Need to replace your system's electronic control board? Don't worry, we'll help you through it! No tools required!
Click on each step below to expand directions.
Removing the Old Control Board
1. Unplug the power cord from your outlet.
2. Bypass the water softener by pushing the handle in on the back of your unit. This will stop water from coming in or out of the softener while you work:
If you have a blending valve, make sure it's closed so no hard water is coming through. Refer to What is a Blending Valve for instructions.
3. Remove the top cover:
- On the back of the unit, you'll need to unhook the two clips that hold the cover onto the tank below (see photo below). Flex/pull the cover out and away from the softener at these clips.
- There are two similar clips holding the front of the cover on as well. Go ahead and slide the cover towards you to release these clips. Be careful not to disconnect any wires. It's normal for the plastic cover to produce some noise as it shifts and bends.
4. Pull the faceplate straight up and out from the rim.
5. To access the control panel, release the two clips on the top of the faceplate.
6. You'll find the control board snapped onto the backside of the faceplate. The board is secured by four tabs on each of the corners. Starting with one side, flex the gray tabs away from the board to free it:
On the control board (pictured below):
- Remove the rectangular red plastic wire harness connector.
- Detach the power supply from the prongs on the control board.
- Follow the red and black wires leading to the motor and separate the white plastic connector.
- If applicable, follow the tank light wires and remove the small bulb from the hole in the rim.
Installing the New Control Board
1. On the new control board, you'll need to peel off the plastic film covering the LCD screen.
2. Go ahead and attach the control board to the faceplate by hooking one edge of the board under the gray tabs, then pushing the other side down to snap it into place.
3. Reconnect the wires to your new board:
- Press the red wire harness connector onto the six metal pins. Make sure the connector is oriented correctly, with wires leading away from the board.
- Connect the power supply to the prongs on the control board. The connectors can be attached in either order.
- Reconnect the motor by joining the white plastic connectors attached to the red and black wires.
- If applicable, install the tank light by inserting it into the hole in the rim.
4. Snap the new board onto your cover and place the cover back on top of your softener.
5. Plug the power supply into the outlet and take the unit out of bypass. If you have a blending valve that you closed, you can now adjust it back.
Setting the Model Code
Once you plug the unit back in, you may be prompted by dashes ‘- - - -‘ on the screen to chose your model code.
1. Use the Up/Down arrows to find your model code.
Find your appropriate code in the list below, or in the first line of the Specification table in your manual.
| Water Softener | Model Code |
| PREFERRED (RHS32) | rH32 |
| PREFERRED Plus (RHS42) | rH42 |
| PREFERRED Platinum (RHW42) | rH42 |
2. Press the Select button to lock it your model.
3. Lastly, to finish setting up your new control board, you'll want to visit our Softener Programming Guide, or your owner’s manual to continue selecting your preferences.
Please let us know if this article was helpful.