Washing Machine Timer Won’t Advance: Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers (With Video!)

Is your washing machine stuck in limbo, refusing to move on to the next cycle? Don’t let a faulty timer turn laundry day into a never-ending chore. Our comprehensive guide, complete with a handy how-to video below, will walk you through diagnosing and fixing this common issue, ensuring your washer gets back on track in no time!

If the timer of your washing machine isn’t advancing, one of the washer parts may not be working the way it should be. Before you start troubleshooting the issue, it’s essential to take safety into consideration. Make sure that you either unplug the washing machine before working on it or turn off the circuit breaker that corresponds to the appliance. It’s also an excellent idea to turn off the hot and cold water supply before you begin any work. Once your washing machine is safe to work with, proceed with the following steps to troubleshoot your washing machine timer.

Once you have identified the part needed for your washer, search below using your specific washing machine model number to identify the exact part needed:

The washing machine timer is the washer part responsible for controlling the functions of the washer, and when it isn’t advancing, the washing machine won’t make it through the entire cycle. The timer is composed of a set of contacts that are operated by one or more cams that are driven by the timer motor. When the timer isn’t advancing, it may be possible that the timer motor has failed, the gears are damaged, or the contacts have stopped working. 

Older timers have a visible motor so the wires reaching the motor will need to be taken off. Once that’s done, the wires should be tested for continuity using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to continuity mode to test for electric current and place the probes against each other to test that the device is working. Next, place one probe on each wire terminal. If there is no reading, the timer is bad and will need to be replaced.

Newer washer timers will require consulting the wiring diagram to find the wires that supply power to the motor. Ensure the timer is on a cycle and pull out the knob on the washing machine. Open the console and find the wiring harness, which should be removed. Test the terminals specified in your wire diagram and see if continuity is present. If it is not, a replacement timer is needed. In order to find the right washing machine timer part, input your washing machine model into the search box above.

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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