How to Fix a Washing Machine Timer That Is Not Working

There are few home appliance frustrations quite like a washing machine that stops mid-cycle. You come back expecting clean clothes, only to find a tub full of soapy, soaking laundry and a timer that hasn't moved an inch. When your washing machine timer isn't working, it can bring your entire laundry routine to a screeching halt.

The good news is that this is often a problem you can diagnose and even fix yourself without needing to immediately call for an expensive repair. Whether your washer has a classic mechanical knob or a modern digital display, the issue could be anything from a simple power glitch to a loose wire.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of troubleshooting your washing machine timer, just like an expert would over the phone. We'll start with the easiest checks and work our way up, helping you identify the problem and get your laundry moving again.

Is It Really the Timer? First, Check the Basics

Before we dive into taking panels off, let's make sure the problem isn't something much simpler. Many "timer" issues are actually power-related. It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often the solution is found here!

Step 1: Troubleshoot the Power Supply

Let's do a quick power check.

1. Check the Plug: Go behind the machine and ensure the power cord is pushed firmly into the wall outlet. Vibrations from the spin cycle can sometimes work them loose.
2. Check for a Wall Switch: Some laundry rooms have a light-style switch that controls the power to the washer's outlet. Make sure it hasn't been accidentally flipped off.
3. Test the Outlet: Plug a small lamp or a phone charger into the same outlet to confirm it's working. If that device doesn't power on, the outlet is the problem, not the washer.
4. Check the Circuit Breaker: Head to your home's main electrical panel. Look for a breaker labeled "washer," "laundry," or "utility." If it's tripped (usually in the middle or "off" position), flip it firmly to the "off" position and then back to "on" to reset it.
5. Reset the GFCI Outlet: If your outlet has "Test" and "Reset" buttons (it's a GFCI outlet), press the "Reset" button until you hear a click. These can sometimes trip and cut power.

If any of these steps restored power to your machine, try running a short cycle. If the timer now advances correctly, you’ve solved the problem! If the machine has power but the timer is still stuck, it's time to dig a little deeper.

Step 2: Identify Your Timer Type: Mechanical vs. Electronic

Washing machine timers generally come in two flavors, and the troubleshooting process is different for each.

• Mechanical Timers: These are common on older or more basic top-load models. You'll recognize them by the large, clunky dial on the control panel that you physically turn to select a cycle. As it runs, you can often hear it making a distinct clicking or whirring sound. It works like a wind-up clock, with gears and electrical contacts that trigger each part of the wash cycle.
• Electronic Timers: These are standard on most modern front-load and high-efficiency machines. Instead of a large knob, you'll see a digital display (or LED lights) and a series of push buttons. The "timer" is actually a function of the main electronic control board (or motherboard) that runs the entire machine.

Figuring out which type you have is your next step. If you have a big, clicking knob, you're dealing with a mechanical timer. If you've got a digital display and buttons, you have an electronic one.

How to Fix a Mechanical Washing Machine Timer

If you've got a mechanical timer, the problem is often a physical one—either with the knob's movement or the wiring behind it.

Safety First! Before you open the control panel, unplug your washing machine from the wall outlet. This is non-negotiable for your safety.

Check the Timer Knob Movement

With the machine unplugged, gently turn the timer knob through a full 360-degree rotation. What do you feel and hear?

• Smooth, Steady Clicks: If the knob rotates smoothly and you hear a consistent clicking sound, the external mechanism is likely fine. The problem is probably with the internal contacts or the wiring.
• Sticking or Jamming: If the knob gets stuck in certain spots, feels hard to turn, or doesn't click at all, the timer's internal gear mechanism is likely jammed or broken. Unfortunately, this isn't something you can easily repair. The entire timer assembly will need to be replaced, which is a job best left to a professional.

Inspect the Timer Wiring

If the knob turns fine, the next step is to check for loose connections. You'll need a Phillips head screwdriver for this.

1. Access the Control Panel: Look for screws on the back or sides of the console (the raised part with the knobs and buttons). Remove them, and you should be able to tilt the control panel forward or backward to expose the wiring.
2. Locate the Timer: The mechanical timer is the large component directly behind the knob you turn. You'll see a number of wires connected to it with spade connectors.
3. Look for Loose Wires: Gently tug on each wire to make sure it's firmly attached to its metal tab on the timer. Vibrations can sometimes shake these loose, interrupting the electrical signal.
4. Check for Corrosion: Examine the metal terminals for any green or white crusty buildup. This corrosion can prevent electricity from flowing properly.

If you find a loose wire, simply push the connector firmly back onto its tab until it clicks into place. If you see corrosion, you can clean it. Pull the connector off, spray a small amount of electrical contact cleaner (available at auto parts or hardware stores) onto the metal tab, and use a small wire brush to gently scrub it clean before reconnecting the wire.

Once you've secured all the connections, reassemble the control panel, plug the washer back in, and run a short test cycle. If the timer now advances, you’ve fixed it!

How to Fix an Electronic Washing Machine Timer

For machines with a digital display, the "timer" is part of the electronic control board. The fix often involves resetting the machine's "brain" or identifying a failed board.

Safety First! Just like with a mechanical timer, unplug the washing machine before opening any panels.

Perform a Hard Reset

Sometimes, electronic control boards can get stuck in a state of error, much like a frozen computer. A hard reset can often clear the glitch.

1. Unplug the Machine: Disconnect the washer from the wall outlet.
2. Wait 60 Seconds: Leave it unplugged for at least one full minute. This allows the capacitors on the control board to fully discharge, clearing any residual memory.
3. Plug it Back In: Reconnect the power cord.
4. Try a Test Cycle: Close the door firmly and try to start a short rinse or spin cycle.

For many, this simple reset is all it takes. If the timer now counts down and completes the cycle, your problem is solved.

Inspect the Electronic Control Board

If a reset doesn't work, there may be physical damage to the control board itself.

1. Access the Control Panel: Similar to a mechanical model, remove the screws holding the console in place and tilt it open to reveal the electronics. The control board is typically a green circuit board encased in a plastic housing.
2. Look for Visible Damage: Carefully examine the board for any obvious signs of failure. You're looking for:
   • Burn Marks: Dark or scorched spots on the board.
   • Swollen Capacitors: These are small, cylinder-shaped components. If the tops are bulging or leaking instead of being perfectly flat, they have failed.
   • Melted Components: Any part of the board that looks melted or distorted.

If you see any of these signs, the control board has failed and needs to be replaced. This can be a tricky DIY job, as it involves disconnecting multiple wire harnesses in a specific order. For most homeowners, this is the point where it's time to call a professional.

Know When to Call an Appliance Repair Technician

DIY repair can be incredibly rewarding and save you money, but it's also important to know your limits. You should call a professional if:

• You've tried all the steps above and the timer is still not working.
• The mechanical timer knob is physically jammed.
• You see burn marks or other visible damage on the electronic control board.
• You restored power at the breaker, but the washer still won't turn on (this could indicate a more serious electrical issue).

According to Angi, the average cost for a professional washing machine repair ranges from $120 to $500. Replacing a timer or control board typically falls in the middle of that range. While calling a pro costs money, it provides peace of mind that the job is done correctly and safely.

Your Laundry Day Hero

Fixing a stuck washing machine timer is often more about patient diagnosis than complex repair. By starting with the simple power checks and methodically working your way through the timer's components, you can often solve the problem in under an hour.

Feeling proud of your new DIY skills? We're here to help you tackle even more. Download the Casa app today to get access to hundreds of easy-to-follow home maintenance guides, connect with trusted local professionals for the jobs you can't handle, and keep your home running smoothly. With Casa, you're never alone in your homeownership journey.