I have researched this forum and others for problems with the Whirlpool oven display panels, but am not sure whether I should be focusing on replacing the control panel or the control board.
Over the past year or longer, when in use, the oven would occasionally beep once and just stop working, possibly displaying a PF error message. In addition, at times the display looked "weak". We would wait a little while, then reset the clock and all was well until the next time this happened.
Although I cannot say for sure, we began to get a feeling that the situation - which by no means happened every time we used the oven - was heat related. As a result, at times we would actually use the bottom oven, thinking it further away from the electronics at the top. Indeed, the occurrence did seem to happen more often from heavier use, such as during a holiday.
Three days ago, the oven, while not being used, emitted a beep code of long-short-short-short and the display went completely blank. Pressing on a button emits a normal beep, but pressing the "Start" button emits the normal beep, then a sequence of long-short-short-short. Turning off the breaker for a period of time and back on does not resolve the issue - still a blank display. Note that the "Light" button does indeed work, illuminating the lights in the oven.
Researching this site led me to one of three possible solutions: Control Panel, Control Board, or Transformer.
Looking for the least expensive possible solution, I purchased a replacement transformer from AppliancePartsPros.com ($18) and replaced it. Upon restoring power, the display came to life, and displayed the "E6 F2" error code one time. After that, I was able to set the clock. However, some 15 or 20 minutes later, the beep sequence occurred again and now the display is blank again. Note that I was very conscientious regarding reconnection of the ribbon cable from the panel to the board connector.
SO…after replacing the transformer, and having only witnessed the "E6 F2" error once (but having consistently heard and ability to replicate the long-short-short-short beep code), I am wondering if there is a clear direction to take next in terms of replacing the control panel or the control board. The panel is about $145 and the board is $210, so I would prefer to get this right the first time rather than buy both (unless they’re both shot and I have no choice!)
Thank you for any advice you may have…any way this happens, your site, advice, and parts will end up saving me big $$.