How to tell if a dryer control board is bad?

Author: Durward Bruen  |  Last update: Friday, May 2, 2025

The control board takes inputs from the user's cycle selections and works in conjunction with the relay board, which is a separate part of the dryer, to make the dryer work. If the relay board is not receiving any signals to run the motor or to turn on the heater, then the control board may be at fault.

How to check if a control board is bad?

Common symptoms or indicators of a failed control board include: Fans that will not run Fans that pulse and will not maintain consistent speeds Compressor not running (refrigerator not cooling) Multiple refrigerator components not working simultaneously Burned resistors on the main control board.

How much does it cost to replace a control board on a dryer?

Dryer control board repair costs $250 to $500 for installing a replacement. The average price of a control board is $130 to $400 for the part alone. This part controls the dryer temperature, timer, and all the settings.

How do I know if my washer control board is bad?

Washing machines should operate in a predictable manner. If your machine starts acting erratically, like stopping mid-cycle, skipping cycles, or not completing a cycle, the control board might be malfunctioning. Modern washing machines have digital displays that indicate cycle status, errors, and settings.

What causes a dryer control board to burn?

Three of the main reasons PCBs end up burning are: Extreme heat. Improper component spacing. Component failure or technician error.

DRYER REPAIR: How to Diagnose the Relay Board on Your Dryer | FIX.com

How do I know if my dryer circuit board is bad?

If your control board is experiencing electrical issues or is damaged, it may not send the correct signals, causing the timer to malfunction. If the dryer does not start, some cycles are not available, or the indicator light malfunctions, it is likely that the control board requires inspection.

Can a burnt circuit board be repaired?

Nevertheless, the damage can be repaired, and the board restored to its original integrity - and even appearance - by the following procedure. Some specialized tools are needed, and the liquid epoxy repair material can even be colored with color agents to replicate the color of the surrounding original board material.

Can you fix a control board?

“Today's household appliances rely heavily on computerized controls, which can be easily repaired should problems occur – allowing homeowners to avoid costly and unscheduled purchases,” explains Wadia. “A repaired control board can save most appliances for a fraction of what they would have cost to replace.”

Why do appliance control boards fail?

Electrical Surges

Often caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the power grid, these surges can cause irreparable damage to the electronic components, leading to either immediate or gradual failure of the control board.

How do you test an electronic control board?

Connect the negative lead of a multimeter to the ground plane on the circuit board. Connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the power input of the board. Power on the board and check the voltage reading on the multimeter. The voltage reading should match the specified input voltage for the board.

Is it cheaper to repair a dryer or buy a new one?

Dryer repair costs will vary depending on the issue. For example, it will cost much less to replace a dryer belt than a motor. That said, if your clothes dryer is more than halfway through its lifespan—7 years or more—and the repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new one, you should consider replacing it.

Why is my dryer not spinning?

The dryer belt and dryer motor are two parts that can cause your dryer to not spin if they aren't working properly. It can also be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker or an unplugged appliance.

Is it safe to fix your own dryer?

DIY Clothes Dryer Repairs

The good news is there may be a few minor DIY clothes dryer repairs you can safely handle yourself, such as fixing a bent or broken dryer door latch or resetting the dryer circuit breaker. However, always turn to a repair expert for more complex repairs.

How do I know if my control board is fried?

You turn on your heat, then smell burning plastic or metal, or a strange electric smell.

How do you know if your circuit board is burnt out?

Visually inspect the circuit board for obvious problems such as overheated components or bad connections. Look for small brown burn marks indicating overheated components that should be replaced. Check for bulging components or dull-looking connections as indicators of error.

How long do control boards last?

The control board on a furnace should last about 15 to 20 years, which is the typical life span of a furnace. However, certain parts of the control board can fail early, or a power surge can damage the system. If the control board prematurely fails, it will cost less to just replace this part.

How to test if a control board is bad?

Turn the furnace off and check each control terminal of your control board. Start with either Hot or Ground then move on to Cooling, Heat, Fan, and Limit Switches. If your voltage meter readings show no power at any of these control terminals, then you should replace your control board.

Why do most electrical appliances fail?

An appliance can have damaged electric circuits, bad wiring or broken cords, unstable electrical currents. It can ruin the appliance and give an electric shock to the user if plugged in. It is better to always check the condition of appliances before plugging them in.

How does a control board go bad?

moisture in the system. high voltage. a loose wire connection that creates heat and burns through the wire. dirt in the terminals or relays in the control board.

How much does it cost to replace a control board?

The average time to replace a control board can be 1-3 hours, making the total labor cost vary between $75 to $600. Additional Costs: Additional costs might include diagnostic fees, which can range from $50 to $100, and any extra parts or repairs needed during the process.

What does a damaged circuit board look like?

Check for signs of damage on the circuit board, such as crushed components, bulges, cracked wires, misplaced or extra solder, burn marks and scratches that indicate that the board needs to either be replaced or to be repaired. It is possible for scratches to expose and damage the connections beneath the lamination.

Who can test a circuit board?

Intertek offers top-tier quality validation services for Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and Assemblies (PCBAs). These components are vital across a wide range of products from everyday consumer electronics to critical automotive, aerospace, military and medical devices.

How can you tell if a circuit board is blown?

Start with a Visual Inspection

Often, circuit boards deployed in the field are damaged by electrical surges and there are telltale signs on the PCB. Look for a burnt spot, particularly on the power supply module or I/O and connectivity ports. Pay attention to cracked ICs, broken traces, and blown capacitors.

What would cause a circuit board to burn?

When a PCB overheats, it can cause the components on the board to malfunction, leading to a burnt circuit board. Overheating can be caused by various factors, including: Overloading: When a PCB is overloaded with too much current, it can cause the board to overheat and lead to a burnt circuit board.

Can you fix a fried circuit board?

PCB repair can be delicate and challenging, but with the right tools and a little bit of practice, you'll be able to fix most circuit boards. Remember to take your time, be careful, and pay attention to detail.

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