January 05, 2014

How to replace a window air conditioner electronic control board

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the electronic control board in a window air conditioner. The control board is the "brains" of the window air conditioner. It monitors the temperature and turns on components such as the compressor and fan to cool the room to the temperature you set. If the electronic control board doesn't work, replace it with the manufacturer-approved window air conditioner part.

Use this repair guide to replace the electronic control board in Kenmore, Frigidaire, LG and Crosley window air conditioners.

Quick links

Instructions

Tools required

Phillips screwdriver

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

45 minutes or less

Instructions

01.
Disconnect electrical power
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
02.
Pull the air conditioner out of the window
Remove the screws that hold the accordion filler panels in the window frame.
Push the accordion filler panels inward to clear the window frame.
With someone’s help, support the air conditioner and raise the window sash.
Carefully lift the air conditioner out of the window and set it on a stable work surface.
PHOTO: Place the air conditioner on a stable work surface.
03.
Remove the front grille panel and filter
Grasp the sides of the front grille panel at the top and pull the front grille panel out and off of the air conditioner.
Pull out the filter.
Tip: Take this opportunity to clean the air filter if necessary.
PHOTO: Remove the front grille.
PHOTO: Remove the air filter.
04.
Remove the control panel
Remove the screws from the sides and bottom of the control panel.
Pull the control panel up and hold it above the air conditioner while you unplug the wire harness connection for the user interface control board.
Set the control panel aside.
PHOTO: Remove the screws from the sides of the control panel.
PHOTO: Remove the screws from under the control panel.
PHOTO: Pull the control panel up and hold above the air conditioner.
05.
Remove the front panel
Remove the screws from the sides of the front panel.
Pull the front panel off of the air conditioner and set it aside.
PHOTO: Remove the screws from the sides of the front panel.
PHOTO: Pull the front panel off the air conditioner.
06.
Remove the outer case
Remove the screws from the exterior of the outer case.
Remove the center stop for the accordion filler panels. Remove the hidden screw that’s under the center stop.
Pull outward on the bottom of the outer case and remove the outer case from the air conditioner.
PHOTO: Remove the screws from both sides of the outer case.
PHOTO: Remove the screws on top of the outer case.
PHOTO: Remove the screws on the back of the outer case.
PHOTO: Remove the outer case.
07.
Remove the electronic control board
Remove the screws from the electronic control board case. Pull the cover of the electronic control board case out to expose the electronic control board.
Take a digital photograph or otherwise document the location and routing of wires connected to the electronic control board so you can connect the new one correctly.
Pull all wires off of the electronic control board.
Remove the mounting screws that hold the electronic control board in the case and pull out the electronic control board.

PHOTO: Remove the screws from the control board case.
PHOTO: Remove the control board case.
PHOTO: Remove the wires from the control board.
PHOTO: Remove the control board.
08.
Install the new electronic control board
Position the electronic control board in the case and reinstall the mounting screws.
Using your photograph or other documentation as a guide, connect all the wires to the new electronic control board. Make sure that wires are properly routed so that they’re not pinched or damaged during reassembly.
Position the cover of the electronic control board case and reinstall the screws.
Tip: Make sure that wires aren’t pinched when reinstalling the electronic control board cover.
09.
Reinstall the outer case and front panel
Position the outer case on the air conditioner and reinstall the screws, including the hidden screw in the center.
Position the front panel on the air conditioner and reinstall the mounting screws on the sides of the front panel.
10.
Reinstall the control panel
Position the control panel above the air conditioner and plug the user interface control wire harness back in.
Position the control panel on the front of the air conditioner and reinstall the mounting screws in the control panel.
11.
Reinstall the front grille panel and filter
Insert the filter on the front of the air conditioner.
Position the front grille panel on the front of the air conditioner and snap the panel into place.
12.
Restore the power
Plug the air conditioner into the electrical outlet.

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.