Your timer is probably broken and require replacement. I don't have hands-on experience with Speed Queen timers, but some designs of other brands have a latch tab on back of the timer that is released to allow removal of the knob. Must open the console for access to it.

This or these may be the knob (#803118P) which looks like it just pushes on to the shaft.

This or this may be the timer (#37922P) but I hope you just need the knob.

Thank you.

jellytoast, did the knob break as you were using it, or did you notice it when you were ready to start your next load? If it is just the knob, you should be able to get it off and then use a pair of pliers to set the timer until your replacement comes in.

Assuming this is a mechanical timer, not an electronic selector for a computer board, then the knob is pushed in to set a cycle and pulled out to start the machine. Pushing the knob engages it to turn the timer cams and mechanism. Pulling it probably disengages it to free-spin which prevents the user from manually turning it through the functions while the machine is running .... being that the motor reverses direction for agitate vs. drain/spin, and must turn off/stop rotating before changing direction.

If the knob free-spins when pushed in, then it's not "clutching" properly to engage the timer mechanism ... which means the timer is probably broken.

It is a mechanical timer ... push in and turn to set the timer, then pull out to start the cycle. Everything worked fine on the first load, then it just spun freely when I pushed it in and tried to turn it to start the second load.

The knob does not simply pull off, screw off, or have a pin underneath it holding it on. Removing it probably involves removing the electrical console, as dadoes suggested. Replacing the timer looks like an easy fix according to youtube, but how to get the knob off is a mystery. I've probably seen a dozen different methods on youtube, some of them likely beyond my DIY capabilities.

I went ahead and scheduled a repair appointment for next week. I'm afraid I might end up doing more harm if I attempt a DIY removal of the knob. And I'm kind of reluctant to order a $275 part (the timer) if there's a chance I don't need it (though I probably do!).

I used to have a lot of faith in my DIY abilities but I'm going through a no-confidence phase.

Thank you all.

jellytoast, several of us here have the same SQ washer as you-what year is yours if you know it?

Maybe this will show you how to remove the knob which can only be done if you have access to the rear of the timer: https://youtu.be/qDoNAYAXDjA?t=127. Here's another view: https://youtu.be/IRtHni3LuXQ?t=81 (Yes, they're not Speed Queen but the timer isn't manufactured by SQ anyway.)

Go figure that ...

armjim, I bought my washer in May 2012. Model AWN542SP111TW01.

Thank you, wdcruise. I thought I'd seen every video on you tube on how to remove the timer knob but I missed those two!

Looking up the model for parts diagrams, the timer is referenced as P/N 37922P. Searching for photos, and assuming they're correct ... it doesn't appear to have a latch mechanism on back to release the knob. The knob-end of the shaft is threaded.

Edited to correct: Sorry, got myself mixed-up on reverse-threading. There may be some other mechanism involved to release the knob, or maybe the timer is just internally broken.

Yes, I noticed that in the online pictures of the timer, dadoes. The shaft does appear to be threaded, but the knob won't unscrew to remove.

That is disappointing and I would think unexpected that the timer needs to be replaced after 10 years. Sorry you are having to do that; I hope that you get another 10 years before anything else needs repairing. I can remember helping my dad replace a timer in a Kenmore back in the 1960's; a whole lot less expensive than replacing the entire machine!

I recall reading a reference in the past that SQ had trouble with mechanical timers for a period of time, may have been washers, dryers, or both.