Samsung washer control board: symptoms, tests, and repair

The control board is the circuit board that runs a Samsung washer. It reads the buttons and sensors, and it tells the motor, the water valves, and the drain pump when to run. A failed board can stop the washer from starting, keep it from changing cycles, or show an error code.

This guide helps you decide whether the board is the problem, and what to check first. Bonita Appliance Repair has repaired washers in San Diego County since 2012, including Samsung models.

A bad board can cause several symptoms. Other parts cause many of the same symptoms, so confirm the cause before you buy a board.

• The washer has no power, or the display stays dark
• The buttons do not respond
• The cycle does not start, or it stops partway through
• The washer fills, drains, or spins at the wrong time
• The display shows an error code that returns after a reset

A simple fault often looks like a board failure. Work through these checks before you replace the board.

1. Check that the outlet has power. Plug in a lamp to test it, and reset the circuit breaker if it tripped.
2. Check that the power cord is fully seated and undamaged.
3. Make sure the door is closed and latched. A faulty door lock can stop a cycle.
4. Reset the washer. Unplug it for 5 minutes, plug it back in, and start a short cycle.
5. Write down any error code, and look it up in your owner’s manual. See washer and dryer repair for common causes.

The board connects to line voltage, and the washer is full of water. Unplug the washer before you touch any panel, and keep water away from the electrical parts.

The wrong replacement board can also damage the washer. Boards are specific to the model and the revision, so the model number must match exactly. See how to find your appliance model number.

A technician tests the parts that can mimic a board fault before replacing it. The checks usually include:

• The door lock and door switch
• The wire harness and connectors, for loose pins, corrosion, or burn marks
• The motor and its control signals
• The water inlet valve and the drain pump
• The board itself, for burn marks, damaged traces, or failed components

Replacement is not always required. A technician can sometimes repair a loose connector or a damaged wire harness without changing the board.

At Bonita Appliance Repair, a minor washer repair typically costs $150 to $300, and a standard repair $220 to $580. The price depends on the part and the labor. A technician gives you the price before any work begins. See washing machine repair for more information.

If the washer is old and needs a control board plus other repairs, compare the total repair cost with the price of a new washer. Read is it better to repair or replace an appliance.