Fridge LED Module Repair

[CowDoc]

I have a Kenmore fridge that uses W11130208 LED modules for lighting.  Many other brands do as well.  Unfortunately, replacements cost over $30.  The W10695459 LED board itself is in the mid $20s.  The only component on the LED board is an SMD 3030 LED (3x3x0.75mm).  We had a power surge and I needed four.  That would cost $120, $100 or... 40 cents.  Guess which I picked.

Three or four W11130208 LED modules are usually connected in series, depending on the brand of fridge and location.  I measured 3.125V @ 350 mA across one LED.  Cree makes a JK3030AWT-P-H50EA0000-N0000001CT-ND (3.2V @ 350 mA) LED.  They’re available through DigiKey, Mouser and others.  I ordered 20.  The shipping cost three times as much as the LEDs.

A cheap Chinese hot air station (Yihua 8786D-I) and some Chip Quik NC191AX15T5 solder paste (my preference) and it was done.  The total cost was less than $8... and I have 16 spares.

I read quite a bit online about these LED modules.  Everyone replaces the whole unit and I didn’t see anyone identify a replacement LED.  What a waste.  Your choice, $30 or 10 cents.  The Cree LEDs appear to have the same physical, electrical and brightness characteristics as the originals.  They have been working well.  I hope this saves someone a few bucks.

[MikeK]

Where did you get a hot air station for under $8?

[gdewitte]

He must be referring to the component cost as the hot-air station is ~ $100.

[rfengg]

The YIHUA 8786D varies a bit in price over the months.......got it from Amazon for $68 around 4 months ago and have been really happy with it.
The tips that come with the soldering iron have come a long way too......they seem much better than what it used to be.
I was considering replacing the Yihua tips with Hakko's but the Yihua ones seem to do a pretty decent job.

[CowDoc]

The LEDs cost 10 cents each or less than $8 with shipping and tax.  I already had the solder station and solder paste, as many people do.

My main intent was to identify the specific LEDs used in the modules.  I couldn't find that information anywhere.  The LEDs also come in different color renderings (70, 80 and 90% accuracy) as well as different color temperatures (2200-6500 K).  The LED I listed is readily available and seems to be the same as the original.  Other similar models should work as well.   

For occasional repairs, the Yihau 8786D-I has worked really well for me.  As rfengg noted, the newer -I version is definitely improved.  I've seen it for $70-$100 with accessories.  That's still less than a few LED modules.  Any hot air station is an investment that will pay for itself eventually.  Cheaper versions are less than $40.