The washer knob came off and broke. If I use pliers I can spin the timer and the machine will run. Can I just buy a new knob, if so what is the part number

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.

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

Yes you can do it.
For now just turn it with a plier until you buy a new knob or get one from another washer machine go to the lockal repair shoppe or the salvage place to get a replacement.
Vitally

There should be a spring clip that holds the timer knob on. It or the timer knob may need replaced. Here is a picture of the timer knob and the spring clip. Sure hope this helps and best wishes.

I did fix this problem myself, I found a heavy duty 'bread tie' type of wire, I tied it around the base of the stuck sleeve and wrapped the loose end of the 'bread tie' around my pliers and pulled very hard and it shot off like a bullet, I am now using my replacement knob..yeah for me..

Replace the timer knob

HI. the timer mechanism has failed. these timer control modules will run about 134.00. simply replacing this timer will fix your issue.

"Can I replace it with a new knob or do I have to buy a new timer?"

It sounds like the knob is rounded out where it fits on the timer post, or It may just be loose. Pull the knob off and inspect it. If damaged, yes, you can buy another one.

Fix the timer on the washer so that it fills with the correct amount of water, and so there is the correct amount of time for each cycle. Make sure the washer is unplugged and take off the control knobs and the panel that lays over the knobs. The knobs could be either at the front or back of the machine. Check the wires that link the timer to other areas of the washer. If they are slack, push them further into place with pliers.


Change the timer by disconnecting the old one. Make sure the new timer is made for the brand of washer that you own. Unhook the wires to the old timer one at a time and connect each wire to the new timer.

The knob is prob stripped, very common for this washer.
Get it off and look at the teeth. To remove the knob you need a pair of surgical pliers. Reach behind the knob and yank the retaining clip out. If the teeth are smooth you need to replace the knob. Oil the timer so it will be easier to turn by the way. To put the new knob you simply slide it in place with the clip on it. So easy you won't believe it.


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