Montgomery Wards Refrigerator control panel not working

If your Montgomery Wards refrigerator control panel not working, the most likely cause is a failed user control and display board, so start by pressing every button and checking whether the display has power; if some buttons respond but others do not, replace the user control and display board. If the whole dispenser system is dead, the dispenser control board is more likely, though if only one function fails you should test the individual dispenser components before condemning the board. A faulty display board can behave like a failed control, and loose or damaged wire harness connectors between the panel and boards are a common, easy-to-fix culprit. On some models the controls are built into the dispenser front panel, so you may need to replace that assembly if multiple buttons are out. Finally, rule out incoming power problems by confirming the cord, outlet and circuit breaker are supplying power. For refrigerator control board troubleshooting and to get the exact replacement part for your model, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com.

01 - Montgomery Wards Refrigerator User Control and Display Board

To determine if the user control and display board is defective, try pressing the buttons on the control panel. If some of the buttons work, but others do not work, the user control and display board might need to be replaced. Additionally, if the display is not working, check the power to the user control and display board. If the user control and display board has power, but it isn’t working, replace it.

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02 - Montgomery Wards Refrigerator Dispenser Control Board

The dispenser control board governs most of the functions of the dispenser system. If only one dispenser part is not working, it is probable that an individual part has failed. In this case, test each of the dispenser components before testing the control board. If the entire dispenser system is not working, the control board is more likely to be at fault.

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03 - Montgomery Wards Refrigerator Display Board

To determine if the display board is defective, try pressing the buttons on the control panel. If some of the buttons work, but others do not work, the display board might need to be replaced. Additionally, if the display board is not working, check for power to the display board. If the display board has power, but it isn’t working, replace it.

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04 - Disconnected or Damaged Wire Harness

The wires from the control panel to the control board may be loose or have become disconnected. Make sure the wire harness connectors are tight. A damaged wire harness will need to be replaced.

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05 - Montgomery Wards Refrigerator Dispenser Front Panel

On some refrigerator models the user controls are part of the ice and water dispensers front panel. If none of the control panel buttons are working, it's probable the main control board is malfunctioning. However, if some of the buttons on the control panel are still functioning, it's more likely the unit's user control and display is faulty. If this component is sold as part of the dispenser front panel, the entire assembly can be replaced.

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06 - Incoming Power Problem

Ensure power cord is fully inserted into a regular electrical outlet and the outlet is supplying power. Check fuses or circuit breaker if needed. It is best to keep the refrigerator on it's own dedicated circuit and not to use a ground fault receptacle which can interrupt power to large appliances.

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07 - Montgomery Wards Refrigerator Main Control Board

The main control board might be defective. However, the control board is rarely at fault for this problem. Before replacing the control board, first check all of the dispenser components. If none of the dispenser components are defective, consider replacing the main control board.

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