How to replace an electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator
This refrigerator DIY repair guide shows how to replace an electronic control board in bottom-freezer, top-freezer and side-by-side refrigerators. The electronic control board is the "brains" of the refrigerator that controls major components such as the compressor and fans. During a refrigerator electronic control board failure, the refrigerator can't cool correctly. It won't cool at all if the control board relay that turns on the compressor fails, which is the most common problem with a refrigerator control board (other failed parts can prevent the control board from running, such as the start device or overload fuse). Another symptom of a refrigerator control board failure is that fans, lights or other components aren't working.
For a reliable diagnosis, have a local refrigerator repair expert test the refrigerator electronic control board. If you need to replace it, use the manufacturer-approved fridge part that fits your model.
This repair procedure works for Kenmore, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Frigidaire, Electrolux, GE, Bosch, JennAir and Daewoo refrigerators that have the electronic control board mounted on the back cabinet panel.
Use our repair guide/video How to replace the electronic control board inside a top-freezer refrigerator if your top-freezer fridge’s control board is in the control box at the top of the refrigerator section.
How to replace an electronic control board on back of a refrigerator video.
Instructions
- 01.
Disconnect the electrical power
Carefully pull the refrigerator forward and unplug the refrigerator. The refrigerator will be without power for about 30 minutes, which shouldn't affect most refrigerated or frozen foods. However, you may want to move highly perishable food to a cooler. Move the refrigerator so you can easily reach the control board cover on the back of the refrigerator.
Tip: If the water supply line for the ice maker isn’t long enough for you to pull the refrigerator out, shut the valve and disconnect the line. - 02.
Remove the cover on the electronic control board
Locate the control board cover—depending on the model, it could be on the back of the refrigerator, or inside the refrigerator on a side wall or the ceiling.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws from the control board cover. Support the cover as you remove the last screw so it doesn’t fall. Remove the cover.
PHOTO: Remove the electronic control board cover screws.
PHOTO: Remove the control board cover.
- 03.
Detach the wires
Label the wires or take a digital picture before detaching them so you can reconnect them correctly later.
Depending on the connector type, you might have to pry the connectors off with needle-nose pliers or release a locking tab with a slot screwdriver. Detach all the wires from the electronic control board.
PHOTO: Disconnect the control board wires.
- 04.
Remove the electronic control board
Using a slot screwdriver, release the plastic locking tabs that secure the electronic control board and then remove the electronic control board.
PHOTO: Release the locking tabs.
PHOTO: Remove the control board.
- 05.
Install the new electronic control board
Insert the new electronic control board and snap it into the locking tabs. Referring to your notes or digital photo, connect the wires to the new control board.
Tip: To dissipate static discharge that can damage to the new control board, touch the metal cabinet or wear a grounding strap. - 06.
Reinstall the cover
Position the cover on the control board compartment and line up the screw holes. Insert the screws and tighten them firmly.
- 07.
Restore electrical power and connect water
Plug the power cord into the wall outlet. Reattach the water supply line and turn on the water valve.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your refrigerators
Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.
Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost tim…
Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freeze…
Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer o…
Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, cl…
Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, se…
Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubin…
Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan…
Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condens…
Most common repair guides to help fix your refrigerators
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your refrigerator.
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board
If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature cont…
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils
Help your refrigerator run more efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils. It's easy and takes just a few minutes.…
How to replace a refrigerator water valve
Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your refrigerators
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your refrigerator.
See how to install the water filter on your GE refrigerator, no matter the filter type or refrigerator style.…
No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter.…
Get tips and advice on replacing the water filter in your LG refrigerator.…