FAQs

Please review the following to find answers to many common appliance timer questions. If you can't find the answer to your question, please send us an e-mail or call us toll-free at 1‑888‑519‑1939.
  1.   What are the main services offered by ApplianceTimers.com?
  2.   Which components of an appliance do you repair?
  3.   Which appliance timers can you repair?
  4.   For which brands of appliances can you repair the timers?
  5.   Do I need to contact a repair person to use ApplianceTimers.com
  6.   How much does it cost to have a timer repaired?
  7.   How do I know whether the problem I am having is caused by a bad timer?
  8.   How do I tell whether my appliance has a mechanical or electronic timer?
  9.   When do I pay for my service?
  10.   How should I send my timer to ApplianceTimers.com?
  11.   How do I remove my timer?
  12.   I am not very handy; can I still use your timer repair service?
  13.   Why don't I just replace my failed timer with a new timer?
  14.   Who pays to ship the timer back to me?
  15.   Are there some timers that you cannot repair?
  16.   What happens if you can't repair my timer?
  17.   What happens if you determine that there is nothing wrong with my timer?
  18.   Do I just send you the timer or should I send other components as well?
  19.   My range has two separate controller boards, which one should I send?
  20.   My dishwasher timer is attached to a ribbon that is connected to a touch-pad. I am told that the touch-pad is faulty, can you repair this?
  21.   My stove is 12 years old, should I bother having the timer repaired?
  22.   How long does it take to have my timer repaired?
  23.   Can I still use my cooktop after my range control has been removed?
  24.   What happens if my timer fails again after it is repaired?
  25.   Why do I have to return my failed timer if I order a reconditioned timer from inventory?
  26.   How long have you been in business?
  27.   Do I need to give ApplianceTimers.com my credit card number?
Answers
  1.   What are the main services offered by ApplianceTimers.com?
  A.  
  1. With our repair service, you send us your failed timer, we fix it and send it back to you.
  2. Depending on availability, we can send you a replacement reconditioned timer from our inventory.
  3. We also have a selection of new timers that you can order.
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  2.   Which components of an appliance do you repair?
  A.   We deal strictly with repairs of appliance timers and controls. This is the master control panel of the appliance that deals with the cycling, temperature setting and clock features.
     For different appliances, the timer may be referred to using other names. For example, an Oven Timer may be called a Stove Clock, ERC, Control Panel, Range Controller, etc.
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  3.   Which appliance timers can you repair?
  A.   We concentrate on appliance timers and controls in ovens, washers, dryers and dishwashers. For laundry and dishwasher timers we only repair mechanical timers, not the electronic ones that have a digital display. We do not service microwave timers since it is generally not economical to have these repaired due to the low replacement cost of microwaves. We do not repair touchpads.
     If your timer is from another type of appliance that would be expensive or impossible to replace, we may be able to repair it. Please call us to discuss the type of timer in need of repair before sending it to us.
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  4.   For which brands of appliances can you repair the timers?
  A.   We service appliances from all major manufacturers. We can usually service lesser known brands if we are provided with the timer wiring diagram and related peripherals, such as the touch-pad.
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  5.   Do I need to contact a repair person to use ApplianceTimers.com
  A.   No, if you are somewhat handy, you can remove your failed timer yourself and replace it with a repaired, reconditioned or new timer.
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  6.   How much does it cost to have a timer repaired?
  A.   Please refer to our timer repair costs page. This page also shows the cost to purchase rebuilt timers from our inventory.
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  7.   How do I know whether the problem I am having is caused by a bad timer?
  A.   This is not always easy. It is a good idea to start by ruling out the timer if possible. For example, if your display shows a failure code you should find this code in your owner's manual. If you can't find your manual, refer to our appliance failure codes page.
     If the failure code is not associated with a bad timer, then the timer is likely okay. However, the reverse is not always true. In other words, if the failure code indicates a problem with the timer (or the clock assembly, ERC, etc.), this may, in fact, be caused by some other peripheral component.
     If your timer has an LED readout and this is completely dark and if there is no sound when pressing the touch pad, the problem could be related to the power supply or transformer, and your timer may be fine. If you know how to use a voltmeter, you can test this to see whether the correct voltage is being sent to the timer.
     Our goal is to provide you with exceptional customer service. We never rebuild timers unnecessarily so we would prefer to help you rule out timer problems before you go to the trouble of sending the timer to us. Therefore, if you are not sure the problem pertains to the timer, it is a good idea to call us and we can help diagnose the problem over the phone.
     Read more about diagnosing timer problems
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  8.   How do I tell whether my appliance has a mechanical or electronic timer?
  A.   Electronic timers generally have a digital display and a circuit board. Mechanical timers have an analog display and internal gears. If you are not sure, compare the appearance of your timer with the photos shown near the bottom of our home page.
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  9.   When do I pay for my service?
  A.   When you send in your timer for repair you do not pay until after we have received and inspected the timer. At that point there are three possible outcomes:
  1. We are able to repair your timer. In this case you must pay for the repair and return shipping charges before we send back the repaired timer. There is no inspection fee if we repair your timer.
  2. We determined that there is nothing wrong with your timer. In this case, you must pay an inspection fee as well as return shipping costs.
  3. We determine that your timer is beyond repair. We do not charge any fee in this case, however, you must pay for shipping if you want your broken timer returned to you.
     If you are purchasing a time from inventory, you pay after we have determined that we have a suitable replacement timer and before it is shipped to you.
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  10.   How should I send my timer to ApplianceTimers.com?
  A.   Canadian customers can use any method they want to send us their timer (Canada Post or courier service).
     US customers should not use a courier service because this results in brokerage fees which we must charge back to you. Please review Timer Shipping Instructions.
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  11.   How do I remove my timer?
  A.   Please refer to the appliance timer removal page.
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  12.   I am not very handy; can I still use your timer repair service?
  A.   Absolutely. Many consumers are not comfortable removing and reinstalling their appliance timers. If this applies to you, you should call an appliance service firm to perform these functions. You can still take advantage of the savings in having your timer repaired by us.
     We are also happy to speak with servicemen who may require assistance in isolating timer issues.
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  13.   Why don't I just replace my failed timer with a new timer?
  A.   There are several reasons why it is often better to rebuild your timer than to replace it.
    
  • Many timers have inherent production flaws that cause them to fail. When you replace your timer, the new timer is likely to suffer from the same flaws that caused your current timer to fail. Often we are able to correct these production flaws as part of our repair process so it is unlikely to fail again.
  • Each timer we repair is fully-tested for complete functionality, we don’t limit out testing to the circuits that were repaired. This guarantees that our rebuilt timers perform as well as new timers.
  • We warranty our reconditioned timers for a full year. Most manufacturers only offer a 90-day warranty on new parts. We also sell optional Extended Timer Warranties for up to 10 extra years of warranty coverage.
  • It is generally much cheaper to repair your timer than to replace it with a new one.
  • Many of the timers we rebuild are NLA (no longer available) from the manufacturer. If this applies to your timer, you won't be able to buy a new timer but we can still repair your obsolete timer saving you the expense of a new appliance.
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  14.   Who pays to ship the timer back to me?
  A.   Since shipping rates vary substantially across North America, we cannot build this into our repair prices. Therefore, you will be charged the costs associated with returning the timer to you (usually around $48.00 by Express Economy). This also allows you to control the priority of your return shipment to, if you can wait a few extra days we can ship it using regular Ground service.
     We do not change any handling fees, you only pay exactly what it cost us to ship the timer to you.
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  15.   Are there some timers that you cannot repair?
  A.   There are some timers for which we do not have sufficient information and/or peripheral assemblies necessary to test and repair the device.
     In order to save time and trouble, please call us before you send any electronic laundry or dishwasher boards as these typically require peripheral components in order for us to repair them. It will also be helpful if you can provide the wiring diagram if this is available.
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  16.   What happens if you can't repair my timer?
  A.   Some timers are too badly damaged to be repaired. In this case, there is no cost unless you want us to send the timer back to you. If so, you must pay the return postage.
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  17.   What happens if you determine that there is nothing wrong with my timer?
  A.   We run a series of tests on the timers before we initiate repair. If these tests indicate that there is nothing wrong with the timer you will only be charged an inspection fee, in addition to return postage. The inspection fee is about one-half of the rebuild fee charged to repair the equivalent timer.
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  18.   Do I just send you the timer or should I send other components as well?
  A.   If your timer is for a common type of range, you can just send us the timer.
     If your problem is with an electronic timer for a laundry appliance or a dishwasher, please send any peripheral devices that are connected to the timer. Also, send the wiring diagram if this shown in your owner's manual or affixed to the appliance.
     If you are unsure of what to send, please contact us and we can advise you.
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  19.   My range has two separate controller boards, which one should I send?
  A.   Some ranges have two or more interconnected boards. This makes it difficult to diagnose which of the boards is failing. In this case, please send all of the boards as well as the interconnecting cables.
     We will determine which board is failing and will only charge to repair the problem board(s).
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  20.   My dishwasher timer is attached to a ribbon that is connected to a touch-pad. I am told that the touch-pad is faulty, can you repair this?
  A.   No, separate touchpads are generally not repairable.
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  21.   My stove is 12 years old, should I bother having the timer repaired?
  A.   If there are no physical problems with the range and you are happy with it, it is worthwhile having it repaired. It is not uncommon for ovens to last 20 or 30 years. Besides the timer, the elements and the temperature sensor fail occasionally, but these are not very expensive to repair.
     When thinking about replacing an appliance, be sure to consider all of the hidden costs such as taxes, delivery fees, the cost to dispose of your current appliance, etc.
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  22.   How long does it take to have my timer repaired?
  A.   Most timers can be diagnosed and repaired within one or two days. We test the timers for a full day after repairs have been completed.
     The total elapsed time required to effect repairs is largely determined by the mode of transportation that you use to send it to us.
     If you are in a hurry, be sure to use express courier to ship your timer to us and request that we return it by courier. (US Customers should always send by priority international mail - since couriers charge brokerage fees that we must charge back to you)
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  23.   Can I still use my cooktop after my range control has been removed?
  A.   Yes, for most ranges the burners will continue to operate even after the oven timer has been removed. However, this involves plugging the appliance in so be sure to take some precautions before you do this.
     While the appliance is still unplugged, use electrical tape to cover all of the metal wire clips that are normally fastened to the oven control. This will prevent these wires from becoming grounded and shorting out when you plug in the appliance.
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  24.   What happens if my timer fails again after it is repaired?
  A.   Our timer repairs are guaranteed for a full year. If a repaired timer fails, for any reason, within one year of our repair, we will repair it again at no cost. You only have to pay for the return postage.
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  25.   Why do I have to return my failed timer if I order a reconditioned timer from inventory?
  A.   By returning your failed timer to us you allow us to replenish our inventory and keep our prices low for reconditioned timers.
     To provide incentive to return your failed timer, when purchasing a replacement timer, we charge a $50 core charge. This core charge is refunded when you send us your old timer.
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  26.   How long have you been in business?
  A.   We have been repairing timers since 1969.
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  27.   Do I need to give ApplianceTimers.com my credit card number?
  A.   No. We don't accept direct credit card payments and we are never given your credit card details. All payments are processed via PayPal, the most common payment method on the internet. PayPal allows you to pay directly using your credit card if you don't have or want a PayPal account. PayPal is owned by eBay (a $30 billion company).
     If you are still uncomfortable paying through the internet you may send us a check but this will delay your shipment since we need to wait for your check to clear. If you prefer, you can also pay Cash on Delivery. Please phone us to arrange for or C.O.D. payment. A fee of $8 applies to C.O.D. orders.
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Didn't find the answer to your question? Please send us an email or call us toll-free at 1‑888‑519‑1939.