How to Repair a Whirlpool Dryer Timer

WhirlpoolWhirlpool DryerModerate⏱ 1 - 3 hours

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If a Whirlpool-built dryer runs but won’t heat even after the heating parts have been replaced or tested, a worn timer can be the cause. Many Whirlpool, Kenmore, Amana, Estate, Roper, and Maytag dryers from about 2012–2019 that use a top-mounted lint filter use similar timers, including the Whirlpool timer W10186032 and many similar-looking variants. This guide shows how to safely access the timer, check it for an open (no-continuity) heating contact, open the timer, clean the charred contacts with a nail file, retest it, and reinstall it. This refurbish is a “get more life out of it” fix and won’t always work, especially if the timer’s gear case or shaft is damaged.

🧰 Tools

Safety Glasses
Work Gloves
Putty Knife
Phillips Screwdriver
1/4" Nut Driver
Needle Nose Pliers
6-in-1 Screwdriver
Multimeter
Emery board

⚙️ Parts

Dryer timer

ШагиSteps

Prepare for safe service

Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet before opening any panels or touching any wiring.
If working on a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply valve and ventilate the area if you smell gas.
Wear safety glasses, and watch for sharp sheet-metal edges when handling panels.
Take photos of every wire connection before unplugging anything so reassembly is unambiguous.

Remove the rear access cover

Use a screwdriver or nut driver to remove the six screws securing the rear cover plate.
Lift off the black rear cover plate and set it aside.
This rear opening gives access to wiring from behind, but it won’t remove the timer by itself.

Release the control console

Slide a putty knife under one end of the console to find the hidden spring clip.
Press the spring clip inward, then lift up on the console edge to release it.
Repeat on the other side of the console.
Keep fingers clear of pinch points as the clip releases.

Move the console forward for timer access

Push the console forward while wiggling it until it moves into a service position.
Confirm the timer and its wiring are fully accessible from the front.
Some models use small locking clips on top of the timer instead of nuts, and they may need needle-nose pliers to squeeze and release.

Disconnect the timer wiring harnesses

Pull off the timer’s wire harness connectors from the timer terminals.
Use a putty knife or flat tool to press a locking tab on stubborn connectors while pulling the plug straight out.
Use a putty knife edge or flathead screwdriver to release the frustrating motor-style harness tab if it won’t budge by hand.
Pull on the connector body, not the wires, to avoid breaking a wire at the crimp.

Diagnose the no-heat timer contact with a multimeter

Set a multimeter to continuity mode.
Turn the timer to a high heat portion of the dial and probe terminals A and C on the timer.
Treat an open line or no continuity between A and C on high heat as a likely timer contact failure.
Use this as a confirmation step when other heating components have already been replaced or verified, since the timer isn’t always the cause.

Remove the timer from the console

Remove the timer mounting hardware securing the timer to the console.
Remove the ground screw attached to the timer bracket if present.
Pull the timer knob off the timer shaft.
Lower the timer out of the console once it’s free.
Keep the knob, since it’s useful for advancing the timer during bench testing.

Open the timer housing without losing internal parts

Place the timer on a table with the black side facing down.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the timer assembly together.
Lift off the motor assembly and set it somewhere safe so it won’t get lost.
Remove the metal housing while keeping the timer oriented black-side-down so the cams inside don’t fall out.

Identify common failure points

Inspect the three lower contact points inside the timer for corrosion, charring, or heat damage.
Inspect the gear case and shaft for damage or stripping, especially if the timer won’t turn normally.
If the shaft or couplings are stripped and the timer can’t be turned, the timer usually needs replacement instead of refurbishing.

Separate the contacts and clear access

Rotate the gear shaft from a high heat mode into a low or no heat mode to separate the contacts.
Remove the cam located between C and D if it blocks access to the contact area.
Note the cam’s orientation before removing it so it goes back the same way.

Polish the charred timer contacts

Use an emery board or nail file to polish the contact surfaces until they’re clean and shiny.
Continue filing for five to ten minutes or longer if the contacts are badly burned.
Expect to use one or two emery boards if the corrosion is heavy.
A metal nail file can work better, but remove any smooth, non-file tip if it prevents you from reaching the contacts.

Retest continuity on high heat

Rotate the gear shaft clockwise to a high heat mode where contacts A through C should touch.
Use a multimeter in continuity mode to check for continuity between A and C.
Check continuity at the internal contacts or at the external terminals, since both should reflect the same circuit.

Address gaps if the contacts still won’t close

Repeat polishing if continuity still isn’t reliable, since sanding removes metal and can increase the contact gap.
Sand the plastic stop area near the A contact to give it more room to move toward the neighboring contact if needed.
Bend the A pin forward slightly only if necessary, since bending can reduce how flush the contact pads meet.

Reassemble the timer and prevent gear binding

Reinstall the cams and shafts in their original positions, then reinstall the metal face onto the timer body.
Flip the timer over and reinstall the motor assembly.
Advance the timer slightly if the motor won’t seat fully, since the gears may need alignment.
Reinstall and tighten the two Phillips screws.
Manually advance the timer to confirm the gears move freely and don’t bind.

Verify continuity after reassembly

Reinstall the knob on the timer shaft and rotate it until it clicks firmly through the modes.
Set the dial to a high heat position and recheck continuity between A and C.
Advance the dial and verify continuity again on another high heat area, such as auto dry around the 10 o’clock position.
Use continuity checks only, since this verification is not a resistance test.

Reinstall the timer and close the dryer

Place the timer back into the console, then reinstall the timer mounting hardware and the ground screw.
Reconnect every wire harness to the same location it came from.
Push the console back into position until both spring clips snap into place.
Reinstall the rear cover plate and its six screws.

Understand the limits of this repair

Restore power and test dryer heat only after all covers are reinstalled.
Expect this refurbish to work most of the time, but be prepared to replace the timer if the A, B, and C contacts can’t be made reliable.
A refurbished timer may fail again later, and a newer revision timer may last longer even though the functions are mapped the same.

If the timer regains reliable continuity on the heat contacts and the dryer heats normally again after reassembly, the refurbish bought the timer more life. If the contacts stay unreliable, the shaft binds, or the internal wear is severe, replace the timer rather than forcing a failing mechanism to keep going. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

«How to Repair a Whirlpool Dryer Timer» — автор Ben Schlichter, iFixit, лицензия CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Показано без изменений. Открыть оригинал и комментарии →