Yes, it has the Wrinkle Shield function. But no, it's happening near the beginning of the dry cycle not the end where the Wrinkle Shield is.

I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on a new timer. When you hear hoofbeats...

Is it possible that the selector switch is slipping on the timer's axle? I have had dryers where somebody squeezed the selector switch onto the axle at the wrong position, and this manifested in all the programs behaving erratically.

I'd say it's possible. But wouldn't you say a new timer would be the best remedy for that?

I know the timer keeps running and eventually the dryer comes back on. But this doesn't strike me as something that's going to get better.

If the root cause of the problem is a broken knob, then replacing the timer isn't going to fix things. You need to (also) replace the knob. So, check that first before you invest into a part that might not even be broken.

I am not saying that the timer is fine. But your symptoms look a little bit like what I experienced and it is easy to test for this particular error condition.

I completely misunderstood you the first time. No, I'm certain the knob is not slipping on the timer shaft. Thanks.

Yes, check the timer knob. Not unusual that a crack develops where it attaches to the timer shaft. Is there any evidence that the knob is off-kilter from where it should register?

That being said, it's also not unusual that mechanical timers go bad nowadays. They're perceived as being more reliable than electronics but that's not so much the case any longer.

Be sure to check the model number closely. There should be an engineering change/revision digit (0, 1, or 2) after the W, which can be relevant to correct part numbers. The timer may (or may not) be different among the revisions.

Thanks. I'm home now and the timer knob is fine. I'm going to pull the trigger on a new timer and take my lumps if that isn't it. But if I had to bet...

You're right. Mine ends in W2. I was trying to problem solve from 30 miles away yesterday.

I sat in the laundry room with a book until it stopped. Just wiggling the timer slightly would start the dryer without pushing the start button.

The new timer came on Sunday and it seems to be working fine now. I noticed that the country of manufacture changed from Mexico to USA. I don't know who makes better timers but I'd sure like to see this one last a bit longer.