OEM vs Aftermarket Dryer Timer Knob for Frigidaire: Honest Comparison (131873500)

Your Frigidaire dryer timer knob cracked off in your hand this morning. Now you're staring at a bare shaft and wondering: should you pay $89 for the OEM replacement, or save $44 with an aftermarket version? For a plastic knob that literally just snaps onto a metal shaft, the price difference feels ridiculous.

Let's break down what you're actually getting with each option.

Quick Answer

Unless you're flipping the dryer for resale and need the exact Frigidaire branding on the knob, save your money. This aftermarket 131873500 fits the same shaft, turns the same timer mechanism, and installs in under 30 seconds. The $44 price difference buys you absolutely nothing functional.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

There are exactly two scenarios where spending extra on the OEM knob is justified:

You're selling the dryer soon. If you're preparing a Frigidaire dryer for resale and buyers will see the control panel, having the branded knob maintains the "all original parts" appearance. Some buyers care about this.

Your appliance is under manufacturer warranty. If your dryer is still covered under Frigidaire's warranty and you're having a tech come out for other repairs, they might include the knob replacement at no charge. In that case, let them use OEM parts on Frigidaire's dime.

That's it. Those are the only two legitimate reasons to spend double.

When Aftermarket Wins

For literally everyone else, the aftermarket version is the smart play. Here's why:

The installation is identical. One user reported: "ORDERED THE PART AND PUT IT ON IN LESS THAN 30 SECONDS!" Another said: "Just pulled off old knob and pushed on new one." There's no special tool, no alignment procedure, no tricks. The D-shaped shaft on your timer motor fits both knobs exactly the same way.

The failure mode is identical. Timer knobs fail when they crack from wear or get knocked too hard. They're injection-molded plastic. The OEM knob isn't made from some magical polymer that resists cracking better — it's the same basic material experiencing the same stresses. If you cracked the original after 8 years, you'll get similar life from the replacement regardless of brand.

The warranty is actually better. Heima backs this knob for a full year versus Frigidaire's standard 90-day parts warranty. That tells you something about confidence in the product.

"Pulled the old one off and slid the new one on. Simple" — Verified purchaser who saved $45

This part fits over 200 Frigidaire, Gibson, Crosley, Westinghouse, and GE dryer models including GLEQ332AS2, GSEQ642DS0, GSGQ642AS0, LEQ332DS0, and FSE446RHS series units. The compatibility is extensive because the timer shaft design has been standard across these brands for decades.

Our Verdict

Save the $44 and get the aftermarket knob. You're replacing a simple plastic interface component, not a precision-engineered motor or control board. The aftermarket version snaps on the same way, turns the timer the same way, and lasts just as long. Put that saved money toward your next utility bill instead.

What About That "Timer Will Not Advance" Symptom?

Important clarification: if your dryer timer isn't advancing through the cycle, replacing the knob won't fix that. The knob just turns the shaft — if the timer motor inside has failed, you'll need the actual timer assembly (a different, more expensive part). Replace the knob when it's physically broken, cracked, or missing. Don't waste money replacing it to fix a timer motor problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the aftermarket knob fit my specific Frigidaire model?

If your model number is listed in the 200+ compatible models (check the product page), yes. The D-shaft design has been standard across Frigidaire, Gibson, Crosley, Westinghouse, and some GE dryers since the early 2000s. The knob replaces original part numbers AP2107778, 134042600, and 131947300.

Does the aftermarket knob feel cheaper than the original?

It's the same material — ABS plastic. Some people notice the aftermarket version lacks the Frigidaire logo, which makes it look slightly different, but the grip, weight, and durability are functionally identical. You're not getting a flimsy knockoff; you're getting the same basic component without the branding markup.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit?

Yes. Heima offers returns on parts that don't fit your model, though you'll want to verify your model number against the compatibility list before ordering to avoid the hassle. Given the 30-second installation time, you'll know immediately if there's an issue.