Quirky wash cycle.

Load switch = Small
Temp switch = Hot/Cold
Normal wash, 6 minutes

Hot water shuts off at about the right load level (Small).
But timer does not advance to agitate.
I advance the timer manually to agitate.
Timer counts down toward Rinse, cold water comes on, flows for a while and then shuts off.
Timer hangs up just past Rinse. No ticking sound.
I manually advance the timer to spin.
Washer drains and spins, timer moves to shutdown.

In this case, the timer doesn't advance after the water shuts off.

Previously, however, (last week) I had a problem whereby the water wouldn't shut off. I installed a new load switch, which seems to have cured the water/load shutoff problem, but now there seems to be a problem with getting the timer to advance after the water shuts off.

I have a Whirlpool DIY Repair Manual for this washer. I'm not sure what "problem" I have now vis-a-vis the Problems in the Manual (Pages 22 to 26).

Hi Dubina,

It sounds like your timer contacts are bad. You would need a new timer.

Here's the timer for your model:
Manufacturer part number 285952 is RepairClinic item number 1026027
285952

Jake

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Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

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Hi Jake,

The repair manual cites a number of possible problems, including the timer. I'm inclined to think you are right, but I wonder if there's a way to check the timer contacts to be sure. The timer is an expensive part and I've already spent $100 to replace the load switch. If a new timer doesn't do the trick, I will have put up half of what a new washer would cost.

I've done some continuity checks on the timer contacts ("terminals"?). I see a 3x8 array of terminals. The second row of 8 rows has no continuity and the 8th row has no continuity. I suppose that means something, but I haven't been able to decode the wiring diagram. Do those two continuity issues mean the timer won't advance at some stage in the cycle?

Also, what about the timer motor? It's fixed to the timer, and it seems to work (intermittently, at least), but I see a funny looking cog structure on the motor that might or might not be problematic.

If I get a new timer, get one with a new timer motor?

Thanks, regards,

Dubina,

We have a special return policy here.

If you order the timer from the link I posted above and it doesn't fix the problem, then you simply send it back for a FULL refund within 30 days.

The timer motor comes complete with the timer assembly.

Here's a good link from Jeff's site about how to check the timer:
http://www.applianceaid.com/direct.html#burnt_timer

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

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Hi Jake,

When I went to Jeff's site as you suggested, I found something puzzling; maybe you can tell me what to make of it.

Jeff's site advises the lid switch can be a problem if the timer hangs. In fact, Jeff seems to implicate the lid switch more than the timer for the kind of timer hang-up that I see. If my lid switch works to shut down my spin cycle when I open the lid, can the lid switch still be bad and mess up my timer?

Thanks again.

Yes, it would make the timer stall.

When you close the lid on your washer, do you hear a clicking sound just before it shuts?

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

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Jake,

I hear something but I'm not sure it's the "click" you're talking about.

When the tub is spinning, I open the lid, I hear a noise (like something mechanical being disengaged) and the tub stops spinning. When I close the lid, I hear the sound of something mechanical being engaged, but it's kind of loud and I don't detect anything that sounds distinctly like a "click".

Well, then your lid switch is working if you opened up the lid when it was spinning then it stopped, then restarted when you closed the lid, the lid switch is working fine.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances

I thought so, but I wan't sure. I'll order a new timer.

Ok, sounds good Dubina.

Keep us posted.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances