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The DIY Guide to Replacing the Control Board on Your Washing Machine

Hey everyone! In the spirit of repairing instead of replacing, I'm here to guide you through a common home repair issue. Is your washer acting up? Spitting bubbles, spinning too hard, or refusing to clean your clothes? If so, it might be time to roll up your sleeves and dive into replacing the control board on your washer. Not as daunting as it sounds, I promise!

Learning the Lingo

Before we get started, let's get familiar with some vocabulary. What on earth is a control board, anyway? Think of it as the brain of your washer. It's an electronic circuit board that commands the machine, telling it when to spin, wash, rinse, and dry. If your washer has been acting out, the control board is likely the culprit.

Tool Up!

Before we dive in, you'll need to arm yourself with some necessary tools. Don't worry; most are standard items in a DIY'er's toolbox.

  1. Screwdriver set – We'll be dismounting and mounting screws during this process.
  2. Multimeter – A digital one will do just fine. This will help us test the control board.
  3. Replacement control board – Most importantly, you need the new brain for your machine! You can find these online or at your local appliance parts store. Make sure to note the model number of your washer before purchasing.

Safety First!

Without scaring you away, let's add a disclaimer: As we'll be dealing with electronic parts, it's important to ensure safety first. Make sure to unplug your washer before you start. Also, take care not to touch any capacitor terminals; they can store electricity even after the washer is unplicked.

Now, Let's Get to it!

Step 1: Access the Control Board

First off, we'll need to find the control board. It is usually placed at the top back of your washer. You'll probably find it encased in a metal box. Find and remove the screws that hold the control box in place. Carefully remove the box or panel, revealing the control board.

Step 2: Test the Control Board

Next, we'll need to make sure that the control board is indeed the troublemaker. With your multimeter, you want to check if it's still sending voltage to the motor. If it's not, bingo, we've found our problem!

Step 3: Remove faulty Control Board

Before you start pulling the control board out, take a picture with your smartphone for reference of the wiring. This will be a lifesaver when you're wiring your new control board. After that, disconnect all the wires attached to the board. Carefully remove the screws holding the control board in place and take out the faulty control board.

Step 4: Install the new Control Board

Now's the time for our new superstar to make its debut. Install your replacement control board by following your previous steps in reverse. Match the wires to their corresponding terminal points (that smartphone photo will come handy now). Then, screw the board back in place.

Step 5: Test the Machine

Once all is done and dusted, plug back your washer and run a wash cycle to test if the machine is working fine.

Clean Clothes Ahead!

And there you go! With the replacement of a control board, you've just extended the life of your washing machine. You're a DIY'er, through and through. Not only did you save yourself a pile of money, but you've just pulled off a satisfyingly practical home repair. Be proud, roll out those clean clothes, and get ready for the next exciting DIY adventure.