KitchenAid Mixer Speed Control Plate Replacement: Easy DIY Fix

Stand mixers are kitchen essentials, but when they break down, professional repairs can be costly. Fortunately, many common mixer issues, including a faulty speed control plate, have simple DIY fixes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of replacing a malfunctioning speed control plate so you can get your mixer working again.

How to Tell If Your Speed Control Plate Is Failing

The speed control plate regulates your mixer’s speed by adjusting electrical contacts. If your mixer is showing any of these signs, a failing speed control plate could be the cause:

• The mixer won’t turn on.
• Speed control is lost (e.g., it’s stuck on high or changes speed unpredictably).
• The mixer makes excessive noise while running.

Keep in mind that loud operation can be caused by multiple components, so if your mixer is noisy, inspect other parts as well to get the right diagnosis.

Common Causes of Speed Control Plate Failure

Speed control plates wear out over time, but certain factors can accelerate failure, including:

• Frequent use at high speeds, which can wear down contacts.
• Exposure to moisture or grease buildup, leading to corrosion.
• Loose wiring connections that create inconsistent performance.
• Overheating due to prolonged use without breaks.
• Accidental damage from improper repairs or modifications.

What You’ll Need

Before getting started, gather the following tools and materials:

• A compatible replacement speed control plate (e.g., part no. WPW10119326)
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Needle-nose pliers
• An 11/32-inch open-end wrench
• Pliers
• A dish towel or rag (it may get greasy)
• A ruler

Once you have everything ready, you’ll be set to replace your speed control plate and get your mixer running properly again.

How to Replace a KitchenAid Stand Mixer Speed Control Plate

Follow these steps to remove the old speed control plate and install a new one, restoring proper functionality to your mixer.

Preparation

1. Unplug the mixer from the power source.
2. Remove all attachments, including the mixing bowl and beaters.
3. Gather tools: Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, 11/32-inch wrench, ruler or measuring tape, and a clean towel.

Disassembling the Mixer

4. Remove the back cover by unscrewing the single Phillips screw, rotating the cover downward, and lifting it off carefully.
5. Remove the decorative trim band by unscrewing the two Phillips screws on either side at the back of the mixer and lifting the band away.
6. Locate the motor housing seal and remove the cardboard ring around the speed control plate.
7. Take a photo of the speed control board wiring if it is not labeled.
8. Disconnect the grounding wire using a Phillips screwdriver.
9. Disconnect the bottom two wires on either side of the board using a flathead screwdriver.
10. Move the disconnected wires aside to create space for removing the speed control plate.

Removing the Speed Control Plate

11. Place a towel underneath the speed control plate to prevent the retaining spring from falling inside the mixer.
12. Remove the retaining spring at the bottom of the speed control plate using needle-nose pliers.
13. Disconnect the remaining four wires from the speed control board using a flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers.
14. Measure the distance of the upper two screws by using a ruler to note the length from the screw post to the back of the speed plate.
15. Loosen and remove the two upper bolts securing the speed control plate using a Phillips screwdriver while keeping track of the nuts.
16. Remove the old speed control plate from the mixer.

Preparing the New Speed Control Plate

17. Measure the bottom screw protrusion on the old control plate and write down its length.
18. Check the new speed control plate to confirm the bottom screw matches the recorded length and adjust if needed.
19. Transfer the spring lock mechanism from the old speed control board to the new one if the new board does not have it.

Installing the New Speed Control Plate

20. Position the new speed control plate onto the mixer, aligning the white adjuster lever with the designated slot.
21. Partially tighten the two upper bolts to hold the new speed control plate in place.
22. Adjust the bolts to match the previously recorded measurement.
23. Secure the locking nuts using an 11/32-inch wrench while holding the bolts steady with a Phillips screwdriver.

Reconnecting Wires and Components

24. Reattach the top four wires by sliding them into place and pressing them with a flathead screwdriver.
25. Retrieve the retaining spring from the towel and hook it onto the groove below the lower screw using needle-nose pliers.
26. Reinstall the motor housing seal by aligning it properly and pressing it into place.
27. Reconnect the four lower wires to the speed control plate.
28. Reattach the grounding wire and secure it using a Phillips screwdriver.

Reassembling the Mixer

29. Reinstall the decorative trim band by positioning it at the front, wrapping the end tabs around the back, and securing it with the two screws.
30. Plug the mixer back in and test the speed settings by setting the mixer to Stir and counting the revolutions per second. It should complete one full turn per second.
31. Test Speed 6 by counting 45 revolutions over 15 seconds.
32. Adjust the control bolts if necessary by loosening them to increase speed or tightening them to decrease speed, making quarter-turn adjustments.
33. Reinstall the back cover by seating it from the bottom, rotating it up, and securing it with the Phillips screw at the top.
34. Check that all parts are secure and confirm that the mixer operates correctly.

Tips for Maintaining Your Mixer’s Speed Control Plate

Taking care of your speed control plate can help prevent early failure. Keep these maintenance tips in mind:

• Regularly inspect and clean the speed control area to remove dust and debris.
• Avoid overloading the mixer to prevent unnecessary strain.
• Use the appropriate speed settings for different tasks instead of always defaulting to high.
• Store the mixer in a dry place to reduce the risk of moisture damage.
• Periodically check wires and connections to catch loose components early.

In Summary

A broken mixer can feel like a real hassle, especially when you’re in the middle of baking. But swapping out a faulty speed control plate is easier than you might think. Instead of spending money on repairs, you just need a screwdriver, a little patience, and this guide. Once you replace the part, your mixer will be back to handling dough, batter, and more without a hitch.