How To Fix A Dryer Timer That Won't Advance

Located in the control console of the dryer the timer consists of a small motor connected to a series of gears that rotate cams, which turn electric contacts off and on inside the timer. The timer contacts control the dryer motor as well as the heat circuit and the timer motor itself. A defective timer motor or a defect in the timer’s electrical contacts can cause the timer motor to fail and the timer will need to be replaced.

How to test a dryer’s timer motor with a multi-meter:

1. Disconnect your dryer from the power source and remove the control console.
2. Locate the timer. In some models, you will be able to remove it for testing at this stage, in other models, you will also need to remove the rear panel behind the control console.
3. Set your multi-meter to Rx1 and place the probes on the terminals. You are testing for continuity and should have a reading between 2000 & 3000 ohms.
4. If your test returns a reading outside of this range, you need a replacement timer motor.

On gas and electric dryers that have an "Auto Dry" cycle, the cycling thermostat is often used to advance the timer as well regulate the drum temperature. Essentially, the thermostat will alternately turn on the heat source or the timer motor when the temperature has been satisfied.

How to test a dryer cycling thermostat with a multi-meter:

1. Unplug your dryer and open your dryer’s cabinet.
2. Locate your cycling thermostat, it is often found on the blower housing or elsewhere in the airflow ducting.
3. Test the thermostat for continuity by using a multi-meter on Rx1. To do this, touch the probes to the thermostat’s terminals.
4. If you receive a reading other than infinity or zero, you need a replacement cycling thermostat.