Maytag MFI2568AEW - User Manual

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Maytag Ice2O French Door Refrigerator/Freezer Model

Maytag Ice2O French Door Refrigerator/Freezer ModelMaytag Ice2O French Door Refrigerator/Freezer Model

Maytag Ice2O French Door Refrigerator/Freezer Model

MFI2568AEW

MFI2568AEWMFI2568AEW

MFI2568AEW

HV C

HV CHV C

HV Control Board repair instruction guide

ontrol Board repair instruction guideontrol Board repair instruction guide

ontrol Board repair instruction guide

Note: This information is copyrighted material designed for non-commercial informational use,

and provided as-is with no warrantee whatsoever. Use at your own risk.

Symptoms:

• Continuously flashing, blinking front panel display lights

• Ice door flapping, clicking, opening and closing continuously

• Lack of responsiveness to any button on the door

• No ice or water dispenses

Optional Symptoms

• Lights may only flash when compressor runs

• Compressor may not run at all (fridge does not stay cold anymore)

Hello:

This guide describes my adaptation of a solution that was inspired by the Samurai Appliance Repair Man (SARM)

and a posting on the related appliance repair forum thread located at

http://applianceguru.com/view_topic.php?id=13035&forum_id=1&jump_to=75815 .

Since I found this info on the web for free, and you are finding this info on the web for free, if you find this helpful in

saving the +/- $350 repair bill or getting the fridge fixed faster than waiting on a new board (many reports of this are

back-ordered) please make the suggested donation of a “fin” to the SARM to help keep his free appliance repair

forum going. Tell him “Steve sent you” ;-)

What follows are two things: the unfortunately needed legal disclaimer on the conditions of using this info, and

lastly the actual description of what I did to fix my own fridge. Make no mistake, you will be fiddling with

components controlling wall-outlet levels of electricity, so if you haven’t ever done something like this, find a friend

who has or call in your local Maytag repair man.

In researching a fix for the fridge at 3am 7/5/07 after my fridge started the above symptoms, I located a number of

sites that had reference to this problem. The SARM actually had a description of a tech going to his friend with the

electronics shop and he repaired the board, it was re-installed, and seems to be working. Thus the inspiration for

my attempt, which as of the writing, is about 2 days running without problem.

I consider myself handy, and an electronics hobbyist, hence why I decided to try performing the work myself. That

plus I was looking at a minimum $300 repair bill to replace the HV Control Board and since it was going to be

replaced anyway, I was willing to spend $5 in parts to save the $300.

So without further delay, please carefully read BOTH sections, and good luck !

- Steve

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Summary

Important Safety Reminders and Legal Stuff

Repair Overview and Technical Details

Repair Overview

General introduction to the repair process and its purpose.

Technical Explanation of Failure

Explains the technical cause of the fridge malfunction, focusing on capacitor issues.

Parts and Tools Required for Repair

Step-By-Step Repair Procedures

Disabling the Ice Dispenser Flapper

Temporarily disable the ice door flapper to mitigate noise during repair.

Removing the HV Control Board

Instructions for safely accessing and detaching the HV control board.

Replacing Faulty Capacitors

Guide to desoldering, replacing, and soldering new capacitors on the control board.

Re-installing the HV Control Board

Instructions for re-mounting the repaired HV control board into the appliance.

Testing the Fridge After Repair

Safety checks and procedures for testing the refrigerator's functionality post-repair.

Optional: Reconnecting Flapper Door

Steps to reassemble the ice/water dispenser frame and reconnect its wiring.

Summary

Important Safety Reminders and Legal Stuff

Repair Overview and Technical Details

Repair Overview

General introduction to the repair process and its purpose.

Technical Explanation of Failure

Explains the technical cause of the fridge malfunction, focusing on capacitor issues.

Parts and Tools Required for Repair

Step-By-Step Repair Procedures

Disabling the Ice Dispenser Flapper

Temporarily disable the ice door flapper to mitigate noise during repair.

Removing the HV Control Board

Instructions for safely accessing and detaching the HV control board.

Replacing Faulty Capacitors

Guide to desoldering, replacing, and soldering new capacitors on the control board.

Re-installing the HV Control Board

Instructions for re-mounting the repaired HV control board into the appliance.

Testing the Fridge After Repair

Safety checks and procedures for testing the refrigerator's functionality post-repair.

Optional: Reconnecting Flapper Door

Steps to reassemble the ice/water dispenser frame and reconnect its wiring.

This document provides a comprehensive guide for repairing the Maytag Ice2O French Door Refrigerator/Freezer Model MFI2568AEW, specifically addressing issues related to the High Voltage (HV) Control Board. It is intended for informational use and assumes a certain level of technical aptitude from the user, particularly regarding electronics and soldering. The guide emphasizes safety precautions due to working with wall-outlet level electricity.

Function Description:

The Maytag Ice2O French Door Refrigerator/Freezer is a household appliance designed to store food at cold temperatures, featuring a French door design and an integrated ice and water dispenser. The core of its operation, particularly for the dispenser and compressor functions, relies on the HV Control Board. This board contains electronic components, including electrolytic capacitors, which are crucial for regulating the power supply to various parts of the refrigerator. The power supply converts rectified AC voltage from a transformer into a stable DC voltage, essential for the microcontroller (computer) and other electronic circuits to function correctly.

Usage Features:

The refrigerator offers standard features expected of a modern appliance, such as ice and water dispensing from the front door. However, when certain components on the HV Control Board fail, these usage features are directly impacted. Common symptoms indicating a problem with the HV Control Board include:

Continuously flashing or blinking front panel display lights.
The ice door flapping, clicking, or opening and closing continuously.
A lack of responsiveness to any button on the door's control panel.
Failure to dispense ice or water.
Optional symptoms may include lights flashing only when the compressor runs, or the compressor not running at all, leading to the fridge not staying cold.

The repair detailed in this guide aims to restore these essential usage features by fixing the underlying electronic issue.

Maintenance Features:

The document outlines a specific maintenance procedure focused on replacing two failed electrolytic capacitors on the HV Control Board. This is presented as a cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire board, which can be expensive and subject to back-orders. The maintenance process involves several key steps:

Stopping the Flapping Noise (Optional): If the fridge is still cooling, users can temporarily disconnect the flapper door opener to stop the continuous flapping noise. This involves removing the drip tray, unscrewing two ¼" screws, gently prying and lifting the dispenser frame, and unplugging a small wire connector from the PCB. The frame can then be reassembled. If the fridge is no longer cooling, this step can be skipped, and the fridge should be unplugged immediately.
Removing the HV Control Board:
- The fridge must be unplugged for safety.
- Roll the fridge out to access its back.
- Locate and remove the metal cover plate, secured by four ¼" screws, to expose the HV Control Board behind a clear plastic cover.
- Remove the clear plastic cover by gently prying its right side loose and swinging it out, then pulling it to the right to release the tabs on the left.
- Identify the two failing capacitors on the upper part of the PCB. These often appear domed or crowned on top and may feel warm to the touch.
- Disconnect four wire connectors from the circuit board. Users are advised to mark or draw a picture of the connections for easier re-assembly.
- Release the PCB from its plastic hold-down clips by gently pushing small fingers on the tabs away from the PCB with a flat blade screwdriver and prying the PCB side towards the user.
- Gently pull the left side of the PCB out of its clip, then slide it out from the slot on the right.
- Mark the right-hand side of the PCB for correct re-assembly.
Replacing the Capacitors:
- Turn the board over to locate the solder connections for the two failed capacitors. Note the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals, which are crucial for correct installation of new parts.
- Using a soldering iron and de-soldering bulb, melt the solder connections for one capacitor at a time and remove the solder. Gently rock the capacitor back and forth while heating the connections to pull it out. Repeat for the second capacitor.
- Ensure the holes are clear of solder. If not, re-heat and use a toothpick to clear them.
- Insert the new 1000uF and 470uF radial lead electrolytic capacitors (Radio Shack P/N 272-1032 and 272-1030, respectively) into the holes. The negative (-) lead of the caps should face towards the center of the board, and the positive (+) leads towards the edge.
- Solder the four wire leads on the same side of the PCB.
- Trim excess wire leads just above the solder connection using diagonal cutters.
- Clean the PCB with Q-Tips and rubbing alcohol to remove solder residue and check for any solder bridges between brown sections of the board.
Re-installing the PCB:
- Tuck the marked right-hand side of the PCB into the slot on the right side of the white plastic tub.
- Gently press the left side of the PCB into the top and bottom clips until they snap closed.
- Re-attach the wire connectors to the PCB, ensuring they match the original configuration. Push wires back into the chases.
- Place the two small tabs on the clear plastic cover into the slots on the left side of the opening for the PCB.
- Gently close the clear plastic cover, engaging the latch on the right side.
Testing the Fridge:
- This is a critical safety step. Ensure a helper is ready at the breaker box to turn off power if needed.
- Plug the extension cord into the outlet and keep the fridge plug accessible.
- Carefully plug in the fridge. Observe the PCB and listen for proper operation. Immediately unplug if any signs of sparks, smoke, fire, or melting insulation are present.
- If the fridge runs properly and the display shows correct temperatures, unplug it.
- Re-install the metal cover and replace the four ¼" screws.
- If the flapper door was disconnected, plug it back in by reversing the initial steps.
- Check the operation of the water and ice dispenser.
- Push the fridge back into place.

The guide emphasizes the importance of static electricity precautions when handling the PCB and recommends wearing an electronics grounding strap if available. It also advises users who are uncomfortable with soldering or electronics to seek professional help.

Maytag MFI2568AEW Specifications

General

Brand	Maytag
Model	MFI2568AEW
Color	White
Freezer Capacity	9.5 cu. ft.
Ice Maker	Yes
Water Dispenser	Yes
Counter Depth	No
Energy Star Certified	Yes
Type	Side by Side
Width	35.75 inches