Whirlpool 3976576 WP3976576 Timer

This is a replacement timer for a number of Whirlpool-based and manufactured dryers, such as Kenmore. The Amazon price and delivery are better than any of the typical appliance parts online and internet retailers; I paid less than $85 here, and the typical price at the other places was $107-$114. While the original dryer timer (my dryer is from 1996) lasted 15 years or so, the replacements have lasted just a few years each. All the replacements are the same Whirlpool part regardless as to whether branded as Whirlpool, FSP, or Kenmore. This is the third replacement now. The timer's box says made in Mexico, but the timer itself says Assembled in the USA, and the motor is stamped China. I'm projecting forward that this will last just as the others did, a few years, thus the three stars. BUT, you won't find it any better, so don't bother! Now, for installation: if you see all the installation videos, they make it seem super easy: remove the knob, remove a few screws from the back panel, remove two screws from the timer, swap in the new one. Well, they are NOT all that easy. My Kenmore has a back that is far more complex. There are just a couple of screws holding it on to the base, then some weird plastic things that hold it to the sides, but here's the kicker: there are THREE screws, INSIDE, holding it to the base. See the photos. Once the EXTERNAL screws are removed, you'll have to bend back the top a bit, insert a 1/4" socket on at least a 6" extension in order to reach these. So, if you remove all the screws from your back and it's not budging, then you may have hidden screws. Knowing that this part crosses to dozens of models, across several brands, my guess is there are more mysterious ones out there besides mine. BTW, the symptom of my timer failures has all been the same: the timer keeps going after a cycle, thus the dryer will restart on its own. One thing I did notice is that when I pulled the "defective" timer off and had both the "new" and "defective" in my hand, the defective timer clearly had something rattling inside. I also notice that the timer's motor is removable, so after removing, I've identified that the rattle is inside the motor. I'm going to try and find a replacement.

Have a dryer that dries... and dries and dries and dries and just won't quit? That was my symptom. Turns out, there are quite a few different symptoms this can generate, because there a few ways it can fail. Learned this when I read a bit. Some of those you can repair and get a bit more life out of your old one. Thus, I advise rummaging around online, and doing reading. Mine could not be repaired. I did a quick check / attempt. Only requires a screwdriver, metal-sandpaper (emery cloth), and 15-20 minutes. Worth a try. Anyhow... swap was quick.Anyhow... if your dryer dries well, quickly, at the right temperature, but the dial does not advance at the normal rate and 20 min cycle takes 3 hours... this is most likely the cause. Thing looks 20 years old or more... so I suppose it is doing alright if this is all it needs. :-)

Old timer wasn't working any more contacts inside were fried. New switch works great and was easy to replace.

It arrived quickly, was easy to install and got the dryer working perfect again. It was clear that the timer switch was not working correctly so I went to YouTube and found a video showing how easy it was to replace this part. It was easy to find a discounted price and a good shipping rate. I'm guessing the savings versus an appliance repair service call is $200.

This was an inspected used timer. It has worked flawless since being installed. Would never buy a new one again.

I was not going to spend over $80.00 on a new timer switch for my old dryer. I decided to take a chance and bought a used one for $22.00. What a pleasant surprise, it gave my dryer some new life. I received it 3 days after I ordered it, expecting to wait a full week. In all I'm very happy.

The Whirlpool 3976576 Timer arrived quickly and undamaged. Installation took a bit longer than expected because there were no instructions and access to the panel was from the front. You tube videos shower generic timer replacement from the back and I had to figure out that the panel was hinged to open from the front. The timer has worked well now for a month and I'm satisfied with the purchase.

Much cheaper than ordering directly from the manufacturer and fixed my problem. So far all is well.