How to Test and Replace a Whirlpool Washer User Interface

Is your Whirlpool top load washer giving you trouble with unresponsive buttons or strange behavior? Don’t worry—before you think about calling a repair technician, we’ll show you how to test and replace the user interface yourself with a few straightforward steps!

If you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool top load washer, 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.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Multimeter

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 you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

How to test and replace the user interface on a Whirlpool top load washer

1. Unplug the washer or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Pull the washer out from its position to access the back.
3. Remove the rear panel covering the control panel by unscrewing the screws.
4. Use a putty knife to release the spring clips by sliding it into the front corners of the control panel.
5. Roll the control panel up from the front and lift it off to access the control board and wiring.
6. Check that the J18 and J17 connectors are fully inserted into the main control board and properly seated on the User Interface.
7. Plug the washer back in and set a multimeter to DC voltage.

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the washer 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. Place the black probe on J18 Pin 3 and the red probe on J18 Pin 1 to verify 5 VDC.
2. If 5 VDC is not present, replace the main control board.
3. Test the continuity of the User Interface Harness by checking J18 Pin 1 to J17 Pin 3, J18 Pin 2 to J17 Pin 2, and J18 Pin 3 to J17 Pin 1.
4. If continuity is not present, replace the User Interface Harness.
5. If continuity is present, proceed to replace the User Interface.
6. Disconnect the wiring at the J18 connector on the main control board.
7. Install the new User Interface by plugging the connector into the J18 connector.
8. Set the User Interface back in place and lock it by pressing down on the spring clips.
9. Reinstall the rear panel by securing it with the screws.
10. Plug the washer back in or turn on the circuit breaker to complete the process.

You made it!

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you test and replace the user interface in your Whirlpool top load washer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!