How to replace the electronic control board inside a top-freezer refrigerator

This DIY repair guide gives instructions for replacing the electronic control board inside a top-freezer refrigerator. The control board is located inside the control box at the top of the refrigerator section.

When the electronic control board senses the temperature in the refrigerator rising, it sends voltage to the compressor and fans to begin the cooling cycle. The control board also controls the defrost cycle, based on temperatures inside the refrigerator and freezer sections. If the electronic control board fails, the compressor won't run and the freezer won't defrost. Because problems with parts other than the electronic control board can cause the same symptoms, a local refrigerator repair expert should test the electronic control board. If the control board isn't working, replace it with the manufacturer-approved refrigerator part that fits your refrigerator model.

This repair procedure shows how to replace the electronic control board in some Kenmore and Frigidaire top-freezer refrigerators. You can use the same basic procedure to replace the electronic control board in some Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, GE and Haier refrigerators.

Use our repair guide/video How to replace the electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator if that’s where the control board is on your top-freezer, bottom-freezer or side-by-side refrigerator.

Instructions

1. Shut off the power

Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Safely store any sensitive food items or medicine during the repair.

2. Remove the control box

Remove the screw that secures the control box to the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment.

Pull the control box forward to disengage the tabs at the rear of the control box.

Pull the control box down and unplug the control box wire harness from the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment.

Remove the control box and place it on a work table.

3. Release the electronic control board housing

Pry out the two locking tabs and release the electronic control board housing from the control box.

Turn the housing over to access the electronic control board.

4. Remove the control board

Pry out the small locking tab and release the electronic control board from the housing.

Flip the electronic control board over.

Disconnect the wires from the electronic control board.

Remove the electronic control board.

5. Install the new control board

Connect the wires to the new electronic control board.

Flip the electronic control board over and snap it into the housing.

6. Reinstall the electronic control board housing

Position the electronic control board housing in the control box and snap it into place, engaging the locking tabs.

Route the wires through the channels and into the wire retainer on the top of the electronic control board housing.

7. Reinstall the control box

Plug the control box wire harness into the refrigerator compartment ceiling connector.

Line up the drain tube spout at the back of the control box with the drain hole in the upper back wall of the refrigerator compartment.

Push the control box back across the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment, inserting the drain tube into the drain hole and engaging the tabs at the rear of the control box.

Reinstall the screw that secures the control box to the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment.

8. Restore electrical power

Plug in the refrigerator to restore power.