The video by AppliancePartsPros.com showed me exactly how to access the timer area and replace the timer part. It took about 15 minutes. Yes I could have manually turned off the dryer after a certain amount of time but with a kid on the way we need as few distractions as possible. Word of advice, buy the timer knob that goes with the dryer. I tried saving $40 by reusing the old knob but it was too loose a fit and ordered the knob a day later.