How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP5780508 / WE4M533 Dryer Timer Control Assembly

My sister-in-law somehow broke my timer knob to my dryer. We ordered a replacement; however, the wrong one was sent and caused the timer knob to not work properly, eventually causing the timer shaft (where the knob connects) to start to strip. I eventually had to start using pliers to turn the timer shaft to be able to use the dryer, which caused it to strip, even more, resulting in needing to buy a new timer and the proper knob. The replacement was very easy, and that’s coming from a guy who’s never worked on a dryer before. The video on this site is very helpful when replacing the timer, and the only thing you need to make sure you do is take a picture of how the wires are connected, before taking them apart. Took me 10-15 minutes to do it all, as I was taking my time, with it being my first time. As far as taking the wires off of the timer, they recommend using a flat head screwdriver. I think pliers would be a lot easier, as you could just grab the base of the connection, and pull straight up. 

With the help of the instructional video, my husband was able to replace broken timer mechanism in about 20 minutes. The hardest part was accessing the 3 screws in the back of the machine. Not a lot of space to pull the dryer away from the wall. Fortunately we have a pair of very short screw drivers that fit in the limited space behind the dryer. Works fine now. 

Took 10 minutes from start to finish thanks to the video provided. Well done Appliance Parts. 

Easy fix, watched the provided video which was very helpful. Had the switch replaced in 10 to 15 minutes. 

Ordered replacement timer and new knob. Opened panel on dryer by removing three screws, assured breaker was off and completed job in under 10 minutes. Watched a You Tube video first. Am 73 years old with bad right shoulder - had to to everything left handed - still an easy fix. Saved an $85 service call. 

I ordered the part from AppliancePartsPros.com. It was relatively easy to ID the correct part. The video at the site was stellar. Everything went fine. Then I realized the timer was actually fine. It was the dial handle that was cracked. Dumb me. Should have checked that first. Went online again. Ordered the easy to find part. it's on its way. 

Replaced timer and knob. The knob had a reinforced shaft! After looking on line I have decided in future to turn the knob not only gently but ONLY in the clockwise direction. Also; Got the correct part number from AppliancePartsPros.com parts website....other sources had the wrong part listed for this GE dryer... Knew ahead of time they were wrong because I pulled the back off the front panel a peeked and compared with photos listed ;) 

I checked continuity in door switch and start switch. they checked out ok. I called appliance pro. they assisted my with expert tech advice and suggested a bad timer. they assured my I could return it if it did not solve the problem. I installed the timer ....and bingo...the dryer is fixed. no service call or no replacement dryer. for around $50. I was back in business !! I saved literally hundreds of dollars. I will keep their number handy and recommend them to anyone with a basic understanding of thinks mechanical. 

Ordered the proper timer with assistance from Pros at 10pm at night (very helpful). Part came in two days. The video on "how to" was for a different wiring layout but I had taken photos of the wiring before removing the old timer so installing the new one was as easy as matching the photos with the new timer and the placement of the wires. Took less than 1/2 which for me is awesome. An easy process when I knew exactly what the problem was. I had less than $75 invested in what would have cost me over $200 with the appliance dealer I bought the dryer from. Thanks! 

Installed the new timer within 20 minutes. Easy part to replace, just twisted the old timer counter clockwise to remove, installed the new timer and then systematically pulled the corresponding wires from the old timer to the new one. Dryer timer working perfectly now.