How to Fix a Timer for a Washer That Has Spinning Issues

If your washer is not spinning, the timer may be faulty. If the timer is faulty, you may notice that your washer does not have any power during the wash cycle. However, there’s no need to worry! You can get this problem fixed in no time. This simple guide, prepared by our expert repair technician, will give you step-by-step instructions on how to find, access, and test the timer. If you need a new one, we will also walk you through removing the old timer and installing the new one.

What is a Timer?

The timer is one of the controls for starting the drive motor in your washer. Specifically, the timer sends the correct voltage to the motor for the spin cycle.

Where is the Timer Located?

The timer will be found in the control panel of your washer. Depending on your model, this may be along the top back, or top front of your washer.

FIX TIP

Remember that before handling any electronic appliances to disconnect the power source from your appliance before beginning to avoid electrocution.

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect a Timer

1. Remove the control panel and the rear panel of your appliance in order to locate the timer. You can do this by simply unscrewing or disconnecting any wires or harnesses holding them in place.
2. Carefully disconnect the wires connected to the timer by pulling on the metal connectors, not on the wires themselves, then remove the timer from the washer.

How to Test a Timer

To confirm whether the timer is at fault, you’ll need to unplug the washer and check your model’s wiring schematic to find the timer terminals that power the motor. Once you have located these, you can use your multimeter to check the timer continuity at those terminals. If there is no continuity, you may need to replace the timer with a new one.

1. Using a multimeter on the Rx1 setting, touch the probes to the terminals that control the motor (refer to your wiring diagram to confirm) to test for continuity. You should receive a reading of zero or nearly zero.
2. If you do not receive this reading, you'll need a replacement timer.

How to Install a New Washer Timer

1. Now you can carefully reconnect the wires to the timer.
2. Reassemble the front or rear control panel with the timer where the old one was previously, along with the appropriate wires and harnesses.
3. Reconnect any previously removed screws, and your repair is now complete!

Next: Troubleshooting the Control Board

Go To Main Page: Spinning Issues