A programmer/timer for an appliance of the type having a rotatable program cam drum (45) advanced by an oscillating paw (76) engaging a ratchet wheel (48) for actuating at least one appliance function switch. A shaft (16) is provided for enabling user positioning of the cam after limited rotational lost-motion for selecting the program interval. An annular member (34) having a conical cam (40) surface is received over the shaft and is helically cammed to the shaft. During the limited lost-motion rotation of thE shaft, the collar moves axially and the conical cam surface lifts the paw from the ratchet thereafter enabling user rotation of the program cam for positioning same for program interval selection.