I have a Whirlpool washer that is 2 and half years old. It stops working during a cycle, especially wash and rinse cycles. When I move the dail a bit and push the knob it starts again. This repeats until the cycle is finished. Repair technician states that it needs timer replacement which costs $200.00 and it's almost half the value of the washer. Are there any remedies to this problem and thanks for any suggestions.

I have managed to repair a broken wire on the timer on mine and fixed a similar problem a couple of times. Doing so is a pain. If you are not up to buying a new timer and installing it yourself don't even try fixing the old one. Check http://www.applainceparts.com/ You should be able to buy and install a timer for much less than $200. It isn't that bad of a job, and I will try to help.

Older Whirlpool washers used timers that were encased in metal boxes that could, sometimes, be partially opened and repaired. This is not the case anymore. For the last 3-5 years Whirlpool and other companies have begun to use timers that are totally encased in plastic-welded shells. If you try to open it, you will break it, and then you still need a new timer. The truth is, appliance repair isn't hard. I could replace that timer in about 2 minutes, and that includes walking in and walking out. It is a very simple task, and any reputable local appliance repair company would research the model and special-order a timer for you, and explain how to pop it in. Usually you can't return electrical parts that have been opened, but that probably won't even be necessary, judging from your post.

Thanks for the responses I received...