How to Fix a Timer for a Washer That Will Not Agitate

If the timer in your washer is faulty, the motor doesn’t receive the proper signals, and the machine doesn’t agitate. To find out if the timer is the part causing the agitation problem, you need to test it with a multimeter. The instructional guide below will walk you through the steps, along with how to replace the timer, if necessary.

What is a Timer? Where is it Located?

The timer is one of the controls for starting the drive motor. Specifically, the timer sends the correct voltage to the motor for the agitation rotation.

General Location of the Timer in a Washer

How to Tell if the Timer is Damaged

If the drive motor on your washer does not receive power during the wash portion of the cycle, then the timer may be at fault. Unplug the washer, use your model’s wiring schematic to find the timer terminals that power the motor, and use your multi-meter to check the timer continuity at these terminals.

How to Test the Timer in a Washing Machine with a Multimeter

1. As with most repairs, begin by disconnecting your washer from its power source.
2. Remove the control panel and the rear panel of your appliance in order to locate the timer.
3. Carefully disconnect the wires connected to the timer. Do this by pulling on the metal connectors—NOT the wires themselves. Then remove the timer from the washer to test it.
4. Using a multimeter on the Rx1 setting, touch the probes to the terminals that control the motor (refer to your wiring diagram) to test for continuity. You should receive a reading of zero or nearly zero.
5. If you do not receive this reading, you need a replacement timer.

How to Access and Remove the Timer

1. Remove the control panel and the rear panel of your appliance in order to locate the timer.
2. Carefully disconnect the wires connected to the timer by pulling on the metal connectors—NOT the wires themselves—and remove the timer from your washer.

How to Install a New Timer

Please note you use the same timer knob that was mounted on the previous timer shaft.

Next: Troubleshooting the Lid Switch

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