Wiktor Wise
If your electric dryer's timer is not working, it could be due to a defective cycling thermostat or a broken timer motor. To test the motor, turn the timer to the OFF position, which should cause the motor contacts to open. If the contacts on the timer motor are not open when the timer is turned off, the timer motor may need to be replaced. You can also test the thermostat for continuity using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to Rx1 or ohms, and touch the probes to the appropriate terminals on the dryer. If the reading is between 2000 and 3000 ohms, the thermostat is likely functioning correctly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do if the dryer timer is not working | Confirm the problem by looking for symptoms of a bad dryer timer. A broken timer motor or a defective cycling thermostat can cause a dryer timer to stop moving. |
| How to test the motor | Turn the timer to "OFF", which should make the motor contacts open. In any other position, the contacts on the time motor should be open. |
| How to test a cycling thermostat | Unplug the dryer from its power source and make sure the machine is at room temperature. Open the dryer's cabinet and find the cycling thermostat, typically located on the blower housing or another area in the airflow ducting. Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. |
| How to use a multimeter | Set the multimeter to Rx1, or if your device doesn't have this setting, set it to ohms and turn it up to a higher level than your expected resistance. Touch one probe to the terminal where the wire was removed and the second probe to the timer contact. If the reading is between 2000 and 3000 ohms, the timer is likely working properly. |
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What You'll Learn
Check for a defective cycling thermostat
A cycling thermostat helps regulate the air temperature within an electric dryer. When the dryer is started, voltage passes through the cycling thermostat, and it monitors the heat within the blower housing to ensure the air temperature doesn't get too hot.
If your dryer is malfunctioning, the cycling thermostat could be the culprit. To check for a defective cycling thermostat, you will need to access it first. Disconnect the dryer and open the cabinet. The cycling thermostat is usually connected to the blower housing and positioned along the drum's airflow. Remove the rear panel by pulling the dryer away from the wall. The panel will reveal the wheel housing and dryer vents, and you should see a small round or oval component, which is the cycling thermostat.
Examine the thermostat and its label. If either appears burned, you need to replace the thermostat. If both seem fine, examine the thermostat's electrical performance. Two cables link the dryer's thermostat and heating element, and metal slip connectors connect them to the thermostat. Label the wires for reconnection and then grip the connectors while pulling the wires from the terminals.
You can use a multimeter to test the cycling thermostat's electrical performance. Hold the two multimeter probes against the outer terminals as the dryer heats up to the designated temperature. If the cycling thermostat switches off or displays no electrical continuity within five per cent of that temperature, it is functioning correctly. However, if the thermostat does not switch off or switches off too early, it is likely defective and needs to be replaced.
Please note that it is recommended to call a professional to do the diagnostics and repairs due to the presence of electrical and gas lines.
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Test the motor
To test the motor of your electric dryer, start by turning the timer to the "OFF" position. This should open the motor contacts. If the contacts are not open, the motor may be faulty.
Next, remove the wires connected to the timer, taking note of how they are attached, and then remove the console screws to detach the knob from the dryer. You can now replace the timer with the same model or a universal model.
Before replacing the timer, you can test the motor further by using a multimeter. First, ensure the dryer is unplugged and at room temperature. Then, set the multimeter to Rx1 or, if unavailable, set it to ohms and increase it to a higher level than your expected resistance. Touch one probe to the terminal where the wire was removed and the other probe to any other contact on the timer. A reading between 2000 and 3000 ohms indicates a functioning timer, while a reading outside this range suggests the timer needs replacement.
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Remove the timer
To remove the timer from your electric dryer, you must first locate it. The timer is usually part of the control panel, often behind the knob or digital interface. Once you have located the timer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Disconnect the power supply
Before beginning any work on your dryer, ensure that it is unplugged from the power source. If your dryer is gas-powered, turn off the gas valve. It is crucial to prioritize safety when working with electrical appliances.
Step 2: Access the back of the dryer
Pull the dryer away from its usual position to access the back of the machine. This step may require some physical effort and space to maneuver the dryer.
Step 3: Remove the back panel
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the back panel of the dryer. Set the screws aside in a safe place, then carefully remove the back panel and set it aside. This will expose the internal components of the dryer.
Step 4: Identify the timer
Locate the timer within the dryer's internal components. It is usually part of the control panel, so look for the knobs or digital interface that control the dryer's settings.
Step 5: Disconnect wires and remove screws
Before removing any wires, carefully note their location and labeling. Take a digital picture or make a diagram to ensure you can reconnect the wires correctly later. Once you have documented the wiring, carefully disconnect the wires attached to the back of the timer. Then, remove the mounting screws that secure the timer in place.
Step 6: Remove the timer
With the wires disconnected and the mounting screws removed, you can now carefully remove the timer from the dryer. Gently pull or slide it out, being mindful of any remaining connections or components that may be attached.
Remember to keep track of all screws, wires, and components removed during this process to facilitate the reinstallation of a new timer or the reassembly of the dryer.
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Measure ohms with a multimeter
To measure ohms with a multimeter, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure that the power is off on the circuit you are testing. It is important that the component you are testing is isolated from the complete circuit. You can do this by either removing the component from the circuit or isolating it with an open switch.
Next, turn the dial on the multimeter to the resistance, or ohms, setting. This is often denoted by an Ω symbol and may share a spot on the dial with other test/measurement modes such as continuity, capacitance, or diode.
Now, connect the test leads and probes to the component terminals. The black test lead should be inserted into the COM jack. Once connected, a digital multimeter will automatically use the Autorange mode to adjust to the best range. However, you can also press the Range button to manually set the range if needed.
Finally, observe the readout window to obtain the Ω reading. Compare this reading to the manufacturer's specifications. If the readings match, then resistance is not an issue. If the component is a load, there should be resistance that matches the manufacturer's specifications. If the reading is infinite (I) or overloaded (OL), then the component is open. If the reading is zero, the component is closed, and if it is a load, this indicates an internal short.
By following these steps, you can effectively measure ohms with a multimeter and determine whether there are any issues with the resistance of the component you are testing.
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Confirm the reading
To confirm the reading, you should get a reading between 2000 and 3000 OHMs or within the suggested range on the diagram. If the reading is within this range, the timer is likely working correctly. If the reading is out of range, it's probably time to replace the dryer timer.
To test the motor, turn the timer to the "OFF" position, which should cause the motor contacts to open. If the timer is in any other position, the time motor contacts should be open.
You can also test a cycling thermostat, which moves the timer through its cycle and regulates the drum temperature on gas and electric dryers with an Auto Dry cycle. First, unplug your dryer and ensure it is at room temperature. Then, open the dryer's cabinet and locate the cycling thermostat, usually found on the blower housing or another area in the airflow ducting. Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity, setting it to Rx1 or, if unavailable, set it to ohms and turn it up higher than your expected resistance.
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Frequently asked questions
First, turn the timer to "OFF", which should open the motor contacts. Next, remove the wires, noting how they connect, and then take out the console screws to release the knob from the dryer. Finally, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity.
A broken timer motor or a defective cycling thermostat could be the reason.
Use a multimeter to measure ohms by dialling the appropriate settings. Touch one probe to the terminal where the wire was removed and the other probe to the timer contact. If the reading is between 2000 and 3000 ohms, the timer is likely working. If the reading is out of range, it's time to replace the timer.
