How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP3868904 / WH12X10297 Timer

Replaced both the timer and control knob assembly. Watching the videos prior to doing the replacement was exceptionally helpful - especially because they show potential hidden problems (locking tabs, locking clips, etc.) that aren't readily apparent unless you watch the videos to see them. 

Looked at online repair video which made it a simple repair. 

Replaced the old timer with a new timer. There was a video to show me exactly what to do. Very easy. You need a torx driver. 

For a while, the control knob would occasionally have trouble locking into place in order to start a wash cycle. Didn't realize that the plastic gear teeth in the control knob were wearing down. The mating teeth in the Timer also wore down until eventually, the washing machine wouldn't advance to the drain cycle. Had to replace both the control knob assembly and the timer. During troubleshooting, I also realized that the agitator had stopped moving. This was just as easy to replace as the other parts. My washing machine now runs like it's brand new. Thank you AppliancePartsPros for your helpful videos and your easy-to-find parts! 

There is a plastic piece on the timer that is cylindrical that engages with the timer knob. The pawls or teeth that allows the timer knob to spin the timer were damaged such that the timer knob could not turn the timer. I used a torx tool to open the control panel and a 1/4" socket to remove a screw holding the timer on the control panel. I also used a small screwdriver to remove a plastic piece that holds the timer knob onto the timer axle. I unscrewed 4 torx screws from the top of the control panle, removed the screw holding the timer to the control panel, removed the clip holding the timer knob, pulled the timer knob off, pulled the timer indicator dial off the timer, removed the timer from the control panel, disconnected the wire harness, attached the wire harness to the new timer, attached the timer back to the control panel, put the 1/4" screw back on, put the dial indicator back on, put the timer knob and timer knob clip onto the timer, screwed the 4 torx screws back on. 

The only way to get the timer handle to engage was to press very hard while turning. The new timer fixed the problem. The online video did NOT demonstrate how to get the handle off my machine. The difficult part was seeing and removing the white nylon spring clip between the handle and the back shield. i was able to grasp it with a pair of very slinder needle nose pliers and pull it off. Easy repair after that. 

Looked up model#, searched for part#, watched repair video, shopped for price, ordered, received part next day, made repair in 15 minutes, and started washing. $60 cheaper than ordering from a local GE store. Thank you. Part delivery was amazingly fast. Walt 

Replaced the timer 

Initially purchased a knob, but noticed after installation the timer would still not move. I watched the video on timer replacement and realized how easy it was to replace. Ordered and replaced the timer exactly the way the video said. 

Exact part. easy replacement. Machine tested more than once. Happy with purchase.