How to Replace 131873500 Dryer Timer Knob on Frigidaire — Step-by-Step

Your Frigidaire dryer timer knob cracked when you tried rotating it to start a load. Maybe it snapped clean off, or maybe it's so worn the D-shaped shaft just spins underneath without catching. Either way, you're stuck with a dryer you can't operate — and this is honestly one of the easiest fixes you'll ever do.

The 131873500 timer knob works with multiple Frigidaire, Gibson, Crosley, Westinghouse, and GE dryer models including GLEQ332AS2, GSEQ642DS0, LEQ332DS0, and dozens more. It replaces part numbers AP2107778, 134042600, and 131947300. This isn't a repair that requires disassembly or technical skill — it's literally a pull-off, push-on job.

What You Need Before Starting

Tools required: None. Seriously, this is a hand-only repair.

Time needed: Less than 15 minutes (realistically under a minute once you have the part)

Difficulty: Easy — No experience necessary

Why Timer Knobs Fail

The timer knob takes constant abuse. You're twisting it multiple times per day, sometimes with wet or soapy hands. The plastic gets brittle over time from temperature changes in the laundry room. The most common failure is a crack that spreads until the knob splits in half or the internal D-shaft socket strips out. When that happens, the knob spins freely without engaging the timer mechanism underneath.

Safety First

You don't need to unplug the dryer for this repair since you're not accessing any electrical components — you're just replacing an external plastic knob. That said, if the dryer's running when the knob breaks, shut it off before attempting the swap. There's zero risk of shock, but you want a stationary timer shaft to work with.

Step 1: Remove the Old Timer Knob

Grab the broken knob firmly and pull straight out. It's friction-fit onto a D-shaped metal shaft, so it should release with steady pressure. If it's really stuck, wiggle it side to side while pulling. One user reported: "Just pulled off old knob and pushed on new one." That's the entire process. If part of the old knob broke off and a piece is still stuck on the shaft, use needle-nose pliers to extract it.

Step 2: Inspect the Timer Shaft

Look at the metal shaft sticking out from the control panel. It should be D-shaped (flat on one side, rounded on the other). Wipe off any dust or residue with a dry cloth. Check that the shaft isn't damaged or bent — though if the timer still functions and just the knob failed, the shaft is fine. The flat side of the D-shape is what prevents the knob from spinning freely.

Step 3: Install the New 131873500 Knob

Line up the D-shaped opening inside the new knob with the D-shaped shaft. The flat side of the shaft should match the flat side of the knob's interior socket. Push firmly until the knob seats completely against the control panel face. You'll feel it click into position. Another user confirmed: "ORDERED THE PART AND PUT IT ON IN LESS THAN 30 SECONDS!" There are no screws, no clips, no locking mechanisms.

Step 4: Test the Timer Operation

Rotate the new knob through its full range of settings. It should turn smoothly with slight resistance from the timer mechanism behind the panel. Try setting it to a timed dry cycle and make sure the timer advances properly (you should hear the ticking after a minute or two of operation). If the knob spins without resistance, you didn't fully seat it — pull it off and push harder until it bottoms out.

Testing After Installation

Run a short cycle to confirm everything works. The timer should advance through the cycle and shut off automatically when complete. The knob shouldn't wobble or feel loose during operation. If you can pull the knob off easily with light pressure, it's not seated properly — the friction fit should hold it firmly in place even when you're rotating it with force.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this knob fit my specific Frigidaire dryer model?

The 131873500 works with Frigidaire models GLEQ332AS2, GSEQ642DS0, GSGQ642AS0, LEQ332DS0, LGQ642DS0, FSE446RHS series, FSE346RHS0, FSE848RHS0, FSE447GHS series, and many others. It also fits Gibson, Crosley, Westinghouse, and some GE dryers. Check your model number against the compatibility list or compare the old knob — if the internal shaft socket is D-shaped and approximately the same diameter, it'll work.

Do I need to remove the control panel to replace the knob?

No. This is an external part that pulls straight off the timer shaft. You're working from the front of the dryer with no disassembly required. As one user put it: "Pulled the old one off and slid the new one on. Simple." You don't even need to pull the dryer away from the wall.

What if the knob keeps falling off after installation?

The knob relies on friction fit. If it's loose, the internal socket might not be gripping the shaft properly — make sure you're pushing it on firmly until it seats completely. If the timer shaft itself is worn smooth or damaged, the knob won't grip. In rare cases, you might need to replace the entire timer assembly, but that's unusual. Try rotating the knob 90 degrees and pushing again to find a tighter spot on the shaft.