Proper Operation
Learn how your appliance is supposed to operate so you can determine if it is malfunctioning.


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GE Timer

Two types of timers have been installed in GE/Hotpoint washers: plastic housing and metal housing. The metal housing timer is the same type of timer that is installed in Whirlpool and Sears machines. The metal timer is difficult to repair and the individual parts that fail are not readily available to the appliance owner. The plastic housing timer, on the other hand, is intended to be repaired and the parts are readily available. The plastic housing timer is very robust and, because of its repairability, is judged by the author as one of the best washer timers!

Identifying the Type of Timer

(Figure 1)
  1. Remove the two screws on top of the control console housing and tilt the conrole console down on its face.
  2. The timer is behind the cycle control knob. Most likely your timer has a dark plastic housing. If it has a metal housing it will look like Figure 1.
  3. Go to the metal timer page in the Sears and Whirlpool Belted Washer section to explore your options.
  4. If you have a plastic housing timer consider yourself lucky and read on!

Trouble Shooting the Plastic Housing Timer

Under construction.

Figure 1 (Return)

Metal Timer