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.
Replacing a refrigerator electronic control board video.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off the power
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Safely store any sensitive food items or medicine during the repair.
- 02.
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.
PHOTO: Remove the control box screw.
PHOTO: Pull the control box down.
PHOTO: Unplug the wire harness.
- 03.
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.
PHOTO: Release the control board housing locking tabs.
PHOTO: Release the control board housing.
- 04.
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.
PHOTO: Release the circuit board from its housing.
PHOTO: Disconnect the control board wires.
PHOTO: Remove the control board.
- 05.
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.
PHOTO: Connect the control board wires.
- 06.
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.
PHOTO: Install the control board.
- 07.
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.
PHOTO: Plug in the wire harness.
PHOTO: Line up the drain tube.
PHOTO: Reinstall the control box.
PHOTO: Reinstall the screw.
- 08.
Restore electrical power
Plug in the refrigerator to restore power.
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: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubin…
Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer o…
Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condens…
Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, se…
Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan…
Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, cl…
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 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…
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 temperature control board
If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature cont…
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.
No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter.…
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get tips and advice on replacing the water filter in your LG refrigerator.…