How to Fix a Motor Control Board for a Washer That Has Spinning Issues

If your washer is not spinning or is spinning slowly, the motor control board may be to blame. You may have noticed that the drive motor will not spin, or it is not spinning at the correct speed - this is a sign that the motor control board may be damaged or faulty. As the motor control board involves a complicated wiring diagram, you may wish to have an inspection done by a qualified technician. However, there’s no need to be intimidated; we’ll walk you through finding the motor control board in your washer and inspecting it yourself. By the time you get to the end of this guide, you will be able to determine if the cause of your washer not spinning is a problem with the motor control board. You will also feel confident in your ability to replace it with a new one if it is no longer usable.

What is a Motor Control Board?

The motor control board is a separate circuit board that receives signals from the main control board to activate the drive motor. It controls the drive motor speed as well as the direction for the spin and tumble actions during the cycle. This part is also known as a motor control unit (MCU).

Where is the Motor Control Board Located?

The location of the motor control board varies between model types so it is recommended that you refer to your user manual to find this part. The following 3D renderings will give you an idea of where the motor control board commonly is.

General Location of the Motor Control Board in a Front Load Washer

In a front load washer, the motor control board may be found nearer to the front panel of the washer, on either side of the tub.

Alternatively, the motor control board may be in the top panel of the washer. Again, it may be found on either the left or right side of the tub.

General Location of the Motor Control Board in a Top Load Washer

In a top load washer, the motor control board is typically in the control panel of the washer.

FIX TIP

Remember that before handling any electronic appliances to disconnect the power source from your appliance before beginning to avoid electrocution.

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect a Motor Control Board

1. The way to access the motor control board will vary depending on your washer model. Depending on the location, you may need to elevate your machine to gain access to the bottom, or to remove the front panel, or to remove the back panel. You should refer to your washer model’s schematic to determine the exact location of the motor control board.
2. Be sure to disconnect the power supply to the appliance before you begin.
3. You will need to remove any screws securing the motor control board to the washer and disconnect any wire harnesses before removing the unit.

How to Remove a Motor Control Board in Your Front-Load Washer

How to Remove a Motor Control Board in Your Top-Load Washer

How to Test a Motor Control Board

There are not too many ways you can test a motor control board to check if its working other than looking for any apparent damage.

1. Check the fuse on the control board for any signs of damage - if not, you can always test its continuity with a multimeter.
2. To test its continuity, set your multimeter to continuity mode.
3. Use the two probes and test both side of the fuse - if there's no visual indication or sound when completing the circuit, the fuse is likely blown and the whole control board will need to be replaced.

How to Test a Motor Control Board in Your Front-Load Washer

How to Test a Motor Control Board in Your Top-Load Washer

How to Install a New Washer Motor Control Board

Reconnect the wire harnesses and the mounting screws to secure the new unit to the washer. Replace the back panel or the front panel, if you needed to remove them.

How to Install a Motor Control Board in Your Front-Load Washer

How to Install a Motor Control Board in Your Top-Load Washer

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