Whirlpool Cabrio Washing Machine Interface Board Repair

Introduction

If a Whirlpool Cabrio washer won’t start, won’t turn on, or only beeps when you press Start, the user interface board can be the cause. This guide shows how to enter diagnostic mode, check for error codes (especially F6E2), remove the interface board, clean its contacts, and protect it with conformal coating to help prevent future moisture damage.

What you need

Step 1 Prepare the washer safely

Unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet.
Pull the washer out far enough to work behind it, but keep it close enough to use the wall as a support later.
Wear safety glasses, and watch for sharp sheet-metal edges as you work.

Step 2 Remove the rear screws

Use a 1/4 inch hex driver to remove the three screws on the back of the washer.
Set the screws aside so they don’t get lost.
Save the wire harness plate for reassembly.

Step 3 Open the top to access the controls area

Pull the lid toward you, lift it slightly, and push it backward to unhook the top from the safety hooks.
Pivot the washer top upward to open the console area.
Note the two small metal fingers the lid slides into so you can align them during reassembly.
Use masking tape to secure the lid, or hold it, so it doesn’t swing and hit the wall while the top is lifted.

Step 4 Find the service manual and enter diagnostics

Reach into the front of the washer near the top and pull out the service manual.
Use the service manual as a reference if the washer shows error codes not covered in this guide.
Turn the washer on and press any sequence of three buttons three times in a row to enter error code mode.
Diagnostics may not start if the interface won’t power on at all.

Step 5 Interpret the error code

Read the error code shown on the display.
Treat an F6E2 error code as a strong sign the interface board is failing.
Use the service manual to look up other codes, because an F5 code or an F7 code points to other problems, not the interface.
An F5E3 code indicates a lid lock issue, which can also prevent starting.

Step 6 Secure the lid and support the top

Use masking tape to secure the lid to the washer top.
Lift the top fully and lean it gently against the wall for support.

Step 7 Release the interface clips

Use a flathead screwdriver to depress the spring clip on the right side of the interface.
Depress the spring clip on the left side of the interface.
Expect the left clip to be tighter and require more force than the right clip.
Lower the lid gently after both clips pop free.

Step 8 Remove the rear plate and swing the interface out

Use a 1/4 inch hex driver to remove the approximately eight screws holding the rear metal plate behind the interface.
Roll the interface forward to expose the interface board and its wiring.
Keep screws grouped by location to make reassembly easier.

Step 9 Disconnect the interface wiring

Disconnect the wire harness that connects the interface to the control board.
Disconnect the additional connector on the interface to give yourself more room to work.
Take a photo of the connectors before unplugging them so you can reinstall them correctly.

Step 10 Inspect the interface board

Inspect the interface board for obvious damage, such as a scorch mark.
Inspect all contact areas to confirm no other contacts are damaged.
Use a 1/4 inch hex driver to remove the four or five small screws and lift off the cover, if your board has a cover that blocks access for cleaning.
If damage is in a tight spot, remove the pieces on the small speaker box to improve access.
Some sections may be held by resin-like plastic rivets and may not come apart further.

Step 11 Clean the electrical contacts

Use an alcohol prep wipe to wipe down the contact areas on the interface board.
Use a cotton swab to reach small contact points if needed.
Let the board air-dry before reconnecting it.

Step 12 Reinstall the interface and test

Reinstall any covers you removed from the interface and tighten their screws.
Reconnect the interface to the control board and make sure all other wires are secure.
Plug the washer in, wait about 30 seconds, and test for normal power and operation.

Step 13 Apply conformal coating for protection

Unplug the washing machine again before applying any coating to the board.
Open the conformal coating bottle and use the included brush to coat the exposed electrical PCB areas liberally.
Brush coating onto any electrical connections exposed through or around the plastic.
Let the coating dry for about 15 minutes before reinstalling the board.
Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid getting coating on your skin or in your eyes.

Step 14 Reassemble the washer

Reconnect the two interface wires, then reconnect the interface to the control board.
Snap the interface back into place.
Reinstall the rear metal plate and its screws.
Lower the top and make sure it locks onto the safety hooks and the lid aligns with the two metal fingers.

Conclusion

If the washer powers on and runs after cleaning and coating the interface board, the repair is complete. If the washer still won’t start, use the service manual (stored near the front top area) to diagnose other error codes, and consider replacing the interface board if needed.