When Your Maytag Dryer Isn’t Cycling Correctly, Replace the Timer

On your Maytag dryer, the timer lets you choose specific cycle or control the time of the cycle. If you can’t use specific cycles or the timer isn’t keeping track of the cycle length, it’s time to replace it. Order replacement part #WP3979618 to get a new timer. Install it by following these steps:

1. Open the control panel.

First, remove the timer knob by pulling it off the shaft.

Next, open up the control panel. To do, release the two screws on the back of the control panel console. Then you can rotate the console and lay it against the top of the machine so you can access the inside. Also, remove the back cover so you have even better access. All you have to do is remove the six screws.

2. Remove the timer.

There’s a lot of wiring attached to the timer. Take a picture so you can reattach the wires to the right terminal during reassembly. To remove it, first, remove on the screws on the bracket securing the timer to the console. After that, start to pry the wires off of the timer’s terminals. Set the old timer aside.

3. Install the new timer. 

Reattach the wires to the timer first. Use your picture as a guide to make sure you attach the colors to the correct terminals. If you didn’t take a picture or the picture isn’t clear, then you have two options. You can either use the small letter markings on the timer to identify the correct wires or refer to the owner’s manual that came with the appliance.

Once the wires are connected, line up the brackets with the screws holes in the console panel. Tighten the two screws you removed earlier. 

4. Reassemble the machine.

First, reattach the back cover.

Next, swing the panel around and line up the pins with each of the underlying cutouts. Make sure you don’t pinch any wires as you set the console on the top of the dryer. Once it’s in the right place, secure it with the screws.

Then return to the front of the machine and push the knob back onto the timer. Make sure the hole lines up with the shape of the shaft and don’t force it on.

Plug in your dryer. Go to A to Z Appliance Repair if you have more repairs you want to try your hand at.