How to replace the main control on a front-loading Whirlpool washer

The main control of your Whirlpool front load washer is like its brain, it controls everything from the wash cycles to water levels and spin speeds. When this part stops working or fails, it can cause all kinds of issues with your washer. If you’re facing problems and suspect the main control is the culprit, it might be time to replace it. We’ll show you how to test the main control and swap it out if needed, so your washer gets back to running smoothly.

If you need any replacement parts for your appliance, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The error code information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. The disassembly information is based on models starting with WFW95HEXW. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Read more: How to Decide What Water Temperature to Use for Laundry

Tools and materials needed

• 1/4 inch nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Multimeter

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: How does a front load washer work?  

Testing and replacement steps

Step 1: Access the main control

1. Unplug the washer or turn off the breaker to ensure there’s no power running to the machine.
2. Use a 1/4-inch screwdriver to remove the screws at the back of the top panel. Once the screws are out, slide the panel back and lift it up to access the inside of the washer.
3. Set the top panel aside, leaving room to access the main control.

Step 2: Test the main control

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the appliance needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Plug the washer back in.
2. Set your multimeter to measure AC Volts (denoted by a “V” with a squiggly line).
3. Locate the main control, which is positioned between the noise filter and the user interface panel. Use your multimeter to check the pink wires from the noise filter to ensure that 120 Volts AC is reaching the main control.
4. Set your multimeter to measure DC Volts (denoted by a “V” with a dotted line).
5. Look for the connection labeled UI7, which has 5 blue wires in a row with no gaps.
6. Place one multimeter probe on the blue wire at pin 7 and the other on the blue wire at pin 3. 

You should see a reading of 7 Volts DC. If you don’t see 7 Volts, the main control has failed and needs to be replaced. 

Step 3: Replace the main control

1. Make sure to unplug the power cord before beginning the removal process.
2. Before disconnecting the wires, take a clear photo of how they are connected for reference during reassembly.
3. Carefully disconnect all the wires from the main control.
4. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the lock tab at the back of the control away from the wall. 
5. Once the tab is pried, slide the control back and pull it away from the wall to remove it.
6. Align the mounting posts of the new control with the slots on the washer wall. Insert the control and pull it toward the front of the washer to lock it into place.
7. Refer to your earlier photo to reconnect the wires to the new main control in the correct order.

Step 4: Reassemble the washer

1. Position the top panel back on the washer, just behind the user interface panel. Slide it forward to lock it in place.
2. Use the 1/4-inch screws you removed earlier to fasten the top panel at the back of the washer.
3. Reconnect the power cord or turn the breaker back on.
4. Run a test cycle to ensure the washer is working properly with the new main control.

Read more:  Washing Machine Won’t Start: Top 7 Problems and Fixes for Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Whirlpool front load washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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