February 20, 2015

How to replace a freezer control panel

How to replace a freezer control panel

The upright freezer control panel displays the temperature, and shows if the door is open or if the freezer lost power. The panel also lets you set the temperature and lock and unlock the door. If the freezer control panel stops working the display screen might be blank or the control buttons won't respond when you press them. Replace a broken upright freezer control panel with the manufacturer-approved replacement part following the steps in this DIY repair guide.

This repair guide with video shows how to replace a Kenmore upright freezer control panel. You can use the same basic procedure to replace the control panel on Kenmore Elite, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Whirlpool, Crosley and Kelvinator upright freezers.

Quick links
Tools required
Putty knife
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer control panel repair guide video.

Replacing a freezer control panel video.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Disconnect the electrical power

    Unplug the freezer or shut off the circuit breaker for the freezer.

  2. 02.

    Remove the control panel

    Slide the putty knife under the outer lip of the control panel and pry out the control panel.

    Disconnect the wire harness by pressing the release tab on the plug and pulling out.

    PHOTO: Pry out the control panel.

    PHOTO: Pry out the control panel.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the control panel wires.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the control panel wires.

  3. 03.

    Install the new control panel

    Connect the control panel wires.

    Position the new control panel on the door and push the control panel in.

    PHOTO: Install the new control panel.

    PHOTO: Install the new control panel.

  4. 04.

    Restore electrical power

    Plug in the freezer or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore power.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your freestanding freezers

Choose a symptom to see related freezer repairs.

Main causes: lack of power, bad compressor, refrigerant leak, bad thermistor, defrost system failure, dirty condenser co…

Main causes: burned out light bulb, bad door or lid switch, faulty LED light board, wiring failure, control system failu…

Main causes: compressor failure, no refrigerant, faulty sensor, control failure, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-m…

Main causes: damaged door or lid gasket, cracked cabinet liner, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, …

Main causes: dirty condenser coils, condenser fan failure, dirty bottom front grill, leaky door or lid gasket…

Main causes: excessive frost, bad defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal, control system failure, low refrigerant charge, …

Main causes: lack of power, control system failure, broken compressor start relay, locked up compressor, compressor moto…

Main causes: leaky door or lid gasket, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, defrost control failure, …

Repair guides for upright freezers

How to replace a freezer door switch

How to replace a freezer door switch

When the door switch fails, the freezer can’t detect that the door is closed. Follow the steps in this repair guide to r…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer thermistor

How to replace a freezer thermistor

When the thermistor can’t sense the freezer temperature, the freezer is colder or warmer than the set temperature. Follo…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer evaporator fan

How to replace a freezer evaporator fan

Air won’t circulate to cool the freezer properly when the evaporator fan fails. Follow these step-by-step instructions t…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your freestanding freezers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your freezer.

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

Freezer common questions

Freezer common questions

Benefit from other people's experience by checking on these frequently asked questions about freezers.…