Can I ask if you've been turning the timer control while the machine has
been doing a wash ? Especially forcing it backward against its normal
direction.

It does sound as though the machine has developed a fault in the timer
control, but you'd need to rule other parts by doing tests on them.

Turn the power off first, before beginning any tests. Stand well back from
the machine while tests are being carried out on parts that you have
repaired or replaced. Don't allow anything to drop down or dangle over the
machine while carrying out any tests or repairs on it.

Take the back off the machine and look for a thin tube connected to a
plastic bottle which should be on the back near the bottom of the main drum.
Look inside the bottle for any sludge which has blocked the inlet points and
is stopping the water pressure from activating at the correct water level.
If it does have sludge in it, wash it out with hot water under the sink tap
and replace it back in the machine. Set the machine to a cool wash setting
and test that the water level is now coming up to the correct level.

If the above test hasn't done the trick, then the next thing to look at is
the timer control itself. Again, stand away from the machine while carrying
out these tests and make sure you don't have anything dangling into the
moving and live electrical parts.

Set the machine to a warm wash setting and allow it to fill until it stops.
Listen for a sort of hissing sounds, which should mean that heater element
is starting to heat the water. When you're sure you can hear this sounds,
gently turn the control knob, in its proper direction, only a couple of
clicks and watch the machine going into a normal tumble cycle. Allow the
machine to continue with this part of the wash, but every time your hear the
machine trying to heat the water, turn the control knob just a couple of
clicks at a time to stop it from getting to its proper temperature.

When the machine reaches its rinse cycles, allow it to continue through this
part unhindered and see if the control knob continues past the end of the
final spin and on to another full wash cycle. If it does, then it is the
timer that is at fault.

Timers are expensive if bought new, so you might be able to pick up a
reconditioned or second and unit from an appliance repair shop.