Kaygirl,
Hard to advice you on this. Are you saying it does not wash or spin AFTER you moved the dial manually to it’s cycle? On mine, I had to move the dial manually after completion of every cycle. It would not advance automatically. In other words, after I moved it to the next ‘cycle’ it performed its functions okay: did the washing and spinning! If yours does not respond correctly after moving it manually to its cycle, it indicates to me that your timer switches may be bad. Again, it is essential that you properly diagnose first before you make a move.
The timer assembly consists of a timer motor which activates the various switches. In my case, the timer motor and the switches work fine as I explained in my last thread. But the timer motor is controlled by another unit mounted on the floor in the back of the washing machine. This is called the speed control unit.
In your case, if the cycles don’t operate correctly after you move the dial manually, it would indicate a faulty timer assembly (comes with motor and switches). This is very easy to replace as I explained in my previous thread.
1-Remove the lid of the washer by prying the front of the lid upwards (use a screw driver). Then remove the 4 screws in back holding the lid and the lid is off. You may not even have to remove the 4 screws if you can work with a half open lid! I like mine off completely.
2- Unscrew the large dial knob that sets the machine cycles (most right knob) counter clockwise and remove the knob. The knob behind that one slides right off and you can remove the 2 screws holding the timer. Use a magnet when you are unscrewing the 2 screws to prevent them from falling down, in which case you will have to remove the lower front panel to get at the fallen screws.
3- Remove the 2 wire ‘plug assemblies’ but make sure you remember where each one goes because they are identical plugs and could possibly be inserted back incorrectly. I marked mine with a permanent marker with a 1 and 2 and marked which side goes ‘up’
If you are technically inclined, you can remove the leads of the timer motor and apply 110 volt directly to the leads and see if the motor turns and activates the switches. If it does not turn you have a bad timer motor and should replace the timer assembly. If it DOES turn, it most likely indicates a faulty speed control unit, like mine. I have not received mine so I can’t tell you if I have been successful.
One word of caution, if you must contract a repair man, get one who is reliable, not one like mine who dropped the case after he installed a new timer, not willing or able to troubleshoot it any further. We were out over $100 for that useless ‘repair’ job! Personally, I like the front loader system. I am from Europe and they only have front loaders there. It saves on water and washes more cleanly as far as I am concerned.
Again, when you contract a repair man, make sure to tell him to check out the timer AND the speed control unit, not just change the timer because it is so much easier for him. Tell him you are not paying for a new timer if the culprit is the speed control unit. If he does not know what you are talking about, he is not the right person to undertake your repair job.
Good luck.