The timer needs to function as a three way switch or you need to reconfigure the wiring to eliminate the three way configuration.

I am not sure I understand, how do we make the timer function as a three way switch? wasn't it doing that when we wired it in?

thanks,
renee

The original switch had three wires connected (excluding the ground) to it. How did you connect these to the timer?

we followed the directions supplied with the timer. The timer came with the four wires attached and we just attached the green to green, ground to ground, ect.

My husband has done a lot of wiring so we are sure it was connected properly.

He did ponder removing the second switch (as you suggested) but we just couldn't really figure out WHY the new timer wouldn't work with a three way switch so we decided to think about it some more before removing the other three-way switch.

-renee

The intermatic consumer timers are NOT replacement for three ways. The electronic ones can't even directly replace a switch on a switch loop. Hubby needs to CAREFULLY read the instructions again. They have a couple of work arounds that make the timer OR the remote switch able to turn the light on.

I read the instructions like 20 times. it was only one sheet (front only)

I searched the internet too, no mention if 3way switches were a problem. There are no alternate ways of wiring in the timer listed on the instructions provided or on the internet.

The timer we bought was GE brand, however when I went to the site it listed as being made by intermatic and forwarded you to the intermatic site.

this is the timer: http://www.intermatic.com/Default.asp?action=prod&pid=9906&did=44&cid=122&sid=426

They had a different brand of timer at the lighting store. It was nearly identicle. Is this an issue with the intermatic brand timers or ALL timers of this type?

We really do not need the second three way switch, would removing this switch solve the problem?

Are there timers that have a similar function but are more appropriate? We just want our exterior lights to turn on when we are not home.

-thanks so much!

renee

The timer is a replacement for a single pole switch, not a 3-way switch. This particular timer also requires a neutral connection. Hopefully the neutral was available at the switch you replaced and was connected properly.

The timer has no means to connect or utilize the traveler wires that run between the two 3way switches so there is no way to "switch" the hot feed between the switches.

If you can look in each of the switch boxes and determine how many wires and their color, and determine in which box you have the incoming hot and (hopefully) neutral, someone here can devise a plan to convert this from a 3way circuit to a single pole circuit.

It did have a neutral and we did connect it.
To convert the switch would we have to remove the second switch?

I am guessing, based on how our house is set up, that the switch we were working with had the incoming hot. of course, sometimes things are not what you would expect.

See the part of the instructions about replacing or jumpering the opposite 3-way switch.

no instructions were provided about "replacing or jumpering the opposite 3-way switch".

it only came w/ instructions on how to hook it up normally (red to red, ground to ground, ect)

If you found further instructions a link would be useful.

Link you provided shows that the timer you have is single pole only. You want an Intermatic ST01C which can be used as a single pole or 3-way. The instructions will tell you how to hook the timer up in a 3-way system.

Here is a link that might be useful: intermatic timer

I have a similiar problem. I am trying to replace an Intermatic E1020 timer with an Intermatic ST01C. The problem is the wire colors are different.

The E1020 had white, red and black wires.
The ST01C has red, blue, black and green. I know the green is the ground, but how do I connect the others? I have read the instruction sheet, but it doesn't make sense to me and I don't want to start a fire or anything. Any help?

tjohnson -- I would call an electrician. The instructions in the linked sheet are correct. You need to identify the common wire and connect black from timer to it. Then connect the other two either way (won't matter since there's no up or down on switch).

My in wall timer controls 11 bulbs. recently, my switch quit working. When I tried to turn it on manually, it flashes but will not stay on. Assuming the switch went bad, I purchased a new one. This does the very same thing. The wiring is different and hooked up as provided in the instructions but the unit only flashes one quick flash. We have removed all of the bulbs and do not get any activity. I replaced one bulb and now get a flash.

Was this issue ever solved? I'm having the issue where the switch has been working fine for a couple weeks maybe. Since I installed it. Now all of a sudden it wants to constantly switch from on and off. Even with the 12hr timer switched on. Time is correct. Reading through the comments I dont see a verified solution. In reference to a couple of them, I'm not an electrician but dont think its good advice. Correct there is no up down switch, but there is a mechanical device internally serving the same purpose. I think wiring correctly is still important. It does not say anything about a 3 way switch and I dont have the box anymore. I'm sure its just single pole though. Regardless I only have one switch for the light as it is an outside porch light. I do however have a 3 way switch next to it serving my livingroom light. Again though, I have had no issues prior to today. I can't make sense of it. There is no troubleshooting supplied with the paperwork that come with it. The only thing that even hints to that is it reads in bold not to over tighten the wall plate. I have removed it and also loosened the switch itself maybe 1 turn and so far seems that may have been it. Roughly an hour now. I'm still curious if there is a solid solution to this and what the cause may be, as we all know some issues tend to come and go while we think it's resolved in the meantime. Thanks in advance to any reply whether relevant or not.

Well I doubt the original poster is still around and his nebulous description isn't going to generate precise answers, just a lot of guesses.

Similarly, you don't give enough explanation here either. You can start by telling us just what manufacturer and model timer you have. They vary widely. If the timer does not use a mechanical switch, driving CFL or LED bulbs may indeed be problematic. The situation sounds like you've got that problem or some gross miswiring.

Mine has lasted 9 years. Suddenly stopped working. SIGH !