The Whirlpool WP22003499 Washer Timer is a critical component that regulates the entire washing cycle. It's effectively your washing machine, determining how long each stage of the wash cycle takes, from loading and agitation to rinsing and spinning. The timer operates via a set of cameras and contacts that activate various functions at specific moments in the cycle. The timer rotates throughout the wash, triggering the machine to fill with water, switching between wash and rinse cycles, controlling the spin speed, and finally signaling the washer to shut off when the cycle is over. A broken timer can create a range of issues, such as the washer not advancing through the cycle, being stuck at a specific stage, or even failing to start altogether.