What are the signs of a faulty control board in a Whirlpool washer?

If your washer is acting up, it might be time to take a close look at the control board. Diagnosing and replacing a faulty control board might sound intimidating, but with a little guidance, you can handle it yourself and save on costly repairs.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, 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.

Understanding the control board

The control board is essentially the “brain” of your Whirlpool washer. It sends signals to all the different parts, including the motor, water pump, and sensors, to keep everything running smoothly. From selecting a cycle to completing the final spin, the control board oversees every step of the process.

However, like any electronic component, it’s not immune to wear and tear. Power surges, water damage, or simply years of use can lead to issues.

Signs your washer’s control board might be faulty

A faulty control board can cause a variety of issues, some subtle and others obvious. Here are the most common signs that your washer’s control board might need to be replaced:

• Washer won’t turn on
• Unresponsive buttons or controls
• Error codes that won’t clear
• Washer stops mid-cycle
• Irregular behavior
• Burning smell or visible damage

Read more:  Washing Machine Making Burning Smell: Top 5 Problems and Fixes for Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, safety should always come first. Keep these tips in mind:

• Always turn off and unplug the appliance or shut off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or replacement work. This prevents the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Take your time and work carefully to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Ensure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access all components.
• Keep your work area clear of clutter, and make sure children and pets are kept away.
• Never handle internal parts with bare or wet hands, and ensure the area is completely dry before starting.
• Refer to your user manual for specific safety instructions or installation guidelines for your appliance or part.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damaging the appliance or injuring yourself, and avoid using excessive force.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, cleaning large debris, or handling dusty components to protect your eyes.
• If the appliance has been used recently, allow adequate time for any heated parts to cool before starting your work.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections or terminal setups before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• When handling wires, avoid touching exposed terminals or wires. If necessary, use non-conductive tools or wear insulating gloves to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Note: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

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

How to test the control board

Step 1: Check the power supply

1. Ensure the washer is plugged into a working outlet.
2. Test the outlet by plugging in another appliance to verify it’s providing power.
3. Inspect the washer’s power cord for damage, such as frayed wires or loose connections. Replace the cord if necessary.

Step 2: Inspect the control board visually

1. Unplug the washer and remove the back or top panel (refer to the user manual for your model).
2. Locate the control board, usually housed in a plastic casing.
3. Check for scorch marks, burnt components, or any physical damage. These are clear signs of failure.

Step 3: Use a multimeter to test continuity

1. Refer to the wiring diagram in your washer’s manual to identify the pins on the control board that correspond to key circuits.
2. Set the multimeter to the continuity or resistance mode.
3. Test the circuits by placing the probes on the appropriate pins. If the readings are inconsistent with the specifications in the manual, the control board may need replacement.

Step 4: Rule out other possible causes

1. Test other parts of the washer that could mimic control board failure symptoms, such as:
   • Lid switch: Check if the lid lock mechanism is functioning properly.
   • Water level sensor: Ensure it’s sending accurate signals to the control board.
   • Motor or pump: Inspect for signs of damage or wear that might cause operational issues.
2. If these components are working correctly, the control board is likely the issue.

If your tests confirm that the control board is faulty, the next step is to replace it. The following section will walk you through the replacement process.

How to replace the control board

Step 1: Disconnect the old control board

1. Take a picture or make notes of the wire connections to the control board. This will help you reconnect everything correctly later.
2. Gently unplug the wire harnesses from the board. Use needle-nose pliers if needed, but be careful not to damage the connectors.
3. Remove any screws or clips securing the control board to its mounting position.
4. Take out the old control board.

Step 2: Install the new control board

1. Position the new control board in place, aligning it with the mounting holes.
2. Secure the board using the screws or clips removed earlier.
3. Reconnect the wire harnesses to their corresponding ports, ensuring they are snug and secure. Refer to your notes or photos to confirm the connections are correct.

Step 3: Reassemble the washer

1. Reattach the panel you removed earlier, securing it with the screws.
2. Move the washer back into place and reconnect the water supply lines.

Step 4: Test the washer

1. Plug the washer back into the outlet.
2. Run a test cycle to ensure the new control board is functioning properly. Check that the washer powers on, responds to controls, and completes a full cycle without issues.

Read more: Washing Machine Drains But Does Not Spin: Top 4 Problems and Fixes for Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for replacement parts, grab your model number and visit AppliancePartsPros.com. With over two million parts in stock, most orders arrive within two business days. Need help finding the right part or placing an order? Our team is here to assist, just give us a call at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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