[jimbo3050]

I have a Whirlpool duet sport dryer 2-3 yrs old. Console lights and beeps go on and off without operator intervention. Dryer works on heavy duty timed dry and sometimes on other settings. Diagnostic test show F-02 on display = "keypad/user interface failure." Performed the continuity tests outlined in repair manual. OK. Says the problem may be in either the console control panel board (operator panel) or the electronic control board above the drum. Hate to replace both at a cost of about $150/each part if only one is the problem.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[denman]

Do not know if you have both of these so am including them
http://www.servicematters.com/docs/w...%208572759.pdf
https://secured.whirlpool.com/Servic...LE/8178559.pdf

I am afraid it is a bit of a crap shoot.
They do not make the actual board schematics available so troubleshooting becomes a pain on these more complicated units.
The console electronics is an active device so there is no way to actually check it.
My gut would say that the machine control board is the culprit as it seems to control the console re: strobe and data out. But that is just a guess.

You could check the voltages going to the console. Even there I am not sure what they should be but I think that since VDC has a +/- it is the common and then VDC should have +12 and VSS should have -12.

You could hunt around and see if you can find a parts supplier that will let you return an electronics board.

I would try the following cleaning procedure, who knows you may get lucky.
Unplug the unit
Open it up
Remove the ribbon cable from the keypad to the control board at the control board.
Clean the edge connector.
If it is the type where there is not a connector just the insulation is removed, it can be cleaned with a pencil eraser. Do not use an ink eraser as it is too abrasive.
Check the tracks in the ribbon cable for hairline cracks. A magnifying glass helps here.
Would not hurt to clean the connector on the board. Use electronics contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and a tooth brush. Be gentle and do not reconnect till all the solvent evaporates.
Reconnect everything and give it a try.

Sorry I could not be more helpful.

[jimbo3050]

Well I did replace the main electronic control board. The F-02 fault went away and I thought that was it. Then it started again. The lights and beeps come on by themselves when the unit is not running. I checked the connections, ribbon cable, and cleaned the cable connection with alcohol as suggested. Whats next? Do I have to replace the console board ($150) and/or the wiring harness or is it something else? I had performed all the tests in the repair manual regarding an F-02 fault (theses were manly continuity tests). Thanks anyone in advance for any suggestions. Don't want to sink anymore $ into this Whirlpool moneypit that I have to.