How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer
This step-by-step washer repair guide shows machine control board replacement on a front-load washer. The washing machine control board manages the washer's cycles such as wash, rinse, drain and spin by communicating with components such as the drive motor and pump and activating them as needed. If the washing machine control board is completely dead or doesn't activate components properly, replace it with a manufacturer-approved washer part.
This procedure shows how to replace the machine control board (also known as the main electronic control board or mother board) in Kenmore, Kenmore Elite, LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung, GE and Amana front-load washers.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off the electricity
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
Have someone help you move the washer away from the wall.
- 02.
Remove the top panel from the washer
Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the 2 screws on the back of the washer that hold the top panel.
Pull the top panel toward the rear of the washer and lift it up and off.
PHOTO: Remove the 2 screws from the back of the top panel.
PHOTO: Remove the washer top panel.
- 03.
Move the dispenser hoses out of the way
Mark the location of dispenser hoses connected to the back of the dispenser housing with masking tape.
Release the spring clamps and pull the dispenser hoses off of the back of the dispenser housing.
Move the hoses to the side to access the front of the machine control board housing.
PHOTO: Dispenser hoses in front of the machine control board.
PHOTO: Move the dispenser hoses to the side.
- 04.
Remove the machine control board
Release the tabs on the plastic cover using a slot screwdriver.
Remove the front cover of the housing to access the wires connected to the machine control board.
Take a digital photograph or otherwise document the location of wires connected to the back of the electronic control board.
Release any locking tabs on the wire harness connection plugs and then pull each wire plug out of the connections on the back of the control board.
Remove the mounting screw.
Slide the machine control board housing to the left to release it from the cabinet.
Remove the machine control board and set it aside for disposal.
PHOTO: Remove the front cover of the machine control board housing.
PHOTO: Release the locking tabs of the wire harness connection plugs.
PHOTO: Disconnect all wires from the machine control board.
PHOTO: Remove the machine control board mounting screw.
PHOTO: Release the machine control board locking tabs.
PHOTO: Remove the machine control board.
- 05.
Install the new machine control board
Position the new machine control board in the mounting slots and slide it to the right to lock it in place.
Replace the mounting screw.
Using your digital photograph or documentation as a guide, connect all the wires to the new machine control board.
Position the housing on the front of the machine control board. Snap it into place, making sure all the locking tabs are engaged.
- 06.
Reinstall the dispenser hoses
Properly connect the dispenser hoses on the back of the dispenser housing.
- 07.
Reinstall the top panel
Push the panel down and forward to seat it on the washer frame.
Reinstall the screws to secure the back panel. Avoid overtightening.
- 08.
Restore the power
Plug the washer into the electrical outlet. Return the washer to its original location.
Symptoms common to all washers
Repair guides for front-load washers
The motor control board makes sure the motor spins in the right direction and at the right speed. You can install a new motor control board—just follow these 6 steps.
If the machine control board is completely dead or won't activate the washer components properly, replace it by following these instructions.
Follow these steps to replace the drain pump if it's not removing water from the washer.
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