The timer on my dryer isn't working properly

Thank you for your inquiry, Ashley!

From what you have described your Frigidaire dryer is not working and it seems that the timer is not registering. This sounds like you may need to replace your timer or you could have a faulty wiring harness. In order to accurately diagnose your dryer I would recommend having a professional technician out. They will be able to properly disassemble your dryer and test each electrical component. This will help you avoid any unnecessary part purchases. Best of luck! -Matt

If the timer was rotated ccw experimentally, it probably was ruined.

there is a cycling thermostat in line with the high limit thermostat and timer circuit,on timed dry its disabled and the timer will run no matter what,on any sensor dry setting it uses the heat of the element to heat this cycling thermostat to move the timer as the clothes get drier as the heating element heats the timer doesn't move,when the heater cycles off from the high limit thermostat then timer moves again,you need to find out if its a bad heating element,thermal fuse or possibly even a circuit breaker in the homes electrical panel tripped out on one of the 2 phases that gives you the 240 volts required to operate the dryer element,the breaker may not show its tripped,so shut it off and back on and try this first

test the push button for open and faulty .However see this causes too.

Clogged Vent
If your dryer seems to run forever, it could be because of a clogged vent or internal ductwork. Your dryer may have an automatic cycle that turns off the dryer when the clothes are dry. It does this with a special thermostat or moisture-sensing system.

Normally, this is what happens during an automatic cycle:

The thermostat tells the dryer to heat until the interior of the dryer reaches a pre-set temperature--say 135 degrees.

When the dryer reaches the pre-set temperature, the thermostat tells the timer to begin advancing. (If there's a moisture sensor, the timer advances only if the moisture content of the clothing is low enough.)

The timer advances until the interior cools, then the thermostat tells the timer to stop advancing, and tells the dryer to start heating again.

This cycle continues until the clothes are dry. But...if the vent is clogged, the dryer may never reach the proper operating temperature, so it doesn't send the signal to the timer and the dryer continues to run indefinitely, even if the clothes are completely dry. To fix the problem, clean the vent and/or internal ductwork.


Heating Element

Your dryer's heating element may be partially burned out. If it is, your dryer still heats, but at such a low temperature that it takes three or four times as long to dry the clothes. If the element is partially burned out, replace the heating element. You can check for an ohm reading but will need to refer to the service manual for proper reading. This sometimes on the tech sheet located somewhere on the dryer. Usually between 9-13 ohms.


Cycling thermostat

Although this isn't a common problem, one of the thermostats that controls the temperature in your dryer may break and cause the dryer to heat poorly. If so, you need to replace it. The thermostat is usually a small, round, black device mounted to an oblong steel plate. The plate is mounted to the internal ductwork . This thermostat usually has four wires going to it. Check the 2 terminals that are opposite each other and are the closer together of the 2. These 2 terminals should have continuity. If not replace the thermostat.

Most of your fuses for a Frigidaire dryer are upper right hand side of the rear bulkhead. Here is a westinghouse dryer video I made In the video I look for failed components and show the various parts, explain their function, and location.

Frigidaire service manual

https://sites.google.com/site/sublimeappliancerepair/washer-will-not-spin/agitator-woes/dryer-will-not-work/how-do-i-get-inside-my-dryer/gas-dryer-quits-heating/more-gas-dryer-enlightenment/gallery-of-dryer-parts-locations-and-diagrams/frigidaire-gibson-kelvanator-dryer-101

Here is a video that will walk you thru the diagnostic process for your dryer.

Everyone else with a failed timer does.

Replace it.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question

repairclinic.com is a great site to buy parts from.

mamch,
You said,We have a Frigidaire Gallery dryer with a moisture sensor. I've had this model in the past with no concerns, but our current model doesn't seem to work as well. When set to an "automatic" cycle (where the moisture sensor is used) the clothes don't always come out dry and it has to be turned on again. Would there be any reason for this?

What's the model # and the age?
There are two types of moisture sensors.
One has to strips of metal on a black disk looking thing on the dryer rear wall and the other works on steam rather than contact!
Could be you had the better on before that was the contact one rather than the steamm sensor!
How long to dry a load of clothes ?

does it turn and can you hear it ratchet as it turns