remove the screws holding the front panel on, sliding the front panel downward to access the timer, and taking the timer out of the machine by removing a few more screws. The timer will have wires going to it. It should be a wiring harness that can easily be removed from the timer by simply sliding the wiring harness clip off. Find your Replacement Washing Machine Timer online for less.
Make things easy and arrange the parts in order as you take them off so reassembly will be super easy. Make sure to keep the screws and other small parts in a bag so every part you need to reassemble is all in one place and you don’t lose anything.
This washer timer replacement procedure will work with all top load washers and some front loading washers on the brands Bosch, Frigidaire, GE, Sears, Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool, Roper, KitchenAid, Inglis, Estate, and Kirkland washers.
If you need your washing machine’s service manual to order parts or to see schematics, they can be found here on our Washing Machine Service Manuals page.
This illustration should show you how easy it is to remove the old washer timer
A new washer timer for your washing machine will cost you from $50 to $120 dollars. You may also need a new washer knob when replacing the timer. A picture of a washing machine timer is below to help you know what it looks like.
This is what a common washing machine timer will look like
How to replace a timer on a washing machine (washer timer)
Looking for WASHING MACHINE ERROR CODES?
Here are fault codes for Bosch, Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool washers.
Washer timer dial knob – How to replace
Troubleshooting What Causes your Washer Timer to Fail
If you have any experience with replacing the timer on a top loading or front loading washing machine, please leave a comment below and tell us any tips or tricks that may help the other readers having the same issue.
Written by Keith Schneerer
Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com
Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.
More about Keith →
My Frigidaire GLTF1040AS0 washing machine runs great until just before the final spin cycle. The pump is engaged and is pumping the water out, but it will not advance the cycle past this point and the pump keeps running. Could this be a timer issue or a water inlet valve issue. I had the inlet valve replaced about a year ago, is there away to check if it is working properly?
Bobby,
If the washer is stopping or adding minutes to the indicator, you may have a bad control board, loose wire harnesses, or hall sensor… Does the washer drain the water? Are you getting any error codes?
-RR
I have a Samsung front load washer model # wf337aar/xaa . When washing on a normal cycle the indicator progresses through the cycle until it reaches 8 minutes and it hangs there. It will not complete the full speed agitate cycle and shut off. I have tried operating with and without clothes. And I have tried just the rinse spin cycle with the same result. I left the machine run and it will vary in time increasing the number of then reducing it until after 30 to 40 minutes it’s stops without properly spinning the clothes. Any help would be appreciated.
RANDY,
If you have the old style top loader washer with no digital display… Replace the timer control motor and assembly. On your type of washer, this is the only item that can constantly supply power. Also, your model number is incorrect… please recheck your model number and get back to us.
-RR
My Maytag top load washer #LAT9334AMM will not turn off after the final spin. It will start refilling and want to start another cycle which is next in line on the timer knob. Any ideas?
Naomi,
Can you tell us manufacturer, model number, and serial number of your washing machine? If timer is stuck, it may mean there is a bad spot in the timer and it is not able to advance.
-RR
My washing machine can finish washing,but the timer will still be reading 45minutes.