Whirlpool WED5000DW2 Timer — What It Does, Symptoms, and How to Replace It
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Understanding the Problem
What the timer is and how it affects your WED5000DW2: The timer (selector/control) in a Whirlpool WED5000DW2 controls cycle advancement and sends power to the motor, heater and other components at the right times. Depending on the specific console on your dryer, the "timer" may be an electromechanical timer or an electronic control assembly and a selector switch. Faulty timers cause cycles not to advance, intermittent operation, or no power to some circuits. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair steps: 1. Confirm the symptom(s): Note whether the dryer will run in any cycle (e.g., does it run on "Timed Dry" but not on other cycles?), whether the drum tumbles but heating or drum stop at certain cycle steps, or whether the selector knob feels loose or doesn’t click. 2. Basic quick checks: - Unplug the dryer (or switch off the breaker). Check the timer knob: if the knob spins freely with no detents or the pointer doesn’t engage, the selector can be mechanically broken. - Inspect wiring harnesses behind the control panel for burned or loose connectors. 3. Test power and cycle behavior: - With the dryer plugged in and set to a known working timed cycle, verify the motor and heater run. If Timed Dry works but Auto cycles don’t, the timer/selector or associated moisture sensor/thermostat may be at fault. - If the dryer does nothing on any cycle, check fuses, thermal cutoff, door switch, and household power first. 4. Access the timer assembly: - Unplug dryer and move it to a workspace. Remove the top or console (usually by removing two screws under the control panel or at the rear) to expose the timer/console area. Take photos of wiring before disconnecting. 5. Visual inspection: - Look for cracked plastic, melted housing, burnt connector pins, or corrosion on the timer/board. 6. Continuity and function testing (requires a multimeter): - Identify the timer terminals using the wiring diagram (often on the inside of the console or on a tech sheet behind the dryer). With the timer set to different positions, check continuity across the appropriate terminals to confirm the switch is making/breaking circuits as it rotates. A good timer will change continuity as the knob advances. - For a motor-driven electro-mechanical timer, verify the timer motor has continuity. If the motor is dead the timer won’t advance. 7. Confirm the part is the problem: - If power is present to the timer input but outputs are not switching according to the wiring diagram and continuity checks, the timer/selector assembly is failing and should be replaced. 8. Replacement (how to fix): - Order the correct replacement timer/control for WED5000DW2 (confirm part number by checking the model & serial tag inside the dryer cabinet or the tech sheet behind the console). - Unplug the dryer. Remove the control console/top to access the timer. Take a clear photo of the wire routing and take notes of connector locations. - Carefully disconnect all harnesses from the old timer. Some terminals are push-on; carefully pull straight off. Remove mounting screws and withdraw the old timer. - Install the new timer: mount it in place, reconnect each wire to the matching terminal (use your photos/notes), and reassemble the console/top. - Plug the dryer back in and run a few test cycles to confirm correct operation and that cycles advance normally. 9. If replacement didn’t fix it: revisit wiring and other components (motor, centrifugal switch, thermostats, moisture sensors, door switch, heating elements) as they interact with the timer. Safety note: Always unplug the dryer or switch off the breaker before accessing internal components. If you’re not comfortable testing live circuits, call a qualified technician.
Common Symptoms
Cycles won’t advance or stop mid-cycle, certain functions (motor/heater) won’t get power on selected cycles, knob spins freely or feels loose, burned connectors behind the console.
Common Causes
- Worn or failed electromechanical timer contacts
- Dead timer motor or failed electronic control board
- Burned/melted connector terminals or internal wiring faults
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
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Helpful Repair Tip
Confirm the timer is faulty by checking that input power reaches the timer but its output terminals fail to switch continuity as you rotate the knob or advance the cycle; if the timer motor has no continuity the timer will not advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just replace the knob if the timer won’t turn?
If the knob is simply stripped or loose you can replace the knob alone. But if the timer’s internal switch or motor is failing (symptoms: cycles don’t advance, outputs don’t switch), replacing just the knob won’t fix the problem. Inspect behind the console first to determine if the internal timer is damaged.
How much does it cost to replace the timer on a Whirlpool WED5000DW2?
Parts for a timer/selector can range from a modest knob price up to $50–$200+ for a full replacement assembly or electronic control depending on the exact part needed. Labor (if you hire a technician) varies regionally. Always confirm the correct part number for your dryer model before purchasing.
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