Skip to Content
  • time delivery images 2 Day Quick Delivery!
  • box-refresh images 365 Day Return Policy!
  • lovely images 15 million satisfied customers
  • boxes images Over 2.1 Million Parts In Stock
  • headphone imagesFree Tech Support!
  • google images Google Trusted Store

Customer Questions and Answers for Freezer Control Assembly (Electronic Control Board) by Whirlpool

Best Seller
Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM12742338
Manufacturer Part Number: R0161092

This electronic freezer control assembly manages the freezer's control functions and settings to help restore reliable temperature regulation and responsive controls when the original control fails. Designed as a direct replacement control module. What it does:

  • Controls freezer functions and user settings by communicating with sensors and other system modules.
  • Commonly replaces a failed control board when the freezer won't maintain temperature, cycles erratically, or displays control-related errors.
  • Restores responsive control panel behavior when buttons or digital settings stop working.
  • Used when diagnostics point to control/board faults rather than mechanical components.
What's included: One freezer control assembly Install notes:
  • Disconnect power to the appliance before starting any repair to avoid shock or damage.
  • Handle the control board carefully and avoid static discharge; use antistatic precautions if available.
  • Match connector locations and wire harness orientation; ensure all plugs seat fully before restoring power.
  • If symptoms persist after replacement, recheck wiring, sensors, and diagnostic codes before ordering additional parts.

More
$112.68
Compare At:
$132.96
You Save:
$20.28

IN STOCK
Ships Today Guaranteed
Add to Cart

Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Freezer Control Assembly (Electronic Control Board) (Part Number: OEM12742338)

Don for Model Number SZD27MW

As a follow up to my question as to the cause of the freezer not holding temperature while the refrigerator is maintaing 34 degrees F, I had a repairman check it out. The coils are clean and the fans are working. The repairman claims the compressor isrunning hot and is heading for total failure. Since this is a R12 system, he recommends replacing the refrigerator. He also claims the freezer control is not the problem. Is his diagnosis accurate or should I spend the $55 for a freezer control?

1 Answer

Don, At this point, It sounds more like an air flow issue, or a door seal problem. Your refrigerator is an older unit, and does operate using R12 refrigerant. But you're maintaining temperature in the refrigerator compartment. If you had a compressor issue, the temperatures in both compartments would be affected, not just one. Check and make sure the both door seals are in contact with the front flange of the cabinet, when the doors are closed. Check and make sure, there are no articles hanging over the sides or back of the shelves, restricting the air flow, and check the air return tunnel (behind the crispers) on the left side wall,as well.You could have a "sticky" freezer control contact, but you may want to reset the refrigerator control a setting or two warmer, first. Then check for an intermittent issue in the evaporator fan WPC8891605 or defrost thermostat WPC8972006. There's no accurate way to test a compressor for age or efficiency, without conducting a wattage, amperage, and voltage tests with meters, and or guages on the sealed system, even then there are no guarantees.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello Don. Make sure the condenser coils are good and clean and the fans are running properly in the unit. If so, the freezer control, R0161092 may be the issue with the unit. You need to check the condenser first on the unit.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello Tina. If you turn the timer and the unit starts to run, you will need to replace the defrost timer R0131577 in the unit.

Read More...

1 Answer

Bill, The new control could have an issue but the original and a replacement part with the same issue, not likely. A few things to check, make sure both doors are closing and sealing properly. Check and make sure the auto damper and the air return opening ( behind the crisper drawers) are not blocked or restricted by articles or debris. Then check or replace the evaporator fan motor WPC8891605 it could be running, but at a slow speed and not circulating the air fast enough. Thanks

Read More...
Jay for Model Number amana sxd22s2e

Hi. After a recent thunderstorm, our refrigerator/freezer has a problem. The unit has power, with the lights and fan blowing but the compressor is not kicking on and will not cool the unit. I was wondering if it is possible that the control unit for the freezer section might have been hit by a surge and is not sending power to the compressor to start it. Most of my limited experience in refrigeration was in residential HVAC systems, and that was a LONG time ago. Any advice/suggestions for troubleshooting the unit to trace down which part(s) of the system are in need of replacement? i.e.; can the freezer control unit be "jumped" to see if the compressor will kick on or not, and which leads to do so? With as much as new ones cost, I'd like to get this one going again, as it was working fine before this happened. Thanks for your advice.

1 Answer

Hello Jay. You can test for power coming to the compressor. If there is power there, and the unit does not run, either the start relay or the compressor is bad. You can test this with a multi-meter TJMA-DMT3. Here is a link on how to use a multi-meter. http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/oven-repair-including-ranges-cooktops/4810-how-check-continuity-ohmmeter.html Here is a link to our Repair Forum, this is a free service to our customers. Use this link to access the repair for your question. http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/refrigerator-freezer-repair/193358-freezer-fridge-not-cooling.html

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello Fred. You are loosing ground in the electrical system. You will need to search for a loose, burnt, or broke ground wire on the unit. Hope this helps.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello Kenny. This refrigerator is designed to operate at normal household temperatures of 55° to 110°F (13° to 43°C). When freezer control is set to OFF, neither refrigerator nor freezer sections will cool. Initially, set both controls to 4. Wait 24 hours for refrigerator and freezer sections to reach desired temperatures. After 24 hours, adjust controls, one number at a time, as desired. On control, 1 is warmest setting and 6 is coldest. Set controls with a household thermometer that includes temperatures between -5° and 50°F (-21° and 10°C). Put thermometer snugly between frozen packages in freezer section. Wait 5-8 hours. If freezer temperature is not 0° to 2°F (-17° to -16°C), adjust freezer control, one number at a time. Check again after 5-8 hours. Put thermometer in a glass of water in middle of refrigerator section. Wait 5-8 hours. If refrigerator temperature is not 38° to 40°F (3° to 4°C), adjust refrigerator control, one _ number at a time. check again after 5-8 hours.

Read More...

Have questions? Ask our pros!

Contact us in a way that is convenient for you

Call us 1-877-477-7278
Need Help? Chat with a Pro
Or ask a question by filling in the form

Share your thoughts with other customers

Ask a Question
  • boxes images Over 2.1 Million Parts In Stock
  • time delivery images 2 Day Quick Delivery!
  • box-refresh images 365 Day Return Policy!
  • headphone imagesFree Tech Support!
  • google images Google Trusted Store