Introduction
Use this guide to replace the control board in a Maytag dryer that powers on but will not start, or only beeps or clicks when you press Start. The control board, also called the machine control electronics or main control board, manages functions such as the motor and heater. Follow this guide after the service-booklet tests point to a failed control board. This guide was written around a Maytag dryer that uses control board part number 8546219, but similar Whirlpool and Maytag dryers may have small differences. Match the part number on the original board before ordering a replacement.
What you need
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Step 1 Prepare for electrical safety
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Keep the dryer fully assembled during any powered control checks.
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Step 2 Check the symptom and simple causes
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Plug in the fully assembled dryer and turn the control on.
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Press Start and confirm that the dryer only beeps or clicks and the drum does not spin.
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Open the door and spin the drum by hand to make sure it turns freely and is not blocked.
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Check that the dryer vent is clean and not the obvious cause of the problem.
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Step 3 Remove the lower front panel
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Pull out the pedestal drawer if the dryer is mounted on an under-drawer pedestal.
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Loosen the two screws in the lower front panel with a 1/4 inch nut driver.
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Let the panel drop down and maneuver it out of the dryer.
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Look inside the lower compartment for the service booklet used by repair technicians.
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Step 4 Choose the correct service booklet sequence
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Start on page one of the service booklet and read the electrostatic-discharge precautions.
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Check the code table for any diagnostic code shown on the dryer display.
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Choose the row for Won’t start cycle when the start button is pressed if the dryer powers on but will not run.
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Perform each possible-cause test in the sequence shown for that symptom.
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Follow the booklet’s references to the listed test numbers and pages.
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Step 5 Run the console diagnostic test
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With the dryer in standby, press Plus, Minus, Plus, Minus to enter diagnostics.
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Confirm that all the control-panel lights turn on.
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Press each button and turn the selector to make sure the matching control beeps or clicks.
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Press Start during the motor-and-heater test and watch the number display.
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Step 6 Check the door switch and moisture sensor
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Open the dryer door during diagnostics and listen for a beep each time the door opens.
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Use a wet washcloth to bridge the two metal moisture-sensor strips inside the drum.
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Listen for the same beep from the moisture-sensor circuit.
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Step 7 Remove the top panel
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Remove the three screws from the back of the top panel with a 1/4 inch nut driver.
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Slide the top panel backward and lift it off the dryer.
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Set the panel aside where it will not bend or scratch the cabinet.
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Step 8 Open the control board cover
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Locate the control-board cover under the top panel.
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Remove the two screws from the cover with a 1/4 inch nut driver.
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Work the cover upward until the control board is accessible.
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Step 9 Test the motor circuit at the board
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Set an ohmmeter to measure resistance.
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Use the wiring diagram to identify connector P1-3 and P1-4 on the control board.
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Place the probes on the light-blue wire and the dark-blue wire in that connector.
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If the reading falls in that range, the machine control electronics should be replaced.
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Step 10 Match the replacement control board
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Read the part number printed on the original control board before ordering or installing a replacement.
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Compare the replacement board to the old board and confirm that the layout and connectors match.
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Step 11 Release the old board
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Remove the screw holding the board to the metal bracket with a 1/4 inch nut driver.
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Push the retention tabs back and down to release the board from the bracket.
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Squeeze the wire-retainer tabs out of the cover.
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Step 12 Transfer the connectors
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Move the connectors from the old board to the new board one at a time.
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Release each connector latch and wiggle the connector off the old board.
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Plug each connector into the matching socket on the new board before removing another one.
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Check that the wires and terminals are secure in each connector.
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Squeeze the P1 connector latch to remove it and snap it onto the new board.
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Step 13 Inspect and clean the bracket
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Inspect the old board and the metal casing for fresh burn marks or scorched areas.
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Wipe the old burn mark off the metal casing with a clean cloth.
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Step 14 Install the new board
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Align the new board with the four pins in the metal bracket.
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Press the board into the bracket until all four retention tabs lock in place.
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Reinstall the board screw with a 1/4 inch nut driver.
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Push the wire retainers back into their original holes.
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Position the board and cover back where they normally sit under the top panel.
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Step 15 Test the repair before full reassembly
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Plug the dryer in only after the board is secure and every connector is fully seated.
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Turn the control on and choose a normal drying cycle.
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Press Start and confirm that the drum begins spinning.
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Step 16 Reassemble the dryer
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Reinstall the control-board cover with its two screws using a 1/4 inch nut driver.
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Slide the top panel forward into place and reinstall the three rear screws.
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Fit the lower front panel back under the drum and tighten the two screws.
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Reinstall the pedestal drawer if you removed it.
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Plug the dryer back in and run a short test cycle with the cabinet fully assembled.
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Verify every connector is seated, the wire retainers are back in their holes, and all panels are installed before running a full load. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.
