ApplianceRepair.LifeTips.com

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1 ApplianceRepair.LifeTips.com

2 Category: Air Conditioner Parts Subcategory: Air Conditioner Parts Tip: Air Conditioning Problems-More Basics When troubleshooting Emerson air conditioners, Amana air conditioners, or any other unit, the pros have a checklist to eliminate the obvious before getting down to more serious work, which could involve replacing air conditioner parts or doing warranty work. If you are trying to troubleshoot or repair your unit on your own, use this list to eliminate what the pros consider 'obvious' (to them) problems: 1. If you have a working unit, but little or no cold air, check to make sure your air damper is closed. An open-air damper draws in outside air, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioner. 2. Many people forget to remove the air conditioner's back cover in the summertime until they encounter problems with warm air. Check to make sure your back cover has been removed. 3. If you have a window-unit style air conditioner, check the part of the unit that hangs outside the window. Remove any lint, dust or debris that could be clogging up the condenser coils on the back your unit. Tip: Bad Capacitor? Fedders air conditioners and other brands all have capacitors, which help the unit's compressor, blower, and fan to work properly. If your unit's capacitor goes bad, it can lead to failure of one or all of these air conditioner parts. If you aren't sure what is the source of the trouble with any or all of these elements, test the capacitor with an Ohmmeter. The Ohmmeter is a device that supplies a small current to an electrical part. This allows you to see whether it is able to properly receive the current; if not, the unit is bad and must be replaced. A capacitor is built to store electrical energy and release it at a steady rate. You MUST disconnect the unit from the wall socket and disconnect the capacitor from the wires. You must also discharge the remaining electricity from the capacitor. Failure to do this WILL result in a potentially serious or fatal electrical shock. Fortunately, you may not need to test the capacitor; if it is visibly swollen or leaking fluid, the capacitor has gone bad and will need replacement. Replace it with an equal or higher rated model. Do not replace with a capacitor with a lower voltage rating! Air Conditioner parts require specific voltages and you must always use "equal or greater" parts. Tip: Icy Air Conditioner Unit? Are you getting little to no cold air? Do your air conditioner pipes have ice on them? There are two basic reasons why ice can form in this situation. 1. Little to no air flowing through the evaporator coil, or 2. Low refrigerant. If you know the correct model replacement filter to buy you can try replacing the filter. Once the filter is replaced let the unit sit turned off until all the ice is gone. Then turn on the unit and check to see if ice

3 has formed again after a few hours. If there's no ice, you just repaired your unit with out having to call for repair help. If your unit has iced up again, you will need to contact an air conditioner repair pro. Tip: Important Precautions When Repairing Your Air Conditioning Installing replacement appliance parts in Emerson air conditioners, Hampton Bay air conditioners, Amana air conditioners, etc. can be relatively simple so long as you remember a few simple rules that all air conditioning professionals follow. 1. The first step is so important that maintenance manuals capitalize all the letters: Disconnect All Power, or DAP for short. Never attempt to install appliance parts in any air conditioning unit that is still plugged in. 2. Wear insulated gloves and safety goggles. If you are installing a fan motor, for example, you will come in contact with sharp edges such as coil fins. 3. When installing appliance parts, you may be required to move or adjust coils and tubes. Never break or bend these tubes, as they contain refrigerant. If you do accidentally release some refrigerant, the gloves and goggles will help protect you from it. 4. You may need to refer to your original schematic or owner's manual in order to properly install appliance parts in your air conditioning unit. If you don't have these items, do a keyword search online for your make and model number and the phrase "owner's manual" or schematic. Tip: My Air Conditioner Is "Leaking" If you have water gathering around your Hampton Bay air conditioning unit, you may have a blocked drain line. This usually happens after the air conditioning unit has been unused for a long period of time. Any water trapped in the drain line or the drain pan. Mold or algae can grow in the line, and when summer comes around again, the new flow of water from the Hampton Bay air conditioner is blocked by the growth. The drain pan is only an inch or so deep, so eventually you get water overflow. To stop the leakage, you'll need to clean or replace the drainage hose and drain pan. You can kill the growth inside the hose using bleach. Just pour a water/bleach solution through the hose and rinse it out completely. To prevent future leakage, inspect the hose and drain pan right before the warm season starts. You may need to clean out the hose and pan once more. You can also help prevent future growth by installing new air filters. Dirty filters cause more water to condense, leading to an increased potential for growth in your drainage system. The only replacement air conditioning parts you may need for this job are a replacement hose if it is too old and worn, a new drain pan if the old one is too rusty and worn, and the replacement air filters. Category: Appliance Repair Jokes Subcategory: Appliance Repair Jokes

4 Tip: Appliance Repair Jokes While the world of appliance repairs may not seem overly humorous for any specific reason, there is a world of inside jokes in the field that those in the know appreciate. 1. You know you're a technician when you see a good design and you still have to change it. 2. How many psychiatrists does it take to screw in a light bulb? Answer: First, the light bulb has to want to change. 3. How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator? Answer: You open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put the elephant in and close the door." 4. What did the mayo say when someone opened the refrigerator door? Answer: Close the door, I'm dressing!" 5. The officer said to the soldier, "Private, why did you salute the refrigerator?" The soldier replied, "Because it was General Electric." "And that jeep?" Asked the Officer. Replied the soldier, "Because it was General Motors." 6. Why don't men do laundry? Answer: Because the washer and dryer don't run on remote control! 7. What happened to the leopard that fell into the washing machine? Answer: He came out spotless. 8. Why did the boy close his eyes before opening the refrigerator? Answer: He didn't want to see the the salad dressing. 9. What did the wall outlet say to the appliance? Answer: You're grounded. Lastly, the tried and true classic: 10. Is your refrigerator running? Then go catch it!!! Category: Dishwasher Parts Subcategory: Dishwasher Parts Tip: Dishwasher Repairs Too Hot To Touch It's very important to disconnect your dishwasher from the power source and let it sit for a while before attempting to work on it. You may be ready to install your KitchenAid or General Electric parts, but if the dishwasher has been running, the interior and all working parts will be just as hot as the water that was being used to clean your dishes. Avoid a nasty burn by allowing your dishwasher to sit for at least an hour after it has been used. Then you can begin your inspection and repair work. You can speed the cooling time by opening the door leaving it open until repair time. Tip: Dishwasher Safety Frigidaire dishwasher parts, Maytag dishwasher parts and other replacement parts come in boxes or bags, safe and dry. The same is not always true of your dishwasher itself. When doing repairs to your machine and installing replacement dishwasher parts, remember that you are dealing with an electrical appliance that holds water. These safety steps will help you complete a job quickly and safely: 1. Unplug the dishwasher. 2. Wear rubber-soled shoes to avoid conducting electricity. 3. Remember that capacitors and other dishwasher parts can store electrical charges even when the unit

5 is unplugged. 4. Wear rubber gloves or safety gloves. 5. Handle all tools only by their insulated ends. 6. Pipes and other metal surfaces conduct electricity. Assume that all metal is "live" when you work. It is much safer this way. 7. Follow all manufacturers' recommendations for tools and replacement parts. Tip: Door Switch, Part Two If your dishwasher won't start, you may not have to invest good money in Maytag dishwasher parts. Before giving up the door switch for dead, take a look at the prong that depresses the door switch. If it is loose or bent, it won't properly engage the switch. Tighten or straighten the prong and try to start your dishwasher again. If it starts, you have found your culprit! If you do have to do a bit of door switch surgery, make sure that you have followed the first rule of home repair and disconnect all power to the machine. Otherwise you run the risk of electric shock. Unplug the machine. Remove the faulty switch and go to your local retailer for Bosch dishwasher parts, General Electric product, etc. It's best to stay with the brand your machine is currently using for ease of repair and maximum compatibility. Tip: My Dishwasher Drains Into My Sink If your drainage hose is blocked, you may experience overflow into the kitchen sink. Fortunately, this is another one of those repairs where you don't need Maytag dishwasher parts or other replacement items. A simple cleaning will do, but there is a catch. Many people are content to buy a gallon of cleaner; a 'plumber's friend' type of high powered cleaning agent, and pour it through the hose or into a slow drain-another culprit that can make your dishwasher overflow into the sink. The problem? These chemicals go through drains and hoses too quickly, and in some cases can corrode or damage a hose. Instead you will need to manually clear the blockage or snake out the slow drain. It may be an unpleasant task, but it beats paying for a repair person to come over, suggest General Electric products that may help and hand you the bill. Tip: My Dishwasher Won't Drain A common problem with dishwashers is the non-draining machine. If you are having trouble, check to see if the drainpipe and sink trap are clogged. You won't need to call your Frigidaire certified parts specialist or other name brand repair specialist to fix that particular problem, just clear the blockage and snake out the pipe if necessary. If you still have drainage problems after doing this, check your drain hose to make sure there are no kinks or bends. If you find that the hose is too worn out, you can replace it. This dishwasher part is inexpensive and you can use any brand that fits. This is one instance where it won't matter whether you use Frigidaire dishwasher parts, a General Electric part or any other brand. You may find that the hose or the drain valve is clogged, in which case you can pull the dishwasher out, remove the hose and clear the blockage.

6 Tip: My Dishwasher Won't Start, Again! If you have a dishwasher that refuses to start, check your cycle selector switches with an ohmmeter. Check your owner manual for the exact configuration and layout of your selector switches. If one of them is bad, it can interfere with the general operation of the machine. Another culprit for a machine that won't start? A bad timer assembly motor. Check this as well. If the timer assembly motor fails, you may replace this instead of the entire timer assembly. It is less expensive, and less work. You will need to reference your owner's manual and use the Ohmmeter to check the motor and assembly. If parts of the assembly itself have gone bad you may need a new dishwasher part in the form of an entire assembly. Tip: Repairing On A Budget? If you have a very limited budget for dishwasher replacement parts, you may not need to buy a brand new general electric motor or Frigidaire dishwasher parts when used ones will do the same job. If you know of someone who has an old machine and is willing to part with some of the innards, you can try installing the used-but-still functional parts in your machine. Barring that, a trip to the local junkyard may be a good idea. You can cannibalize parts in some yards in the same way people do with old cars and trucks. Some places charge by the part, others charge by the pound. Know before you start pulling parts! You should also check thrift stores for old models, as well as recycling centers. You could find someone willing to let you remove a small part of the larger machine, if it is going out for scrap or recycling. Category: Dryer Parts Subcategory: Dryer Parts Tip: Heating Element Replacement If your clothes are getting warm but not dry, you may have a defective heating element. Replacing this may be a simple matter depending on your do-it-yourself skill, but finding the parts you need is more challenging. How old is your dryer? What model? Specific models require specific parts. Kenmore dryer parts, for example, mount in different parts of the dryer depending on the age of the model. Dryers made until 1994, for example, have a heating element that mounts on the rear of the dryer. Newer models have the heating element mounted on the front right side inside the dryer's heat box. Frigidaire dryer parts are radically different than the Kenmore versions, and you will find GE dryer parts have their own unique configurations. You will definitely have to order brand-specific dryer parts. Check your manual and learn the layout of your dryer before starting repairs.

7 Tip: Important Dryer Repair Safety Issues Some dryers are electric, and can be simple to repair, but others are gas powered and have a unique set of safety issues. Frigidaire dryer parts, Kenmore dryer parts, and all other brands come with the same safety warnings. Heed them in addition to the information given here and you should have a smooth repair job! 1. If you have problems with a gas dryer, it is very important to first check for gas leaks to minimize your risk of fire, explosions, or prolonged exposure to gas vapor. Always turn off the gas before attempting a repair even if you have confirmed there are no leaks. Electrical components have the potential to form a spark upon disconnect which will ignite the gas. 2. Never attempt to repair a faulty gas valve. This is a "replace-only" dryer part, and attempts to rig the valve may result in fires or explosions once the gas is on. 3. As with any appliance that uses or generates electricity, always wear rubber soled shoes, avoid puddles of water, and grip only the insulated ends of your tools. Tip: My Dryer Door Won't Close! One set of dryer parts that wear out is the dryer latch assembly. This consists of a catch and a latching prong. Whether you have a need to buy Maytag dryer parts, Frigidaire dryer parts, or some other brand, the latch assembly comes in either metal or plastic and is very inexpensive to buy. You may well as why you can't just velcro the door shut or some other type of improvised solution, but if the dryer door won't close properly, the machine won't turn on. Order the dryer parts in the form of a kit from any online dryer parts vendor, and replace the old, worn out assembly. Tip: My Dryer Won't Start If you push the dryer start button and nothing happens, you could have a faulty start switch. To check this Maytag dryer part (or your corresponding model) take the screws out of the control panel, and lift off the cover. Some dryers have "endcap" assemblies that must be removed before you can remove the cover. You will find wires connected to the start switch, remove these. You will need to test the start switch with an ohmmeter. If the switch comes up bad, you can replace it with the proper Ktichenaid part, GE dryer part, etc. If you want to order a dryer part, you can find a wide range of online dryer parts vendors, or you can search directly for the manufacturer of your dryer via Google and order from the source. Tip: My Dryer Won't Turn You've checked the circuit box to make sure the circuit breaker hasn't tripped, and you've made sure the unit is plugged in. Still can't get the dryer to run? Listen to hear if the motor is running. If it runs, but the dryer drum doesn't turn, the dryer part you need is a new drum belt. You will need to remove the top, take out the inside screws. Take out the old, broken belt. To put the new belt on, gently move the belt over the drum from

8 the front and put around idler and motor drive pulley from behind. Check your owner manual for the exact configuration of your machine. Remember to buy GE dryer parts for a GE dryer, Maytag dryer parts for a Maytag unit, and so on. Tip: Why Are My Clothes Torn? If your clothing is damaged when it comes out of the dryer, you should replace the front and rear seals. The replacement dryer parts you will need for this job keep your clothes from getting into a gap between the dryer's drum and the front wall of the machine. Your Kitchenaid part, GE dryer parts or other brand require you to remove the dryer drum before you can install the new seals. Be sure to scrape off as much of the old glue as you can before installing the new seals, and use a sealant to get the new dryer parts stuck down tightly. Category: Ice Maker Parts Subcategory: Ice Maker Parts Tip: How Often Should I Change My Water Filter? Tip: How Often Should I Change My Water Filter? Your water supply line is an ice maker part that should have a water filter, whether you own an ice maker that uses Whirlpool ice maker parts, GE ice maker parts, or any other brand. The filter keeps impurities out of your ice, but it can get residue build up in the mesh screen of the filter, which can alter the flavor and consistency of your ice cubes. Ice maker parts don't require constant attention, but there is a bit of routine maintenance you should do to keep your ice maker in top form. Many people only get around to inspecting the water filter when they start to have problems with the ice machine, but it is highly recommended to replace the water filter every six months. This not only insures you won't have a blockage, but also improves the flavor of your ice cubes. Some filters will even reduce the chlorine taste of your water, and filter out chemicals! Tip: I Need Help Ordering Ice Maker Parts The first issue many people encounter when trying to order the right ice maker parts is finding the model number for their ice maker. If you are ordering Kenmore ice maker parts, you'll need to order from a website that sells Kenmore parts, the same goes for Whirlpool ice maker parts, etc. Free standing ice makers often put a label with the model number on the frame of the ice maker. Open the door and look or a white label, an aluminum tag, or some other marking with the model number inscribed on it. Ice

9 makers that come as part of a refrigerator/freezer unit don't have a separate number. Use the model number for the fridge itself when ordering ice maker parts. When you are putting in orders online, make sure you have read the label properly. Some people can misread the number "1" as a lower case "L", and there are other common errors. Write down exactly what you see on the label and use that to order. If there are dashes or spaces between the numbers or letters, be sure to include them when you type the number in for ice maker parts ordering purposes. Tip: I'm Still Not Getting Any Ice If you have checked for ice in your water lines and made sure your Frigidaire ice maker shutoff arm is in the right position, there is another easy bit of troubleshooting you can try. Follow the water hose from the fridge to the sink area. The hose connects to a valve under the sink. This is called the supply valve. Check this valve to make sure you have enough water pressure. Open up the valve more. Ice maker parts usually work on a cycle. If enough water doesn't fill up your ice maker's mold before the cycle is complete, the result is very small cubes or none at all. Your Kitchenaid ice maker parts require that steady water pressure to work properly. Tip: I've Made My Repairs, How Long Do I Have To Wait? Once you have installed your ice maker parts, turned the water valve back on and made sure your freezer has been plugged back in to the wall socket, you will need to give your new ice maker parts a chance to work properly. This means allowing enough time for the water to move through the system, freeze, and be ejected as ice cubes into the ice tray. You could need to give the ice maker as much as two hours before you know whether you diagnosed the problem correctly. It's a good idea to do these repairs and replacement of ice maker parts on a day when you can hang around for the entire length of time it may take to make a new batch of ice. Doing so helps you recover from potential leaks and other problems that can arise from either a misdiagnosed problem or an incorrect installation or the ice maker parts that were replaced. Tip: The Ice Maker Thermostat Many do-it-yourself repair people are eager to try to fix everything on the fridge, freezer, and ice maker. The ice maker thermostat can indeed be diagnosed and replaced, this is one of those ice maker parts easily tested with an ohmmeter, and repair or replace it if the ice maker part is bad. There is, however, once exception. If your Kitchenaid ice maker parts depend on a digital thermostat, you cannot repair it. It must be replaced. The good news is, once you have gotten familiar with the thermostat in your ice machine, doing similar repairs and replacements is a breeze. Thermostats are common in many household appliances. The biggest challenge you'll find is locating and disconnecting the thermostat.

10 Category: Microwave Parts Subcategory: Microwave Parts Tip: How Dangerous Is A Microwave Capacitor? When repairing a microwave and replacing microwave parts with General Electric microwave parts or Sharp microwave parts, you may wonder about the safety factor. Many do-it-yourself websites warn against trying to repair a microwave without proper training and expertise. The reasons for this are many, but one of the biggies is the microwave part known as the high voltage capacitor. This microwave part can store a potentially lethal dose of electricity. It must be discharged properly to avoid a dangerous incident. There are far too many instances of accidental electrocutions to list here, but one in particular bears mentioning. A man was attempting to work with the speaker cable on his television set, when his face came in contact with a metallic part of the set. He was killed instantly because his body completed an electrical circuit between the seemingly harmless speaker wire and the television. It is extremely important to respect the power of electricity when dealing with a high voltage unit such as a microwave. If you are uncertain in any way as to how to proceed with a repair or replacement of a microwave part, do not attempt the job yourself. Put safety first! Tip: I Get An Electrical Arc Inside My Microwave Arcing inside the unit is most likely caused by a buildup of food particles inside the cooking area and in some models, inside a section called the front cavity lip. You will need to clear all food out of the microwave, including the front cavity lip. For models that have the cavity lip, there is a microwave part you should invest in called a front cavity lip protector. Installing this microwave part can prevent future arcing inside your microwave. This microwave part is inexpensive, under ten dollars for some models. Be sure to unplug the unit, clean it completely, and install the lip protector while wearing rubber-soled shoes. Tip: Make appliances last longer Always unplug appliance when cleaning or repairing and never immerse the entire appliance in water. Also, make sure to clean the appliance correctly, following the manufacturer's directions. Tip: Mircowave Repair Safety GE microwave parts, Sharp microwave parts, and other brands may require you to open your microwave and access the internal workings of the unit. If so, you must follow very specific precautions to avoid being electrocuted by accumulated electricity in the

11 capacitors of the unit. 1. Unplug the unit. This is a critical first step. Do not proceed without unplugging the unit or electrocution will occur. 2. Make sure you are wearing rubber soled shoes, and preferably some rubber gloves. 3. Get a large screwdriver with an insulated handle. You will need to touch the non-insulated end of the screwdriver to the microwave's capacitor(s) across both terminals. This will discharge any remaining electricity in the capacitors and make a safer work environment. 4. Repeat step three just to be certain all power has been discharged from the capacitors. Microwave parts may be simple to replace once you have accomplished these steps, but if you are unsure about how to safely repair or install microwave parts; it is much better to leave the job to a pro. If you know where to find a capacitor or what it looks like, you are most likely at least competent enough to diagnose your microwave problem. Tip: My Microwave Is Heating Unevenly Some models have a part called a grease shield, which starts to droop after a few years of operation. If the shield droops or sags, it can interfere with the even dispersal of microwaves as the unit cooks. You can order this microwave replacement part for under 20 dollars. Follow the instructions in the manual for your particular unit and do a safe install with the power plug disconnected from the wall socket. A more detailed list of steps isn't possible here as many units have differing features and requirements for installation. One feature common to all microwave replacement part installations; to buy replacement microwave parts, you will need to have your model number handy before ordering. Some websites require you to search by model number or name brand at the very least to find your microwave parts. Tip: My Microwave Oven Won't Start Microwave ovens are built to start only when the door catch has been engaged. If the door is open, the machine won't start the cooking process. If your microwave has a broken door catch, the unit will not cook. You will need to replace the broken catch with the appropriate Whirlpool microwave part, or whichever brand you own. The door catch microwave part catch runs under a dollar for some models. To install this microwave part, you will need to disassemble the door and replace the door catch. Pay careful attention to how you remove the faulty door catch and you should have no trouble installing the new one. Tip: My Owner Manual Is Missing If you are attempting to do repairs on your microwave but are missing the manual, you should order a replacement right away. You can do a Google search on your make and model along with the keyword "manual". Having the manual is just as important as having the right replacement microwave parts. You can also do a keyword search for "microwave repair advice" to find valuable help in the form of diagrams, instructions, and even web sites that can offer you advanced courses on microwave parts and

12 repairs. Tip: Uneven Heating, Revisited There is a secondary cause of uneven cooking in some models of microwave ovens. If your microwave oven has an old air gasket, it can contribute to uneven cooking by preventing good air flow to the chamber where the microwave antenna is located. This microwave part is blown around by the air flow to give an even stream of microwaves over the cooking area. If the gasket is bad, the air flow is affected, and the antenna won't rotate properly. You can replace this microwave part with simple weather stripping. Check your owner manual to find the location of the gasket in your particular unit and replace accordingly. Often times you must also replace the grease shield at the same time as these two microwave parts can fail concurrently due to age. When replacing the grease shield, be sure to use brand-specific microwave parts. Do not attempt to replace a Whirlpool microwave part with a Sharp microwave part, etc. Tip: What Can Go Wrong With A Microwave Oven? There are a wide variety of things that can go wrong with a microwave oven. Here is a small list of issues that are potentially serviceable with replacement microwave parts: 1. When pushing the start button, you hear a click, and the unit goes dead. 2. The unit cooks for a bit, makes a popping sound, then goes dead. 3. Uneven cooking or heating. 4. An electrical arc inside the unit. 5. Sparks flying out the back of the unit. 6. Oven doesn't start cooking. If any of these symptoms occur, it is possible to fix them with the proper replacement microwave parts. As always, use only the rated and approved replacement parts for that unit. A General Electric microwave should get GE microwave parts, etc. Remember your safety precautions and be sure to disconnect the unit from the wall socket before doing any replacement microwave parts installation. Category: Range/Oven Parts Subcategory: Range/Oven Parts Tip: Gas Range Flame Check Did you know that the color of your gas range flame could indicate if repairs are needed? GE range oven parts and other brands may not be a requirement if all you need is a simple adjustment to the range's air shutter. 1. Turn on the burners on your gas range. 2. Observe the color of the flame. 3. Do you see a steady blue flame? Your range is fine and needs no adjustment to the gas flow or air shutter. 4. Is the flame yellow? You need to check the air shutter and the gas flow. If the air shutter needs opening, adjust this first and check the quality of your flame once more. If it is still yellow, check the gas flow. These fixes should do the trick, and you can save the

13 purchase of Jennair parts for the next repair job. Tip: How Long Can I Expect My Range/Oven Parts To Last? The average range/oven part can last as long as six years. Thermador parts, Jennair parts, and other brands can last even longer if problems are diagnosed correctly. Sometimes the only thing wrong with range/oven parts is that they are dirty and are no longer making good contacts, or allowing gas to flow in the case of a gas oven. Heating elements in electric stoves are an excellent example. This range/oven part needs a bit of simple cleaning to insure it has a strong connection with the electrical system of the range. If the contacts are too dirty, the electricity won't reach the heat element and give it the power needed to heat up. All appliances that cook food have these types of issues with dirt. A regular cleaning schedule can save you downtime down the road. Tip: I Think My Gas Oven Is Having Trouble Igniting Sometimes your GE range/oven parts, Thermador parts, and Jennair parts just need time to operate properly. Many people expect a gas stove to behave like an electric model and heat up right away. Did you know that it can take up to three minutes to ignite and heat? That said, if your gas stove takes any longer than this, chances are you have an igniter that is going bad and needs to be replaced. Don't allow a bad igniter to operate indefinitely, replace it as soon as possible. In the meantime, make sure your kitchen area is well-ventilated when trying to diagnose the problem, time out how long it is taking for this range/oven part to ignite the gas, etc. You could also have a problem with the gas flame. It needs to wrap around a range/oven part known as the thermocouple bulb. If the gas flame is not wrapping the upper third of the flame around the bulb it needs to be adjusted. Make sure you have a well-ventilated kitchen before adjusting this Jennair part, GE range/oven part, etc. Tip: My Electric Range Won't Bake Many things can cause baking problems in electric ovens, and an inspection of the heat elements is the first thing you should do. If you see any holes, scorched patches, or other obvious damage you will most likely need to replace the heat element. This range/oven part is fairly simple to replace. It is connected to the terminal by wires, which need to be disconnected before the element can be removed. Look up the replacement range/oven part right for your model online and order, or call your local parts depot and you can probably install same-day. Remember to disconnect the power to your unit before trying to install range/oven replacement parts and you should have no trouble. Remember to check the bake element and the broiler element if your unit has both. You may need to replace one or both of them if the unit is older. Tip: My Gas Range/oven Won't Bake

14 If your gas oven isn't baking, you need to check the bake igniter, located on the oven burner on most models. This gas/range part should glow during normal operation. If you don't see it glow, chances are you need to replace it. Before ordering, take the oven out of automatic mode and put it into manual and check again. You may find that the igniter works fine in this mode. If the igniter gives a red glow, this range/oven part is weak and again should be replaced with a new range/oven part. There are other causes for this problem, make sure you know you have range/oven parts in good repair including the gas safety valve and the thermostat before settling on the bake igniter as the culprit. Tip: Why Is My Clock Flashing Strange Numbers And Letters? If your electric range clock's LED is giving you odd number/letter combinations, it's because the Electronic Control Range has detected a problem that must be corrected. The number/letter combinations are known as error codes, which correspond to particular range/oven parts that need to be repaired or replaced. Some range/oven parts will always register error codes when they go bad. Some models of range/ovens only display error codes for the clock and control panel itself and don't diagnose other problems. What's more, the error codes differ greatly from brand to brand. You will need your owner manual to interpret the error codes for your unit. You may also need to search for further information on these codes as many manufacturers only intend the codes to be interpreted by trained professionals. It all depends on the model you own, and the range/oven replacement parts you need! Category: Refrigerator Parts Subcategory: Refrigerator Parts Tip: Drainage Tube Blocked? A self-defrosting refrigerator drains the water from the defrost cycle into a tube which empties into the drain pan at the bottom of the fridge. From there, the water usually evaporates. A blocked drain hose can be a source of water puddles. You won't need replacement refrigerator parts to fix this, simply clean out the tube and the drain hole and things should get back to normal. Another source of water? Some units are equipped with a refrigerator part to keep water from forming on the doors. Heating elements are used to evaporate the water, but these are turned off if you put the fridge into energy saver mode. Take the unit out of energy saver mode and see what happens. If your water problem clears up, you've found the problem, no purchase or installation refrigerator parts needed. Tip: My Fridge Stops And Starts Very Often If your refrigerator starts and stops very frequently, you may have an overheated

15 compressor. This refrigerator part is a component in the cooling system of the refrigerator. The reason for an overheated compressor? Take a look in the back of your refrigerator. The refrigerator parts you see clogged with dirt, dust, and grime are the condenser coils. These coils help dissipate heat. Any coating on the coils interferes with that process and can result in a major loss of efficiency of refrigerator parts like the compressor. Clean the coils, and monitor your fridge to see how often it starts and stops once the compressor load is lessened. Tip: My Refrigerator Is Buzzing And Gurgling. Why? Refrigerator parts often make noises when they are operating normally. Most of the time, we tune out these sounds, but some Amana refrigerator parts, Whirlpool refrigerator parts, etc. make more noticeable sounds than others. Here's a list of some of the more common causes: 1. Buzzing is often caused by a fridge resting on a floor that isn't level. The drip pan is often the source of the noise. 2. Pops and crackles are often heard when the fridge goes through a defrost cycle. The refrigerator parts may contract and expand a bit. 3. Bubbling noises and gurgles are the sounds of your refrigerator coolant during normal activity. 4. Clicking is often heard as mechanical defrost timers go in or out of a defrost cycle. There's no need to inspect your Sub Zero parts, or Frigidaire refrigerator parts when you hear these noises. They are just the usual sounds made by a "healthy" fridge. Tip: There Is Some Cold Air, But Not Enough There are many Whirlpool refrigerator parts, Amana refrigerator parts, and Sub Zero parts to check when trying to diagnose a freezer. One of the most important things you should check in the case of low cold air flow? Refrigerant leaks. Leaks are considered rare, but if you have ever attempted to defrost a freezer by chipping away at the ice, you should definitely check for a refrigerant leak. The refrigerator parts that make up the cooling system are part of what's known as a closed system. This means that only a trained professional should attempt to repair it. Refrigerant leaks are a health hazard; if you suspect a leak, call a professional immediately. Category: Washing Machine Parts Subcategory: Washing Machine Parts Tip: My Washer Doesn't Work At All If you turn on your washer and nothing at all happens, it's best to troubleshoot this problem with the most obvious and work your way down to the small washer part inspection. You may find the obvious problems are the more frequent culprits here. 1. Make sure you haven't tripped a circuit breaker or blown a fuse. 2. Inspect the washing

16 machine plug. Is it burned, frayed, or damaged? Washing machine parts need electricity to work! 3. Make sure the wall socket itself is getting current and has not gone bad. 4. Check the start switch. Has it gone bad? 5. Check these washing machine parts: water level switch, lid switch, water inlet valve, water pump. The water pump can be tricky, as some are not designed for user maintenance at all. If this is the case, the best you can do is inspect the pump ports for blockages. Anything can cause a blockage including old bits of laundry such as socks. This washer part needs to be free of obstructions to work properly, but another culprit in a worn out washer pump is eroded or worn pump blades. The blades are worn out, they won't move water properly. Tip: My Washer Won't Turn If you load the washer with clothes, start it, and get water but no churning action, you may need to check your lid switch. This is a washing machine part that tells the machine that the door is closed and allows the washing cycle to begin. With the lid open, water would slosh or fly out of the machine. The lid switch prevents this. If you need this new Kenmore part (or other brand) in your washer, you will need to disconnect the washer from the wall socket, and test the lid switch with an ohmmeter. Some models let you do this directly on the switch, and other brands of this washing machine part require you to test at the wiring harness. Some lid switches also have a fuse. Inspect or test this to see if it has gone bad. If you need to replace this Whirlpool washing machine part, get your washing machine model number and have it ready when placing your order. Tip: My Washing Machine Doesn't Fill Up Properly Washing machine parts include something called the water level switch or pressure switch. This washer part helps the machine determine how much water to allow into the washing tub or chamber. If the switch goes bad, your washer can under fill, or worse yet, overfill and flood your laundry room. The water level switch mechanism includes a plastic tube that should be free of water. Check for water, kinks, cracks, and breaks. This tube is connected from the bottom of the outer tub to the bottom of the switch. A loose tube can create problems similar to the kinked or otherwise compromised washer part. The water level switch has three electrical connections that will need to be tested with an ohmmeter or multitester. If the unit is faulty, you should replace the water level switch. As always, before you begin work on this Kenmore part or other brand, disconnect power to the unit. Tip: My Washing Machine Goes Out Of Balance Too Often Washing machine parts need a level surface to operate properly. If your machine is uneven, you may find that the unbalanced load function kicks in more often. Balance the washing machine, check it with a bubble level to make sure it is resting evenly, and see how this affects your unbalanced load problem. Washing machine movement can also send the unit out of balance. If your machine is "traveling" across the floor as it works, it

17 can trip the unbalanced load feature. You will need to better anchor or brace your machine. GE washer parts, Whirlpool washing machine parts, and other brand names all have different quirks and tolerances. Some loads may work fine in some machines, but unbalance others. If you have replaced your washing machine lately, you may find that some large, bulky loads don't work as well in the new unit. Tip: Water Drips Into My Washer When It Is Not On If you have water dripping into your washing machine when it's not running, you may have a bad water inlet valve. This is what the hoses to the washing machine attach to at the back of the washer. To check this washer part: 1. Disconnect the hoses from the washing machine. 2. Turn on the faucets to clear any blockages in the hoses. 3. Inspect the filter screens on the water inlet valve. This washing machine part may have some debris built up that interferes with proper operation. Be very careful with the screens, as they aren't replaceable. 4. Open the washer and find the coil shaped solenoids. You will need to test them with an ohmmeter or multitester. If these washer parts are bad they should be replaced. 5. The water inlet valve may have failed mechanically instead of electronically. Replace this washing machine part if none of the above seems to work and you still have water dripping into the washer. Tip: Why Does The Washer Drain As It Is Filling? Is water draining out of your washing machine even as it is filling up? If so, you may not need to inspect any of your Maytag washer parts, or Kenmore appliance parts. Instead, first check the position of your hose. This washing machine part needs a specific elevation in order to work properly. If your drain hose is not at least as high as the washing machine's tub, the washer can drain as it fills up. 38 inches is a good rule of thumb for a height requirement for this washer part. Make sure the hose clears the top of the washing machine's tub and you should have no problem. If the draining persists, you may have to do some detective work on your Whirlpool or GE washing machine parts. Inspect your drain control lever and drain control coils. If these washer parts are faulty, replace them.