My washer will not advance through the cycles and it stays on a cycle until you change it yourself.

I understand that your washer is not advancing and stuck on one cycle. If you provide a Model and serial number, it will be helpful.

If it has a mechanical timer that clicks when you turn it--it sounds like the timer is bad. They have a little clock type motor that makes them turn. If its a digital type display--the control board will probably need replaced. Make sure both hot and cold water works on fill because if it doesn't fill all the way it will never finish a cycle.

Possible lid switch failure on certain models.

Isyour washing machine displaying an error code? If so, try using the owner's manual to decipher the code and you may beable to easily diagnose the problem. The problem could be as simple as the doorbeing slightly ajar, the machine is in pause mode, or the spin selector isstuck. Checkthe handy chart in the article Washingmachine won't advance to washer spin cycle for more possible reasons why your washingmachine won't advance to washer spin cycle-and some tricks for getting itworking again.

I think it could be your main board, but first open it up and check the many connectors to ensure that are seated correctly.
UNPLUG THE MACHINE BEFORE SERVICEING

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/parts-for-whirlpool-wtw5550xw0.html

Start a cycle and remove the knob. If it still stays in agitation mode and won't advance to the spin, then you have a bad timer, or no power to the timer motor(very unlikely). If your washer goes through the cycles with the knob off then you have a bad timer knob. I have seen stripped knobs causing the timer to bind up and not advance. Good Luck Appliance Specialists

you are welcome

Cycle Not Advancing or Timer Stalling Symptoms Update...One root cause of washer stalling in cycle (timer not advancing) on horizontal axis washers is electrical noise generated primarily by the timer contacts opening and closing which can interfere with proper operation of the speed control board. At times, depending on ambient environmental conditions, this electrical noise can cause the motor controller board to receive corrupt signals and remain on 'stand by condition' resulting in the cycle not advancing. By manually advancing the timer to the next step in the cycle or by turning the washer's power off and on, the electrical noise is discharged and the washer will perform until electrical noise may happen to interfere once again.
To resolve this issue, three jumpers have been added to the current motor controller board to reduce electrical noise levels around the microprocessor. Testing has proven this change to the board significantly reduces occurrence of control lock-up. The newist motor controller board assembly is Part Number 134149220.

It may be a out of balance alarm during a spin cycle. Re-balance the clothes and hit start.

Just fixed the same problem. Its a broken belt. Take the front panel off and to the right of the tub you will see a pulley and belt. We replaced both the pulley and the belt for around $40. Was real easy to do yourself.