How to Repair a Clothes Dryer Timer

Replace a faulty dryer timer with a new one.

The timer control on a clothes dryer is responsible for turning the unit on and off, regulating temperature and the dryer's speed and duration. If the timer is not working, it most likely must be replaced. Once you obtain a new timer from the dryer's manufacturer or an appliance repair store, it's time to tackle the replacement process.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Disconnect the electrical plug from its socket. Turn the gas off if you have a gas dryer. Locate the screws that secure the dryer's control panel in place. Use a Phillips screwdriver if needed to remove the screws. Insert a putty knife underneath the panel to dislodge it, making it easier to remove.

2. Disconnect the wiring from the timer with needle-nose pliers. Remove wiring one-by-one, pulling from the wire's connector and not from the wire itself (tugging too hard can break the wire). Insert the replacement timer. Reconnect the wiring to the new timer.

3. Replace the control panel and screws, using the screwdriver. Test the timer to see if it is working properly. Set the timer to ohms or the label R1 or RX1. Touch each probe on the timer to one wire; it should read between the range of 2,000 to 3,000 ohms.

References

• Home Tips: How to Repair a Timer
• Fix it Club: Appliance Controls Repair
• Parts Select: How to Test a Dryer's Timer Motor