How do I Repair a Maytag Gas Dryer Timer?

The timer on a dryer tells it when to shut itself off so that it doesn't continue to spin indefinitely. Once the dryer reaches the desired heat for the setting to which it is turned, the timer begins to tick away. Once the timer has reached zero, it turns off the motor and your clothes will stop spinning. If your Maytag gas dryer's timer has malfunctioned, try to fix it yourself before calling in a professional.

• 1

  Unplug your gas dryer from the wall or turn off the circuit breaker that controls the dryer.

• 2

  Place a towel down on the top of the dryer to catch screws and prevent scratching.

• 3

  Remove the screws that are on the top or the side of the control panel on which the gas timer is located.

• 4

  Inspect the timer motor for any signs of damage such as burning. Find the largest wires coming out of the timer. These are the power cords. Inspect them for damage.

• 5

  Pull on the connector that holds the timer motor power wires in place to prevent breaking the wire.

• 6

  Set the timer to a drying position and touch the testing probe of your multimeter to the terminal that was holding the wire. Set the multitester to R1. It should read zero. The dryer timer needs replacing if you get any other reading.

• 7

  Take the model number of the timer that is printed on the side of the unit and order a new one through a hardware store or from the dryer manufacturer.

• 8

  Pull all the wires out from the timer using a pair of pliers, pulling at the connectors that hold them in place to prevent damaging the wire. Mark each wire using a piece of masking tape and a pen to indicate where the wires go.

• 9

  Remove the new timer from its package and insert the wires into their connectors so that they are tightly in place. Look at the diagram that comes with the new timer for specific rewiring instructions if you are lost at any point.

• 10

  Reinsert the timer into place and reattach the screws that hold it in place. Plug the dryer back in and test the unit.