GE Top Load Washing Machine Control Board Replacement

Introduction

Replace the main control board when your GE top-load washer will not start and other components and wiring have tested good. Swapping the board restores function, but the new board must be programmed so the washer knows which features to enable. This guide walks you through safe removal, installation, initial programming, and reprogramming if you choose the wrong setting.

What you need

Step 1 Disconnect power and prepare workspace

Unplug the washer before doing any work on the control board.
Move the machine far enough from the wall to reach the rear console without straining hoses.
Put on anti-static gloves to protect the new board from electrostatic discharge.

Step 2 Remove the two rear console screws

Use a quarter-inch hex head screwdriver to remove the two long vertical screws at the back of the console top.
These screws are unusually long and will take several turns to extract.

Step 3 Pivot the console upward

Press inward on both console sides and push the assembly rearward to release the clips.
Swing the console up and toward you to expose the control board area.

Step 4 Detach the pressure hose

Pull the small gray pressure hose off the board sensor to fully extend the console away from the chassis.

Step 5 Remove the plastic rear panel

Slide the rear panel from left to right and lift it away to clear space around the control board.

Step 6 Label and disconnect wiring

Take a clear photo of every harness before unplugging so you have a reference for reassembly.
Unplug each harness; sizes and colors differ so each connector only fits its matching socket.

Step 7 Remove the board retaining cover

Unscrew the four shallow quarter-inch hex screws securing the white plastic board cover.
Press the plastic tab at the upper corner and lift the cover off the board.

Step 8 Remove the old control board

Pull the control knob straight off the console front to free the board shaft.
Lift the board off its four locator posts and set it aside.
If the gray start or deep-fill buttons pop out, realign them during reassembly.

Step 9 Compare the old and new boards

Expect physical differences because GE revised the board layout and added extra harness ports in newer versions.

Step 10 Install the new control board

Align the board’s knob shaft with the console hole and drop the board onto the four locator posts.

Step 11 Secure the board with its cover

Snap the upper-corner tab into its slot and reinstall the four screws to lock the cover in place.

Step 12 Reinstall the control knob

Match the flat on the knob to the flat on the shaft and press firmly until fully seated.

Step 13 Reconnect wiring and hose

Plug each harness back into its matching connector using the photo as a guide.
Reconnect the gray pressure hose to the sensor nozzle on the board.
Leave any unused connector empty; some models do not use every port on the newer board.

Step 14 Reattach the console to the washer

Lower the console, align the side posts with the top-panel slots, and press until the clips snap.
Reinstall the two long rear screws to secure the console housing.

Step 15 Power up the washer

Slide the washer back into position and plug it in.
Flashing console lights indicate the new board is in programming mode.

Step 16 Identify the correct personality number

Locate the model number under the lid and find the matching personality code in the GE programming PDF for board WH22X38441, WH22X38442, or WH22X38438.
Note the required console light pattern for your model.

Step 17 Enter quick personality mode

Press the Start or Pause button repeatedly until the console lights match the pattern for your washer.
When the correct pattern appears, press and hold Start or Pause for 3–5 seconds to store the setting.
If the first press shows no lights, that pattern represents personality 1.

Step 18 Confirm successful programming

All console lights should turn off, signaling the personality was accepted.

Step 19 Reset and reprogram if mis-programmed

Unplug the washer briefly and reconnect power to start fresh.
Hold Start or Pause, rotate the control dial 180 ° counter-clockwise (about seven clicks), then release the button to enter diagnostics.
Wait for a relay click and flashing lights to confirm diagnostics mode.
Turn the dial clockwise two clicks until the Rinse light is on, then press Start or Pause to open personality selection.
Rotate the dial to cycle through light patterns and stop on the correct personality.
Press and hold Start or Pause for 3–5 seconds; all lights extinguish when the new setting is saved.

Step 20 Test the washer

Run a normal cycle to confirm the washer starts, fills, agitates, drains, and spins correctly.

Conclusion

Your GE washer should now operate with the new board and correct personality settings. If any feature is missing, repeat the reprogramming steps to verify the personality code. Store the printed personality chart near the washer for future reference.