Kenmore Washing Machine: faulty control board

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are you facing issues with your Kenmore washing machine? If controls are unresponsive, cycles behave erratically, or the machine fails to start, it may indicate a faulty control board. This can stem from component degradation, moisture intrusion, or loose connections, leading to improper washing functions and disruptions in operation.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore official troubleshooting notes that control panel unresponsiveness or incorrect display after resets may indicate control board problems requiring professional attention

Possible Causes

Electronic control board failure due to component degradation or damage

How to Identify: Unresponsive control panel, error codes unrelated to other specific parts, cycles stopping or skipping steps, erratic operation

Part: Control board / main PCB

Moisture intrusion causing short circuits or corrosion

How to Identify: Signs of water exposure near the control board area, erratic lights or failing inputs even after drying, visible corrosion

Part: Control board contacts and circuitry

Power surges or voltage irregularities damaging control board components

How to Identify: Washer fails after a known surge event, board shows burnt components or smells of burning

Part: Control board circuitry and components

Loose or damaged wiring/connectors to control board

How to Identify: Intermittent symptoms, disconnecting/reconnecting harness temporarily restores function

Part: Wiring harness/connectors

DIY Solutions

Soft Reset of Control Board

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Unplug the washing machine from power.
  2. Wait 5 minutes to allow capacitors to discharge.
  3. Plug the washer back in and attempt to restart the cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before waiting period

Inspect and Reseat Wiring Connections

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Flashlight
  1. Disconnect power.
  2. Remove access panel to reach control board.
  3. Visually inspect wiring harnesses for loose, corroded, or damaged connections.
  4. Reseat all connectors firmly.
  5. Reassemble and test washer operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before opening the machine

Professional Repairs

Control Board Replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $300

Diagnostic and Repair of Moisture or Surge Damage

Estimated Cost: $100 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Repeated failure after DIY resets and inspections
Visible burn marks or damaged components on control board
Persistent error codes indicating board or communication failure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Use surge protector: Control board damage from voltage spikes
    Frequency: Always
  • Keep washer area dry and well‑ventilated: Moisture intrusion into electronics
    Frequency: Ongoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine faulty control board?
The control board may fail due to component degradation, moisture intrusion, power surges, or loose wiring.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine faulty control board myself?
You can perform a soft reset by unplugging the machine for 5 minutes or inspect and reseat wiring connections.
How much does it cost to fix faulty control board?
Professional repair costs range from $80 to $300 for control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for faulty control board?
Consider contacting a technician if DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if you encounter complex damage.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

60%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty control board due to electrical surges or power issues
  • Corroded or damaged wiring connections to the control board
  • Software glitch or firmware issue in the control board

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Perform a power reset by unplugging the washing machine for 5 minutes, then plugging it back in. Check if the F1 error code clears.

  2. Inspect wiring connections to the control board for corrosion or damage. Repair or replace any faulty wires.

  3. Replace the control board if the previous solutions do not resolve the issue. Ensure to order the correct part for your model.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Most reliable washing machines today?

Community Discussions

F1 error code

Consider replacing with a Speed Queen if repair costs are high.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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