How can I fix / remove the timer knob?

Thank you for posting the make and model. You'd be surprised.
Before you do anything, unplug the machine from the wall. Better safe than sorry.
From the photographs of the machine I can find online, the knob appears to pull directly off, straight back. Pull evenly, and gently, from opposite sides (think 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock) as you slide the plastic knob off.
Before installing the knob on the new timer/cycle switch, smear a minute amount of Vaseline type jel to the shaft to facilitate easy insertion of the knob. As explicit as that sounds, the mechanics are the same and work well in both circumstances, as necessary.
There may be a set screw which holds the knob on the timer/cycle switch shaft. Carefully check the part of the knob that attaches to the shaft of the timer/cycle switch. If there is a set screw, loosen it, BUT, do not remove it, as you will probably lose it. After it is loose, remove the knob as described above.
Since you want to pull the knob in order to remove the timer/cycle switch, I assume you have already determined the problem is with the timer/cycle switch. Was that readily apparent? You are sure?
Please, before you start replacing electrical parts, remember that most parts supply houses do not take electrical parts in return. They assume, (sometimes not incorrectly) that you have fried the part they sold you because it does not now function properly, because the problem is somewhere else. Be careful here.
It is amazing how much value they place on small electrical components you think might cost just a few dollars.
They do cost just a few dollars, but it's because they have the proprietary color, fit and finish that quadruples the price.
Good luck.

The timer on a washing Kenmore washing machine is the brains of the unit. The timer controls how long the clothes are to be washed, rinsed, spun and dried. The timer is located behind the timer knob in the main control panel. If the timer fails, it can be replaced with just a few hand tools.
1 Unplug the washing machine's cord from the electrical outlet.
2 Remove the two screws securing the main-panel end caps with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Lift the main panel up and rotate it backward so the inside of the panel is exposed. If your model does not have end caps, slide a putty knife between the main panel and the washing machine's top, then pry up to free the panel from its retaining clips.
3 Turn the knob by hand from one side while looking at the back of the timer from the other side. You should see the timer knob's shaft turning. Grasp the black plastic locking tab in the center of the timer knob's shaft with a pair of needle-nose pliers and pull it out. You should feel a click.
4 Pull the timer knob off of its shaft. You may need to hold the locking tab with the pliers as you do this. Remove the trim plate from under the knob.
5 Unplug the wiring connector from the back of the timer. Remove the screws securing the timer to the main panel with a nut driver and remove the timer.
6 Install the new timer into the panel and secure it with the screws, using a nut driver. Install the timer's trim plate and wire connector.
7 Install the knob onto the timer's shaft. Make sure the locking tab is still pulled out before installing the knob. Once the knob is pushed onto the shaft, hold the knob with one hand while pushing the locking tab in from the other side. You should feel it click into position.
8 Reinstall the main panel and end caps, if applicable. Plug in the electrical cord and run the washer on various wash and rinse cycles to test that the timer is working.

Things You Will Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Nut driver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Timer

Warning

• Pulling or installing the timer knob without first pulling the locking tab can break the tab, the shaft or the knob.

When it stops try wiggling the timer knob if you get it to start most likely have a timer problem not connecting inside the timer. Hope this helps

Here is the timer to order. To remove the knob on the old timer, from the back of the timer there is the knob pin that you push in and it will release the the knob.

The part comes with a 365 day, any part, any reason return policy.

Hello:
Its either your knob is stripped or the timer itself is..Most commonly its the knob assembly that's bad.(part# WH01X10061) I would try it first since the knob is only around $7.00 where the timer is around $140.00or so...

Good luck

The timer switch is bad. It is an easy fix. Simply unplug the power source. Unscrew the 4 to 6 screws from the insturment panel. The knob should pull off from the front. unplug the plug from the switch. Take it to sears parts department and order a new one. The part should not be over 35.00. Installation is the opposite of removal.

Disconnect power to the dryer and remove the screws attaching the console rear panel to the console and pull the panel off.

Inspect the wires connected to the timer and ensure a snug fit connection. Clean the connectors and terminals then reseat it several times to ward off dirt within the connectors.

Reconnect power to the dryer and start it; replace the timer (part number 3398195 ) if the dryer still won't stay running. Unplug the dryer and pull the timer knob off the console. Remove the screws securing the timer to the bracket and remove it. Secure the new timer in place then disconnect the wires from the old timer one at a time and connect it to the corresponding terminal on the new timer.

Push the timer back into position on the console and secure the console rear panel in place.

Your timer is broken and must be replaced. Someone forced the knob to the left and broke the mechanism.

You don't state your exact model number, and the number off the timer is not the actual part number (it's some sort of part stamping number). Most likely what has happened is a plastic tab on the timer housing (which normally goes into a slot in the metal, and thus holds the timer at that point) has broken off. The fix is to replace the timer, but instead of buying a new timer, I usually fashion a Z type piece of metal which I can put one screw though into the metal and the other side holding the timer against the metal. Takes a little work, but it's a lot cheaper than a new timer.
If you want to take the timer knob off, you have to pull it out and use a thin tool, like a small screwdriver, to push the plastic clip off the shaft behind the knob, allowing the knob to then come off the shaft. Push the clip back on the knob when off, so that all you have to do to reinstall the knob is push it on and it will lock on the shaft again.

If you are replacing the timer, after you unplug it, first pop the plastic cap off the knob of the timer. Underneath you will find a small clip on the timer shaft that holds the knob on and makes it imposible to get the timer out without daming the know. Use a small flat head screwdriver to slide the clip to the side. Now you can remove the rest of the knob and the screws holding the timer in place. Next remove the screws along the top of the console. Push forward on the bottom of the console while gently pulling the top towards you. You will now see your timer laying there. Release the catch on the connector that holds all of the wirse to the timer. Reverse the process for instalation.