Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpUniversal Refrigerator RepairUniversal Refrigerator control panel not working Repair

Universal Refrigerator control panel not working

If your refrigerator control panel is not working or the fridge buttons not working, start with the user control and display board — it’s the most common culprit. Press each button and check whether the display has power; if the board gets power but some buttons or the display fail, replace the user control/display board. If the problem is limited to the dispenser system, test individual dispenser parts before suspecting the dispenser control board, which will be the likely fault if the entire dispenser is dead. A separate display board can fail the same way, so check for power to that board next. Also inspect the wire harness and connectors for loose or damaged wires, and confirm whether the controls are built into the dispenser front panel since that assembly is sometimes sold as a single replacement. Finally, rule out incoming power issues by verifying the cord, outlet and breaker; large refrigerators should have a dedicated circuit and some GFCI outlets can interrupt power. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement control board, display, harness or dispenser front panel for your refrigerator.

01 - Universal 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Need help finding your model number?
Shop all Universal Refrigerator User Control and Display Board Parts
Top Solution

02 - Universal 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.
Shop all Universal Refrigerator Dispenser Control Board Parts
Top Solution

03 - Universal 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.
Shop all Universal Refrigerator Display Board Parts
Top Solution

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.
Top Solution

05 - Universal 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.
Shop all Universal Refrigerator Dispenser Front Panel Parts
Highly Likely

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.
Highly Likely

07 - Universal 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.
Shop all Universal Refrigerator Main Control Board Parts
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator control panel not working?
Some buttons work but others don't. Is the display board bad?
My ice and water dispenser stopped working but the fridge otherwise runs. What should I check?
How can I test whether the control or display board is getting power?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic to find the correct replacement part?

Shop by Universal Refrigerator Parts

Universal Refrigerator Adhesive Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Axle, Roller, Shaft, Wheel Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Bearing Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Blower Wheel & Fan Blade Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Bracket & Flange Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Cap, Lid & Cover Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Capacitor Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Circuit Board & Timer Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Compressor & Sealed System Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Dispenser Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Door Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Drawer Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Drip Bowl & Drip Pan Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Duct & Venting Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Fastener Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Filter Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Fuse, Thermal Fuse & Breaker Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Gasket & Seal Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Grille & Kickplate Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Handle Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Heating Element Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Hinge Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Hose, Tube & Fitting Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Ice Maker Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Insulation Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Knob, Dial & Button Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Leg, Foot & Caster Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Lighting & Light Bulb Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Miscellaneous Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Motor Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Paint Replacement PartsUniversal Refrigerator Panel Replacement Parts

Shop by Popular Universal Refrigerator Models

Universal MRT13CRBW2 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT15CNBW1 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT15CNEW0 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT15CNEW3 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT15CRAW0 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT15CSEWN Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT15CSEWP Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT18DNGW1 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT19PNBW0 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT19PNBY0 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT19PNBZ2 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT21GNBW0 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT21GNBY0 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT21PNAW0 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT21PNBY0 Refrigerator PartsUniversal MRT21PNBZ0 Refrigerator Parts
View more