How to replace Whirlpool dryer timer WP3976576

Is your Whirlpool dryer leaving your clothes damp or refusing to start? If a faulty timer is causing these headaches, you’re in luck! Our step-by-step guide, complete with a how-to video right below, will walk you through replacing your dryer’s timer swiftly and safely—no technical expertise required.

Need a part?  Search below using your appliance model number to find exactly what you need:

Your Whirlpool dryer, which is probably one of the most used appliances in your home, will eventually need a little TLC. So when you press start one day but the dryer won’t run, or if cycles are ending too soon or running much longer than usual, you may have a faulty timer. But don’t worry! You can easily replace the timer with a few tools, a new part and this guide.

You can find a replacement timer here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool dryer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

WATCH: How to replace a timer on a dryer

What is the timer & why would it need to be replaced?

The timer manages the duration of the drying cycle and helps the laundry dry in the specified amount of time. Whirlpool dryers typically come with either mechanical timers that physically rotate with contact points or electronic controls, which can be programmed digitally and have an LED display.

Common issues include cycles that end too soon or run much longer than necessary, which can lead to clothes being damp after a cycle or excessively dry and potentially damaged.

Symptoms of a bad timer include:

• Drying cycles are ending too soon or running much longer than usual, which can cause laundry to be damp or damaged from heat
• The dryer doesn’t start when the timer is set and the start button is pressed
• The dryer stops mid-cycle, which indicates that the timer contacts aren’t working properly
• Unusual or no ticking sound from the timer.

Pro tip: If your laundry comes out damp after a dryer cycle and cycles have been running much longer than usual, check your lint filter and dryer venting before replacing the timer. Lint and debris buildup can cause blockages that can strain your dryer and increase the chance of fire. The lint filter should be cleaned out after each cycle.

READ MORE: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

What you need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• New timer (make sure it’s compatible with your specific dryer model BEFORE installing)
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Wire labels

READ MORE: 8 DIY Safety Tips

Keep safety first

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

READ MORE: Dryer Settings: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Maintaining Your Appliance

How to replace the timer

Follow these steps to swap out the timer in your Whirlpool dryer.

Step 1: Remove the old timer

1. Turn off the dryer and unplug it from the outlet.
2. Remove the timer knob by pulling it straight off.
3. On the back of the dryer, use the 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws on the top access panel. Pull the panel off and set it aside.
4. Use a camera or smartphone to take a picture of the wires and locations on the timer or label the wires for easy reinstallation.
5. Remove the connectors on the terminals. These are tight, so you may need to use a small flathead screwdriver to remove them.
6. Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws that hold the timer on.
7. Remove the old timer from the dryer.

READ MORE: How to prevent appliance fire hazards

Step 2: Install the new timer

1. Grab the new timer and orient it the same as the old one.
2. Push the timer through the hole.
3. Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to secure the timer to the panel.
4. Connect the wires by referring to the pictures you took earlier or wire labels. Match the wires to the terminals on the unit.
5. Put the access panel back in place.
6. Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to secure the access panel screws.
7. On the front, line up the knob with the shaft and push the timer knob back on.
8. Plug the dryer back in.
9. Run a short test cycle to make sure the dryer is working correctly.

READ MORE: 9 Ways to Improve Your Dryer’s Performance

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the timer in your GE dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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