807387501 Frigidaire Dishwasher Timer is the control timer assembly used on specific Frigidaire dishwashers to sequence wash cycles and switch power to the appliance’s major subsystems. It functions as a time-based switching device-either electromechanical or electronic depending on the model-typically mounted behind the console with a multi-pin connector or wiring harness and a set of contacts or a printed circuit board that routes mains and control signals to downstream components.
Inside the appliance the timer’s role is to orchestrate the order and duration of events such as fill,wash,drain,and dry by energizing pumps,drain motors,the water inlet solenoid,heating element,and any associated relays or triacs at the correct times. It interfaces with the user interface (cycle selector and start/reset), safety interlocks (door latch, float switch), temperature or thermostat inputs, and the power supply; failures or mis-timing at the timer will thus affect multiple systems and can present as intermittent operation, failure to advance, or loss of specific functions like draining or heating. For technicians and engineers,useful technical context includes awareness of terminal assignments,expected line-voltage switching behavior,common failure modes (worn contacts,corroded terminals,failed motor or drive in electromechanical variants,or defective PCB components in electronic variants),and the need to isolate loads during testing to avoid misdiagnosis.
In this article you will find a detailed description of the timer’s internal function and how it fits into the overall dishwasher control architecture,guidance on model and connector compatibility,common failure symptoms and diagnostic checks (visual inspection,continuity and voltage measurements at key terminals,and functional step-through tests),practical troubleshooting steps to distinguish timer faults from downstream component failures,and replacement considerations including part-number matching,connector pinout verification,mechanical alignment and mounting,and safe power-disconnection procedures. The content is intended to help a technician, engineer, or appliance owner perform informed diagnostics and decide weather repair or replacement of the 807387501 timer is appropriate.
Table of Contents
- Functional Role and Electrical and Mechanical Interfaces of the Timer Assembly
- How the 807387501 Frigidaire Dishwasher Timer Integrates with Control Circuits and Mechanical Actuators
- Common Failure Modes, Symptom Patterns, and Diagnostic Test points
- Model Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, Installation Steps, and Post‑Install verification
- Q&A
- Final Thoughts
Functional Role and Electrical and Mechanical Interfaces of the Timer Assembly
The 807387501 Frigidaire Dishwasher Timer is an electromechanical sequencing control that organizes the timed operation of wash, rinse, drain and heating functions. Inside the assembly a small synchronous motor drives a gear train and cam-operated switch pack; each cam position closes or opens electrical contacts to feed the wash pump, circulating motor, drain solenoid, heater circuit and dispenser at the correct interval. In practice this means the timer provides the clocking signal for the machine: if the timer motor stalls, a contact welds, or a gear tooth breaks, the unit will fail to advance cycles, remain stuck in a single mode, or not energize downstream components. The part must match the machine’s voltage and terminal layout-most U.S. Frigidaire machines use 120 VAC timers-so confirm model compatibility and connector alignment before replacement to ensure correct sequencing and mechanical fit.
Electrical and mechanical interfaces on the timer include a multi-pin harness or group of spade terminals that carry line voltage and switched outputs, the drive motor input, and the cam-switch outputs. Technicians test the unit by verifying incoming supply to the timer’s line terminal, then checking continuity or voltage at switched terminals while rotating the cam or advancing the motor; lack of expected continuity at specific cam positions indicates worn contacts or broken cam lobes. Mechanically, the gear train and cam profiles determine dwell times; wear, lubricant breakdown, or plastic gear failure produce irregular timing or noisy operation. Typical diagnostic steps include visual inspection of gear teeth and cams, resistance checks of the motor windings, and live-voltage verification of switched outputs during a manual advance. Practical interface features and checks include:
- Terminal block/harness: confirm terminal numbering and wire colors before disconnecting.
- synchronous drive motor: verify motor shaft turns smoothly with power removed and continuity present.
- Cam-operated switch pack: inspect for pitting, bent actuators, or failed contacts.
- Mounting alignment: ensure gear engagement and knob indexing match the control panel for proper user selection.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical supply | 120 VAC line for most U.S. Frigidaire models (confirm on appliance data plate) |
| Terminal configuration | Multi-spade/harness connector; number of switched outputs varies by model (commonly 6-10) |
| Mechanical drive | Synchronous motor driving gear train and cam lobes that actuate switches |
| Common faults | Worn cams/gear teeth,failed motor,burned or welded contacts,loose terminals |
how the 807387501 Frigidaire Dishwasher Timer Integrates with Control Circuits and Mechanical Actuators
The 807387501 Frigidaire Dishwasher Timer is an electromechanical sequencing device that distributes mains power to the dishwasher’s subsystems by rotating a small synchronous motor and actuating a set of cam-driven switches. As the internal camshaft turns, individual switch poles close and open to energize the water inlet valve, circulation pump, heater, drain pump, dispenser, and door interlock at the correct times in the cycle. In many North American models the timer motor is powered by 120 VAC and the switch contacts directly switch line voltage; in other variants the timer provides low-voltage control signals to a separate electronic control board. For example, during a wash interval the timer will close the contacts feeding the circulation motor and may also enable the heater contact for the required soak/boost period, while in the drain phase the timer reconfigures contacts to supply the drain pump and disable the wash motor.
- Primary interfaces: timer motor input, switch outputs to valves/pumps/heater, door latch/interlock, and connector harness to chassis ground/neutral.
Technicians diagnose integration issues by verifying that the timer’s motor runs smoothly and that each cam-driven microswitch changes state at the expected positions; common failure modes include worn cam lobes, burned contacts, or a seized motor. Practical bench checks include rotating the timer manually or powering the motor while probing the switch terminals with a multimeter to confirm continuity at indexed positions and checking for correct voltage at output circuits during a live cycle. When replacing the 807387501, match the harness connector, mounting orientation, and cam indexing so the mechanical actuators and wiring map align exactly with the original unit; misalignment can cause premature actuator stress or incorrect sequencing even if electrical connections appear correct.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Motor voltage | Typically 120 VAC on North American models; some variants use different supply-verify label and schematic. |
| Actuation method | Gear-driven camshaft operating multiple microswitch poles to route power to loads. |
| Common diagnostic step | Check motor rotation,measure continuity across switch contacts at indexed positions,and verify output voltage during each cycle stage. |
Common Failure Modes, Symptom Patterns, and Diagnostic Test points
The 807387501 Frigidaire Dishwasher Timer is an electromechanical sequencing device that directs power to the pump, fill valve, heater, and dispenser by rotating a cam assembly and closing timed contact sets. Common failure modes include worn or pitted contact surfaces that produce intermittent or open circuits, a stalled or burnt timer motor that prevents dial advance, and broken cam teeth or stripped gearing that allow the mechanism to slip and skip steps. These failures typically present as circuits that never receive supply voltage (no fill, no pump), cycles that hang at one stage, or irregular advancement where multiple functions energize at the wrong time; mechanical wear often coincides with signs of overheating or a burnt odor around the timer mounting area.
- No start / no fill: timer fails to provide voltage to the inlet valve terminal.
- Cycle stalls or repeats a step: worn contacts or seized advance motor.
- Random or skipped functions: intermittent contacts or broken cam lobes.
- Continuous run or no shutoff: stuck contact closing power to pump or heater.
Diagnostic test points focus on verifying continuity and expected line voltage at the timer harness during commanded states. With mains power applied and the dishwasher in a known cycle step, measure for line voltage at the timer output terminal that feeds the component in question (such as, the fill valve or wash pump); absence of voltage while the control should be closed indicates an open timer contact, while presence of voltage with the component disconnected points to load or wiring faults downstream. With power disconnected, check resistance through the timer motor and each contact path for opens or high resistance; a motor winding open or a contact that only makes under pressure is a clear replacement indicator. Use the table below as a rapid reference for common timer elements and their functional checks.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Timer motor | Drives cam assembly; verify continuity and smooth rotation under low load. |
| Contact sets | Switch circuits for valves/pumps/heater; test for continuity under expected cycle conditions. |
| Cam/drive gears | Translate motor rotation to staged contact closure; inspect for broken teeth or wear. |
model Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, Installation Steps, and Post‑Install Verification
The 807387501 Frigidaire Dishwasher Timer is an electromechanical sequencing device that uses a small synchronous motor and cam-operated switches to control fill, wash, drain, pump, and heater circuits. Functionally the timer provides timed closure of multiple contacts in a specific order; its rotational speed and cam profile determine dwell times for each phase. When assessing compatibility, compare physical mounting, shaft orientation and length, cam stack geometry, and harness pinout against the service schematic for the appliance. Some Frigidaire models with similar-looking controllers use electronic PCB-based control modules rather of an electromechanical timer, so confirming the replacement part number and checking the wiring diagram prevents installing an incompatible assembly that will not energize the correct loads or will mis-sequence safety interlocks.
Replacement and installation require both mechanical and electrical verification. Before replacing the unit, document terminal positions and take continuity readings across each cam-switched circuit to confirm which contacts change state during rotation; this helps verify the new timer reproduces the correct switching logic. During installation, de-energize the appliance, secure the timer to the original mounting boss, confirm correct shaft engagement with the selector knob or gear train, and reconnect wiring by matching documented terminal designations rather than relying solely on wire colors. Post-install verification should include powering the unit and observing uninterrupted motor rotation, measuring mains voltage at the timer motor terminals (typically 120 VAC), and checking that critical sequence events occur (door latch lock, water fill, pump activation, and drain). If any circuit fails to actuate, measure continuity across the associated cam contacts during the corresponding cycle position and inspect for bent cams, burnt contact surfaces, or incorrect terminal routing.
- pre-install: record wire locations, take photos, and measure continuity of worn contacts.
- Install: fit mechanically, ensure shaft/gear alignment, and secure ground connections.
- Power-up tests: confirm timer motor rotation,verify voltage at motor terminals,and run a full cycle while monitoring key outputs.
- Verification: check that heater, pump, and fill solenoid switch on during their timed intervals; re-check terminal wiring if sequencing is incorrect.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Timer motor voltage | Typically 120 VAC synchronous motor; verify with service sheet. |
| Connector / Pinout | Match harness pin labels to schematic; some models use identical plugs with different internal routing. |
| Common failure modes | Worn cam lobes, burnt contact faces, seized motor bearings, or incorrect replacement part/shaft orientation. |
Q&A
What is the 807387501 Frigidaire dishwasher timer?
The 807387501 is an OEM control/timer assembly used on certain Frigidaire/General electric/Hotpoint dishwashers. It controls cycle sequencing (fill, wash, drain, dry) and routes power to the motor, pump, heater and valves. Depending on the model it may be an electromechanical timer or part of the dishwasher’s electronic control system.
What symptoms indicate the timer (807387501) is failing?
Common symptoms include the dishwasher not advancing to the next cycle, stuck in a single cycle, not starting at all, intermittent operation, or no power to motor/heater/pump while other components have power. You may also see audible clicking from the timer, burnt smell, or visible burn marks at the connector. Always rule out door latch, float switch, thermal fuse, and wiring before condemning the timer.
How can I test the 807387501 timer safely before replacing it?
Disconnect power first. With power disconnected, inspect the timer mechanically and visually for burned contacts.Use a multimeter to check continuity across the timer’s internal switches when advanced manually (if electromechanical) and to verify no short circuits.With power applied (exercise caution and follow lockout procedures),measure line voltage at the timer’s input and check for expected output voltages to motor,pump and heater as you advance cycles. Consult the dishwasher’s wiring diagram for terminal identification. If you’re not comfortable working with live mains, have a qualified technician test it.
Can I replace the 807387501 timer myself and what is the procedure?
Yes, a competent DIYer can replace it, but always disconnect power first. Typical steps: (1) pull the dishwasher out and remove the lower kick plate/inner door access panel; (2) photograph and label all wiring connections on the old timer; (3) remove mounting screws and detach the timer; (4) transfer any shafts or knobs if needed and install the new timer; (5) reconnect wires exactly as labeled, restore power and test cycles. Follow model-specific service instructions and safety precautions.
do I need to program or reset the dishwasher after installing the 807387501 timer?
most mechanical timers do not require programming-after installation the machine should operate normally. Some modern dishwashers use electronic control modules that may need a simple power reset (turn off power for 30-60 seconds) or entry into a service/diagnostic mode to verify operation. Check the service manual for the specific model for reset or diagnostics procedures.
How do I confirm the 807387501 is compatible with my dishwasher model?
Locate your dishwasher’s model and serial number (usually on the inner door edge or tub rim) and use the manufacturer’s parts lookup or reliable appliance parts retailers to confirm compatibility. Cross-referencing the exact part number and model number is the safest method-do not rely solely on visual similarity of the part.
Is the 807387501 timer repairable or should it be replaced with a new unit?
In many cases replacement is preferred. Electromechanical timers may sometimes be repaired by a qualified technician (e.g., replacing the motor or cleaning contacts), but parts and labor can be costly and repair options are limited. Electronic control modules are generally replaced rather than repaired. For safety and reliability, a new OEM or equivalent replacement is usually recommended.
Where can I buy a genuine 807387501 and how much should I expect to pay?
Buy from frigidaire/GE authorized parts distributors,appliance parts stores,or reputable online retailers that list the OEM part number. Prices vary depending on whether it’s an electronic module or electromechanical timer and the seller, but expect a range from a modest amount for used/aftermarket units to a higher price for new OEM parts. Verify return policy and warranty before purchase.
Final Thoughts
The 807387501 Frigidaire Dishwasher Timer serves as a central control component that sequences wash cycles, manages timing for heating and drainage functions, and coordinates user inputs with mechanical and electronic subsystems. Its proper operation is essential to consistent cleaning performance, efficient energy and water use, and the overall reliability of Frigidaire dishwashers that use this part.
Because timer faults can produce a range of symptoms-intermittent operation,failure to start or advance cycles,or improper timing-accurate diagnosis is important to distinguish timer problems from issues with motors,valves,sensors,or wiring. when testing confirms the timer as the root cause, replacement with a compatible part and correct installation restore intended function and reduce the risk of recurring faults. Engaging qualified service personnel or following manufacturer guidance helps ensure the replacement is performed safely and correctly.
maintaining the 807387501 Frigidaire Dishwasher Timer in good working order supports appliance performance,safety,and longevity. Thoughtful diagnosis followed by timely, compatible replacement when needed is a cost-effective approach to minimizing downtime and preserving the dishwasher’s dependable operation.
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