Whirlpool Gold Dryer control panel not working

[iloveu1438]

Would you recommend that I just go out and get a new dryer or have a technician come by to take a look at it? To diagnose a problem, the tech wants $70. If it's the electronic control board, I believe I have a couple more months before my five years is up.

How do I test if it's not the display? Thanks so much for all your help.

[jumptrout51]

If your control board is covered under the 5 year warranty, yes, have it replaced.
Good luck.

[iloveu1438]

A tech just came by to diagnose the problem and confirmed it is the circuit board. He's charging an outrageous fee to install it though. My question is: is it fairly simple to install? Could I do it myself? TIA.

[jumptrout51]

The board can be mishandled or miswired and become inoperative.(fried).
How much for his professional service?

[RegUS_PatOff]

Looks like just about plug & play ...

[iloveu1438]

The link below is for the control board that they'll be sending me. When the tech opend up the unit, I saw the control board. There were a few wires connected to it. I just need to unplug the electric plug, open up the casing to the control board, unplug the wires to the old board and install the new one in. Is that right? Do I need any special tools?

http://www.repairclinic.com/SSPartDetail.aspx?s=t-GEW9868KQ2-%3d%3dc212i1156589&PartID=1156589

[jumptrout51]

You could do that. Make certain you change wire for wire.
Handle the new control board by its' sides.

[JWWebster]

Use the wrist strap. Wear rubber gloves.

[iloveu1438]

The oddest thing happened. My dryer started working again and I haven't replaced the control board. I left it unplugged for a few days, plugged it back in and it's working again. What do you think could be the problem? Is it a defective board?

[jumptrout51]

You may have a defective wall outlet not making good contact on the dryer cord.
If it happens again....remove the cover to the wall outlet after turning off the breaker to the dryer.
Inspect the female prongs in the outlet for a wide gap. If a wide gap is noticed, you could try and squeeze them with pliers and retry.
Otherwise, replace the wall outlet.

[iloveu1438]

If it is a defective wall outlet, should the drum light be working? When I open the door, the light still works.

I tried to use the dryer today, but it's not working again. I think it's the control board. How long does it take for Whirlpool to send out a board? It's been over a week now. TIA.

[jumptrout51]

Yes a defective wall outlet can still let the light work and not the motor.
Take the cover off the wiring terminal on the dryer and look for a burned wire.
Take the cover off the wall outlet and look for loose female outlet receptacles.
You have to have 220 volts to the dryer before everything has a chance to work.

Good Luck.

[Whirlpool®]

Control Board Factory Part Number: 3980061R

GEW9868KQ2 Tech Sheet

[iloveu1438]

I checked the wall outlet and it seems to be in working order. I finally received the control board, but I can't get access to change it out. I saw the tech open up the hood to diagnose the dryer, but I forgot how he got it to open. Are you familiar with the opening of the control panel? Could you walk me through it? Thanks so much.

[jumptrout51]

The rear panel on the control panel will come off and give you access to the parts therein.