Every modern washer, dryer, oven or fridge has a tiny computer called a control board. It tells the machine when to heat, spin, pump water or turn on lights. When that board quits working, the whole appliance can act up or stop completely.
Knowing the signs of a bad control board saves you from endless guesswork and costly service calls. Below we break down the most common symptoms, quick DIY checks, and when you really need a trained technician.
Common Signs Your Control Board Is Bad
1. Unexplained error codes. Your dishwasher flashes a code you’ve never seen before, or the oven shows “E0.” Most error codes point to the board’s sensor inputs.
2. Nothing powers on. The machine clicks but never runs, or the control panel stays dark. A dead board often means a short or blown fuse inside.
3. Random cycles. A washing machine may spin for a minute, stop, then start again for no reason. That erratic behavior is classic control board mis‑communication.
4. Burned smell or visible scorch marks. If you open the panel and smell burnt plastic, the board has likely overheating components.
5. Temperature never reaches set point. Your oven stays cool even though the knob is set high. The heating element works, but the board isn’t sending the signal.
DIY Checks vs Calling a Pro
Before you smash the board, try these safe steps:
Power reset. Unplug the appliance for five minutes, then plug it back in. A simple reset can clear a stuck processor.
Inspect connections. Look for loose wires, corroded terminals or cracked solder joints. Tightening a loose clip can bring the board back to life.
Test fuses. Many control boards have a small fuse. If you have a multimeter, check for continuity. Replace only with the exact same rating.
If any of these checks don’t work, or you notice burnt components, it’s time to call a professional. Replacing a control board isn’t just about swapping parts – you need to program the new board, verify voltage levels and make sure safety features reset correctly.
Our technicians in Northampton have the tools to diagnose board failures fast, source the right part for your make and model, and install it with warranty protection. Typical repair costs range from £80 to £200 depending on the appliance, while a new board can cost between £50 and £250.
Choosing a qualified service saves you from a repeat failure. Cheap, generic boards often lack the firmware version your appliance expects, leading to the same problem a month later.
In short, watch for error codes, power loss, strange cycles, smells or temperature issues. Do a quick reset and visual inspection. If the problem sticks, let a local pro handle the replacement – it’s quicker, safer and often cheaper in the long run.
Got a control board that’s acting up? Contact Northampton Appliance Repairs Services today. We’ll diagnose, quote and fix the issue so your appliance works like new again.
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