Testing a timer motor
| Note: | | Disconnect the power source to your dryer before you conduct this or any other test. Either unplug the unit from the wall outlet, remove the appropriate fuse from the fuse box, or flip the appropriate breaker in the circuit breaker panel. |
The purpose of a dryer timer is to control the unit's cycles by regulating the length of time that power is directed to each component. It is not common for dryer timers to malfunction, and they are often misdiagnosed as having failed when they are actually fully operational.
TIP: If you do have a timer motor that has failed, consider replacing just the motor itself and not the entire assembly. Timer motors can be considerably cheaper than the complete timer assembly.
Before you can begin to test your dryer's timer motor, you must first locate the device. It is a part of the timer assembly. Dryer timer assemblies are located behind the control console panel. You may only have to remove the screws securing the front control panel in place, or, depending on your model, your may have to remove the rear panel behind the control panel.
Label the wires connecting to your timer motor so that you will be able to correctly reconnect them later. Carefuly remove the wires. Do not pull on the wire itself. Instead, use needle nose pliers to pull gently on the wire connector.
Set your ohmmeter to the R x 1 setting. Take each probe and touch it to one wire. A normal reading for most dryers is in the 2000 to 3000 ohms range. Try to locate a schematic for your dryer. It should be in one of the service areas of your dryer or in the owner's manual. This schematic should indicate the proper resistance reading for your specific timer motor.
If the reading you receive from testing your timer's motor differs greatly from the range presented here, then you should replace your timer motor, or the entire timer assembly.
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