Frigidaire Refrigerator Control Panel Not Working? Get Solutions!

One of the least common complaints against Frigidaire refrigerators is that the control panel doesn’t work. Although it’s a rare case, there should be a complete solution in Google, right? So, why is your Frigidaire refrigerator control panel not working? What do you think?

A malfunctioning control panel can caused by power issues, disconnected or damaged wire harnesses, ice maker issues, or poor factory design. You can identify this issue by inspecting some common issues like a defective display board, defrosting issues, and so on.

But what about the fixes? How can you get rid of this problem? Let’s get into the details.

Symptoms of A Faulty Frigidaire Refrigerator Control Panel?

First off, let’s get some handy ideas about the common symptoms of a defective Frigidaire refrigerator control panel.

1. Defective Frigidaire Refrigerator Display Board

A defective Frigidaire Refrigerator control board can result in a defective display board. A display board controls the visual functions of the refrigerator’s control panel.

When it fails, you may experience unresponsive buttons, erratic or missing visuals, and an inability to interact with the control panel effectively. Essentially, it hinders your ability to set and adjust temperature settings, access features, or receive information displayed on the control panel which impacts the refrigerator’s overall usability.

How to Fix It:

Here are methods to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue of a defective display board in your Frigidaire refrigerator:

Power Outage Reset:

• If your refrigerator’s control panel stops working after a power outage, try resetting it.
• The reset method may vary depending on your refrigerator’s make and model.
• Common reset procedures include pressing specific buttons simultaneously to restore the display panel’s normal function.

Display Reset Methods:

Different refrigerator models may require specific reset methods to address display board issues. Here are some examples of methods to reset the display board:

• Method 1: Hold down both the “Energy Saving” and “Lighting” buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds. Alternatively, you can use the top left and right buttons for this method. This should restore your display panel to its normal operation.

• Method 2: To reset the display, press the “Power Freeze” and “Power Cool” buttons simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds.

• Method 3: Another reset option is to press both the “Freezer” and “Ref” buttons at the same time for around 8 seconds. This should initiate the reset process.

• Method 4: You can also try pressing and holding the “power freeze” and “vacation” buttons for a duration of 8 to 10 seconds to reset the display.

Display Board Replacement:

If the display board remains unresponsive after attempted resets, it may be necessary to replace the defective board. Contact the manufacturer, an authorized technician, or a professional repair service for guidance on obtaining and installing a new display board.

2. Disconnected or Damaged Wire Harness

A disconnected or damaged wire harness means that the wiring connections within a refrigerator become loose, disconnected, or physically damaged. A defective wire harness disrupts the flow of power and signals between components, such as the control panel, display board, and main control board.

It eventually leads to malfunctions in the refrigerator’s control panel and causes issues with temperature settings, display errors, or unresponsive buttons. Identifying and addressing these wire harness problems is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the appliance.

So, how does a defective control board contribute to a damaged wire harness?

Wwii, when the control board malfunctions, it may send incorrect signals or experience power surges. These irregular electrical behaviours can place stress on the wire harness, leading to physical damage or disconnection of the wires. How to fix it? Check the information below.

How to Fix It:

To address a disconnected or damaged wire harness in your Frigidaire refrigerator, follow these steps:

Inspect Wire Harness Connections:

• Ensure that wire harness connectors are tight and properly connected.
• Check the wiring connections between the control panel, display board, and main control board.
• Reconnect any loose or disconnected wire harnesses securely.

Repair or Replace Damaged Wire Harness:

• If you find a damaged wire harness with cuts or breaks, it will need to be repaired or replaced. Repair may involve carefully resoldering the wire, but this is often a temporary fix.
• For a more permanent solution, replacement of the damaged wire harness is recommended.

Consider Manufacturer Contact:

If you know that the wire harness damage is caused by the poor factory design or assembly, consider contacting the manufacturer. They may provide guidance or solutions for addressing the underlying design issues.

3. Ice Maker Won’t Dispense Ice

When your ice maker doesn’t dispense ice, it means that although the ice maker is producing ice, it can’t release or dispense the ice through the dispenser on your refrigerator.

This issue can occur due to various reasons, including a defective control board. A malfunctioning control board can disrupt the signals needed to activate the ice dispenser, causing it to fail. So, when the control board doesn’t function correctly, it indirectly affects the ice dispenser’s operation.

How to Fix It:

1. Unlock the Display:

• Check if your refrigerator display is locked. A locked display will not dispense water or ice.
• Press and hold the lock key on your display for about 3 seconds to unlock it.

2. Check for Ice and Proper Door Closure:

• Make sure there is ice in the ice bin.
• Ensure that the refrigerator doors are completely closed when attempting to dispense ice.
• If the dispenser paddle has been pressed for an extended period, it may have triggered a shut-off device. The dispenser is designed to shut off after 3 minutes of continuous use to prevent the motor from overheating. To reset this device, release the dispenser paddle and then use it again if needed.

3. Clear Ice Jams:

• Ice jams can occur if ice melts and refreezes around the auger due to infrequent use, temperature fluctuations, or power outages.
• Remove the ice bin, thaw, and empty its contents. Clean the ice bin and place it back properly.
• Ensure there are no ice cubes jammed between the ice maker and the ice bin. Remove any jammed ice and replace the ice bin.
• Avoid rotating the auger in the ice bin when removing or replacing it. If accidentally rotated, realign the auger by turning it in 45-degree increments until the ice bin fits into place.

4. Frigidaire Refrigerator Won’t Defrost

When a Frigidaire refrigerator doesn’t defrost, it means that the appliance can’t perform its regular defrosting cycles. When it occurs, there could be temperature fluctuations, reduced cooling efficiency, and possible spoilage of food.

A defective control board can be a common cause of this problem, as it may fail to initiate or regulate the defrost cycle properly, leading to the frosting issue within the refrigerator.

How to Fix It:

To resolve the issue of your Frigidaire refrigerator not defrosting, follow these steps:

1. Check the Defrost Control Board:

• First, test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat to ensure they are functioning correctly. If these components are working, consider replacing the defrost control board, as it may be defective.

2. Inspect the Defrost Timer:

• Manually advance the defrost timer’s dial into the defrost cycle.
• Confirm that the compressor turns off and the heater activates.
• If the timer fails to advance or send power to the defrost components within 30 minutes, it’s likely defective and should be replaced.

3. Address a Malfunctioning Defrosting Thermostat:

• Ensure the refrigerator is disconnected from the main power supply to prevent electric shocks.
• Locate the defrost thermostat inside the fridge and detach it from the wiring harness.
• Remove the old thermostat from its housing and replace it with a new one designed for your specific refrigerator model.
• Position the new thermostat correctly in the same spot as the old one to monitor the temperature effectively.
• Plug the refrigerator back in, turn it on, and monitor the defrosting operation.

How Can You Test The Frigidaire Refrigerator Control Board?

Once you start feeling that your refrigerator control board is malfunctioning, you need to test it to be sure. Here’s the process for you.

1. Locate the Control Board:

• Remove the bottom grille of your refrigerator, which conceals the control board.
• If your refrigerator has a French-door style freezer, you’ll also need to pull out the drawer before accessing the grille.
• The control board is housed in a white case at the top of the area.

2. Detach the Control Board:

• Use a large flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry the housing loose and pull it out.

3. Set Up for Resistance Test:

• Since this test involves connecting the refrigerator to a power source, take precautions not to touch any control board components without the proper equipment.
• You’ll need a multimeter for this test. Set the multimeter to measure voltage (DC), typically indicated by a “V” symbol with dotted and straight lines.

4. Test the Resistance:

• Identify the harness on the control board with five wires.
• Insert the red probe of the multimeter into the 2nd-left wire of the harness. Insert the black probe into the 3rd-left wire beside the red probe.

5. Check the Multimeter Result:

• The multimeter should display a voltage reading of around 12-14 volts, indicating the control board is functioning correctly.

If the reading does not fall in this range, there’s something wrong with the control board for sure.

How to Replace A Refrigerator Control Board?

Now, let’s go through the simplified step-by-step guide on how to replace a faulty refrigerator control board.

Step 1: Access The Control Board

Unplug your Frigidaire refrigerator from the power source or switch off the circuit breaker that supplies power to it. Safety is a priority.

Now, locate and remove the control board panel typically hidden by the grille at the bottom of the refrigerator.

Pro tip: Before removing the control board, take a picture of the wire connectors or make a mental note of their positions. This step is vital to ensure you don’t misplace any connectors during reassembly.

Step 2: Release Test Port Plug

Disconnect the test port plug/connector on the control board. Free the retaining tab to release the board by depressing it and carefully detaching the board.

Step 3: Replace with New Control Board:

Get a new control board, which you can typically find on the manufacturer’s website or at retail stores. Insert the replacement board into the slot within the housing and gently press it until it clicks into place.

Step 4: Reconnect Wires and Restore Test Plug

Reattach the wire connectors to their respective terminals, ensuring they match the positions you recorded or remember. Place the test plug back into its original position, securing it in place as before.

Step 5: Reattach the Grille and Test the Replacement

Reattach the bottom grille of your Frigidaire refrigerator. Finally, plug your refrigerator back into the power source or switch on the circuit breaker to check if the newly installed control board functions correctly.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

Therefore, when your Frigidaire refrigerator’s control panel malfunctions, it can lead to various issues.

Problems like power interruptions, defective display boards, damaged wire harnesses, and non-dispensing ice can all be linked to control panel troubles. Testing the control board and replacing it when needed will help you resolve the issue.

But make sure you don’t take everything as a DIY project if you don’t have prior experience as it can cause further damage to your appliance. So, yes, consulting a professional is important. Take care!