** Does the washer look for a prescribed water level or pressure before moving to the next step in the wash cycle? **
Most washers act that way as described at the link previously provided. It wouldn't make sense to allow washing without enough water in the machine.
** is there a reason the timer stops on "Short Wash"? **
You mean that is the only place the problem occurs? I don't know why it would act any differently there than any other wash cycle.
It may be possible a defective timer is responsible for the 'sticking' movement but not for the leaking. Testing for power at the timer's motor should confirm if the timer should be advancing or not. Power to timer motor but no timer movement = defective timer. NO power to timer motor = problem elsewhere.
** Do you have instructions for replacing the water level switch? **
I'm afraid not. It should be under the washer top. The actual procedure might be covered in the service manual for Frigidaire's version of that washer design (see the following link).