Thermador Refrigerator control panel not working: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

Press all buttons on the Thermador refrigerator control panel to check if the user interface control board is faulty. If certain buttons fail to respond while others work normally, the control board likely needs replacing. Also verify the display is functioning - a blank or frozen display indicates board failure. Before replacing, check that power is reaching the board and outlet is live. If the board has power but buttons or display don't work, the board is defective.

How to Replace Thermador Refrigerator User Control and Display Board:

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

   • Ensure you have a clean and well-lit workspace.
   • Unplug the Thermador refrigerator or disconnect the power source to prevent electrical accidents while working on this electronic component.

2. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials:

   • Collect the tools required for the task, including a screwdriver and a replacement user control and display board compatible with your Thermador refrigerator model.

3. Access the Display Board Location:

   • Locate the current user control and display board, which is typically situated on the front panel of the Thermador refrigerator, often near the temperature controls and settings.

4. Remove the Front Panel:

   • In many cases, you'll need to remove the Thermador refrigerator's front panel to access the user control and display board. Review your user manual for specific instructions on how to do this.

5. Disconnect the Wiring:

   • Carefully disconnect the wiring harnesses or connectors that supply power and data to the user control and display board. Make sure to unplug the Thermador refrigerator to avoid electrical hazards.

6. Remove the Old Display Board:

   • Most display boards are attached with screws, clips, or fasteners. Use the appropriate tool to disengage these connections.
   • Gently detach the old user control and display board from its mounting location.

7. Install the New Display Board:

   • Align the replacement user control and display board in the same location where the old one was removed.
   • Secure the new board in place using the screws, clips, or fasteners provided with the replacement part.

8. Reconnect the Wiring:

   • Reattach the wiring harnesses or connectors to the new display board, ensuring a secure and proper connection.

9. Reassemble the Thermador Refrigerator:

   • If you had to remove the front panel, reassemble these components, ensuring everything fits securely.

10. Restore Power:

    • Plug the Thermador refrigerator back in or reconnect the power source to the unit.

11. Test the New User Control and Display Board:

    • Power on the Thermador refrigerator and confirm that the new user control and display board functions correctly. Check the temperature controls, settings, and other features to ensure they display and respond as expected. 

Repair Instructions:

For Thermador refrigerators where the control panel is integrated with the dispenser, assess if controls are completely or partially inoperative to pinpoint the issue. If no buttons work, the main control board is likely faulty versus limited failures suggesting a bad user interface. Malfunctioning main boards disrupt all controls. But if some dispenser buttons remain functional, the issue is isolated to the user control panel portion.

How to Replace Thermador Refrigerator Dispenser Front Panel:

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

   • Ensure you have a clean and well-lit workspace for a safe and efficient replacement process.
   • Unplug the Thermador refrigerator or disconnect the power source to prevent electrical accidents.

2. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials:

   • Collect the essential tools, including a screwdriver, pliers, and a replacement dispenser front panel that matches your Thermador refrigerator model.

3. Empty the Dispenser Area:

   • Remove any items stored in the dispenser area, including water or ice containers, to access the front panel more easily.

4. Locate the Old Dispenser Front Panel:

   • Identify the existing front panel, which covers the water and ice dispenser components on the front of your Thermador refrigerator.

5. Remove the Old Dispenser Front Panel:

   • Most dispenser front panels are secured with screws, clips, or snaps. Use the appropriate tool to disengage these fasteners.
   • Gently pry the old front panel from its mounting, taking care not to damage any surrounding components.

6. Install the New Dispenser Front Panel:

   • Align the replacement front panel in the same location where the old one was removed.
   • Secure the new panel in place using screws, clips, or snaps provided with the replacement part.

7. Reconnect the Dispenser Components:

   • Reattach any components like buttons, switches, or levers that were removed during the process.
   • Make sure everything fits securely and functions properly.

8. Return Items to the Dispenser Area:

   • Place the containers and items back into the dispenser area, ensuring they are correctly positioned.

9. Restore Power:

   • Plug the Thermador refrigerator back in or reconnect the power source to the unit.

10. Test the New Dispenser Front Panel:

    • Operate the water and ice dispenser to verify that the new front panel functions correctly and that all buttons and levers work as expected.

Repair Instructions:

Press all buttons on the Thermador refrigerator control panel to check if the display board is malfunctioning. If certain buttons fail to respond while others work normally, the display board likely needs replacing. Also verify the display is functioning - a blank or frozen display indicates board failure. Before replacing, check that power is reaching the board. If the display board has power but buttons or display don't work, the board is defective.

How to Replace Thermador Refrigerator Display Board:

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

   • Ensure you have a clean, well-lit workspace.
   • Unplug the Thermador refrigerator or disconnect the power source to ensure safety while working on electrical components.

2. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials:

   • Collect the tools required for the task, which may include a screwdriver and a replacement display board that matches your Thermador refrigerator model.

3. Identify the Display Board Location:

   • Locate the existing display board on your Thermador refrigerator. It's typically found on the front panel, often near the water and ice dispenser or temperature controls.

4. Access the Display Board:

   • Depending on your Thermador refrigerator model, you may need to remove the outer panel or housing to access the display board. Refer to your user manual for specific instructions.

5. Disconnect the Wiring:

   • Carefully disconnect the wiring harness or connectors that provide power and data to the display board. Use caution and make sure the Thermador refrigerator is unplugged to prevent electrical shocks.

6. Remove the Old Display Board:

   • Display boards are typically secured with screws, clips, or fasteners. Use the appropriate tool to release these connections.
   • Gently detach the old display board from its mounting location.

7. Install the New Display Board:

   • Align the replacement display board in the same location where the old one was removed.
   • Secure the new display board in place using the screws, clips, or fasteners provided with the replacement part.

8. Reconnect the Wiring:

   • Reattach the wiring harness or connectors to the new display board, ensuring a secure and proper connection.

9. Reassemble the Thermador Refrigerator:

   • If you had to remove the outer panel or housing, reassemble these components, ensuring everything fits snugly.

10. Restore Power:

    • Plug the Thermador refrigerator back in or reconnect the power source to the unit.

11. Test the New Display Board:

    • Power on the Thermador refrigerator and verify that the new display board functions correctly. Check that the temperature controls and other features display and respond as expected. 

Repair Instructions:

Loose wiring between the control panel and control board can cause issues. Check that the wire harness connectors are fully plugged in and secured at both ends. Wiggle the wires to ensure tight fitment with no disconnects. Inspect the length of the wire harness for damage like frayed wires or cracked insulation that requires replacement.

Repair Instructions:

The dispenser control board controls most dispenser functions. If just one dispenser component fails, test individual parts first before the board. But if the entire dispenser system malfunctions, the board is the likely culprit. Check each dispenser part like the ice maker, water valve and display individually if only one isn't working.

How to Replace Thermador Refrigerator Dispenser Control Board

1. Safety Measures:

   • Begin by unplugging the Thermador refrigerator to ensure your safety throughout the replacement process.
   • Remove all items from the dispenser area and clear any obstacles that may hinder access to the control board.

2. Locate the Dispenser Control Board:

   • Refer to the user manual or search online to pinpoint the exact location of the dispenser control board in your specific Thermador refrigerator model.
   • Typically, it is positioned behind the touchpad or control panel of the dispenser.

3. Remove the Control Panel:

   • Using a suitable screwdriver, carefully detach the control panel from the Thermador refrigerator's exterior.
   • Keep track of the screws and store them in a secure place to prevent misplacement.

4. Disconnect Wires and Remove the Old Control Board:

   • Identify the wires connected to the control board and take note of their positions.
   • Gently detach the wires by sliding off the connectors or using pliers, depending on the type of connection.
   • Remove the old dispenser control board from its housing by carefully pulling it out.

5. Install the New Dispenser Control Board:

   • Insert the new dispenser control board into the designated slot, ensuring a secure fit.
   • Reconnect the wires to the corresponding terminals by firmly pressing them into place.

6. Replace the Control Panel:

   • Reattach the control panel by aligning it with the appropriate slots and securely tightening the screws.
   • Confirm that the panel is properly secured and tightly in place.

7. Restore Power and Test:

   • Plug the Thermador refrigerator back into the power source.
   • Test the dispenser to ensure the new control board is functioning correctly and effectively dispensing water or ice.

8. Clean Up:

   • Dispose of any packaging from the new dispenser control board and return the Thermador refrigerator's contents to their original positions.
   • Wipe down the area to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the replacement process.

9. Final Check:

   • Double-check all connections and ensure that the control panel is securely fastened.
   • Confirm that the Thermador refrigerator dispenser is operating smoothly and that the new dispenser control board has resolved any previous issues.

Always refer to the specific user manual for your Thermador refrigerator model and consider seeking professional assistance if you are uncertain about the replacement process.

Repair Instructions:

Thermador Refrigerator door control panels often have a child lock feature that disables the buttons. This prevents accidental changes or usage of the panel. Check the owner's manual for instructions on activating and deactivating child lock, which is typically done by pressing the child lock button for 3-4 seconds. When enabled, the control panel buttons will not respond when pressed until child lock is turned off.

Repair Instructions:

The control board might be defective. However, the control board is rarely at fault for this problem. Before replacing the control board, first check all of the dispenser components. If none of the dispenser components are defective, consider replacing the control board.

How to Replace a Thermador Refrigerator Control Board

1. Unplug the Thermador Refrigerator. Unplug the Thermador refrigerator from the electrical outlet to ensure your safety while working on the appliance.
2. Locate the Control Board. Identify the current control board, typically located in the Thermador refrigerator's control panel, which is often located on the front of the appliance, near the top or inside the Thermador refrigerator section.
3. Document Wiring Connections. Take photographs or make a detailed note of the wiring connections on the old control board for correctly reconnecting the wires to the new control board.
4. Disconnect Wiring. Gently disconnect the wires and connectors from the old control board.
5. Remove the Old Control Board. You may need to remove screws, clips, or retaining brackets securing the old control board. Carefully remove these components to access the control board.
6. Install the New Control Board. Position the new control board in the same location as the old one and secure it with screws, clips, or brackets.
7. Reconnect Wiring. Reattach the wires and connectors to the corresponding terminals on the new control board.
8. Plug in the Thermador Refrigerator. Allow the Thermador refrigerator to run for a while. Test the control board's functionality by adjusting temperature settings, ensuring that it properly regulates the Thermador refrigerator's temperature and features like defrost cycles.

Repair Instructions:

While the main control board could be responsible for a malfunctioning dispenser, it is rarely the underlying cause. First, thoroughly test all individual dispenser parts like the ice maker, water valve and display before the control board. Issues are more likely from faulty dispenser components versus the board controlling them. If testing confirms proper operation of the ice maker, water valve, display and wiring, the main board may be defective. But the main board should only be replaced after first ruling out the other dispenser components it controls.

How to Replace Thermador Refrigerator Main Control Board

1. Safety Measures:

   • Start by unplugging the Thermador refrigerator to avoid any electrical mishaps during the replacement process.
   • Remove all items from the Thermador refrigerator and clear any obstacles that may impede access to the control board.

2. Locate the Control Board:

   • Refer to the user manual or search online for the precise location of the main control board in your specific Thermador refrigerator model.
   • Typically, the control board is positioned behind the control panel or at the back of the Thermador refrigerator.

3. Remove the Control Panel:

   • Using an appropriate screwdriver, carefully detach the control panel from the Thermador refrigerator's exterior.
   • Ensure to keep track of the screws and store them in a secure place to prevent misplacement.

4. Disconnect Wires and Remove the Old Control Board:

   • Identify the wires connected to the control board and note their positions.
   • Gently disconnect the wires by sliding off the connectors or using pliers, depending on the type of connection.
   • Remove the old main control board from its housing by carefully pulling it out.

5. Install the New Control Board:

   • Place the new control board into the designated slot, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
   • Reconnect the wires to the corresponding terminals by firmly pressing them into place.

6. Replace the Control Panel:

   • Reattach the control panel by aligning it with the appropriate slots and securely tightening the screws.
   • Confirm that the panel is properly secured and tightly in place.

7. Restore Power and Test:

   • Plug the Thermador refrigerator back into the power source.
   • Set the Thermador refrigerator to the recommended settings and monitor its performance over the next few hours.
   • Ensure that the control board is effectively managing the Thermador refrigerator's functions and that it is operating as expected.

8. Clean Up:

   • Dispose of any packaging from the new control board and return the Thermador refrigerator's contents to their original positions.
   • Wipe down the area to eliminate any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the replacement process.

9. Final Check:

   • Double-check all connections and ensure that the control panel is securely fastened.
   • Confirm that the Thermador refrigerator is functioning smoothly and that the new main control board has resolved any previous issues.

Always refer to the specific user manual for your Thermador refrigerator model and consider seeking professional assistance if you are uncertain about the replacement process.