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	<title><![CDATA[Samurai Appliance Repair Man's Blog]]></title>
	<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1-samurai-appliance-repair-mans-blog/</link>
	<description><![CDATA[Samurai Appliance Repair Man's Blog Syndication]]></description>
	<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 03:14:17 +0000</pubDate>
	<webMaster>admin@appliantology.org (The Samurai Appliance Repair Academy)</webMaster>
	<generator>IP.Blog</generator>
	<ttl>60</ttl>
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		<title>Tips for fixing Amana refrigerator door closing problems</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-665-tips-for-fixing-amana-refrigerator-door-closing-problems/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Brother Durham offers these sage and comforting words of appliantological wisdom for dealing with door closing and sealing problems in Amana refrigerators. Let us attend:<br /><br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="DurhamAppliance" data-cid="257756" data-time="1370909918" data-date="10 June 2013 &#045; 08&#58;18 PM"><p>After working on countless fridges with door closing problems in my refurbished store as well as outside repairs, I usually can get them to close without having to buy new door closers or hinges...<br />Amanas have been the most problematic of them all but there are several things you can try before buying new parts....<br /><br />this is stream of consciousness so not in any particular order...do the easiest ones first<br /><br />1) make sure the doors are aligned ....adjust the top hinges so the doors do not touch when closing....you have to find the proper angle<br /><br />2) Soften the gasket with a steamer or hot water to make it pliable...don't forget to check the very bottom of the fridge<br /><br />3) try adding a bit of food grade oil/grease on the right hand side of the fridge where the fridge gasket "rides" against it. There have been some discussion about the oil's effect on plastic gaskets....I have never experienced this problem....it may degrade the plastic after many many years.<br /><br />4) make sure that any light switch that is pressed by the door when closing is at a proper angle to the door and does not stick<br /><br />5) Adjust the fridge feet or wheels so that there is a slight incline on the fridge to enable gravity to assist in closing. This is proper for older non bottom freezer fridges.<br /><br />6) Sometimes doors can get bent and many manuals advise slightly bending them back in alignment so that the top and bottom gasket hits the fridge at the same time.<br /><br />7) adding a washer to the bottom hinge pin can slightly raise the fridge door and make closing easier<br /><br />8) make sure there are no shelves out of place. Some fridge manual advise that certain door racks not be placed to where it hits food or drawers inside the fridge cabinet<br /><br />9) The sneakiest one of them all and has caused be much consternation in the past is this: there is a metal piece attached to the door near the bottom hinge. It is there for cosmetic purposes to hide the hinge. Sometimes they get bent and causes the door not to close as easily as it should. You can remove it or bend it out of the way if you find that it hits the bottom of the fridge.<br /><br />10) Make sure your gaskets and area where the gaskets seal on the fridge are clean and dirt free.<br /><br />If none of the above works, you may need to get another door closer for the bottom hinge.</p></blockquote><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/42605-amana-refridgerator-door-problem/?view=findpost&p=257756' class='bbc_url' title=''>Amana refridgerator door problem</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 02:23:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-665-tips-for-fixing-amana-refrigerator-door-closing-problems/</guid>
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		<title>The Warm Refrigerator Troubleshooting Flowchart</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-664-the-warm-refrigerator-troubleshooting-flowchart/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Refrigerator warming up and you can't think straight enough to figure out what's wrong because you're in a pure, blind panic? Well, you just unbunch them panties and sing along with the Samurai in his Warm Refrigerator Troubleshooting Flowchart and you'll have the problem figured out before you can say, "pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis."<br /><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_4_4_54237.png' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 09 Jun 2013 11:36:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-664-the-warm-refrigerator-troubleshooting-flowchart/</guid>
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		<title>Cause discovered for cracked drums on LG dryers?</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-663-cause-discovered-for-cracked-drums-on-lg-dryers/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Brother nickfixit shares these observations from the field on what may well be the cause for the infamous cracked drum problem with LG dryers. Something to watch for...<br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="nickfixit" data-cid="257355" data-time="1370566080" data-date="06 June 2013 &#045; 08&#58;48 PM"><p>I noticed something on a LG dryer the other day. It was stacked, so I ordered parts and scheduled it with a helper. We took it down and tore it apart to install new rollers, belt, and pulley, The left side roller on the front bulkhead was totally destroyed. I replaced it with the shaft/pulley assembly and just the rollers on the other 3, cleaned and lubed of course. We put it together and tested it. It had a pretty solid drum seam thump when running.<br /><br />We took it back apart and I found the drum did not touch the right front roller at all, maybe 3/8" or more gap. When I checked the panel I noticed there are 2 holes in the area of that rollers shaft location. The dryer was kinda toasted inside so there was a clear mark where the shaft was mounted, so we are certain the new shaft was in the same location the factory had used. I move the shaft to the other hole and the dryer ran smooth and quiet.<br /><br />I wonder how often the factory uses the wrong hole, and this might be causing the cracked drums. In the wrong position, that roller does nothing, and the left hand roller bears all the weight in the front. The excess load on a single point working on that seam could be causing the cracking, at least in some cases.<br /><br />Nick</p></blockquote><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_4_8_390437.png' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/42535-cracked-drums-on-lg-dryers/?view=findpost&p=257355' class='bbc_url' title=''>Cracked drums on LG dryers</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 2013 22:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-663-cause-discovered-for-cracked-drums-on-lg-dryers/</guid>
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		<title>Service Pointer:  Whirlpool - Kitchenaid dishwasher runs partway thru cycle, cancel-drains then shuts off</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-662-service-pointer-whirlpool-kitchenaid-dishwasher-runs-partway-thru-cycle-cancel-drains-then-shuts-off/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[This is a tricky one and can bite you in the rumpus if you don't know about this quiet little Whirlpool Service Pointer on this problem that Brother Chat_in_FL snagged and posted for us:<br /><br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Chat_in_FL" data-cid="257514" data-time="1370696343" data-date="08 June 2013 &#045; 08&#58;59 AM"><p><strong class='bbc'>Service Pointer </strong><br /><strong class='bbc'>W10398386</strong><br /> <br /><strong class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>Serial Numbers: </strong>F032 to F105</strong><br /> <br /><strong class='bbc'>Customer Concern:</strong><br /><strong class='bbc'>Dishwasher stops approximately 10 minutes into the cycle, “cancel drains” and goes directly to standby mode (off).</strong><br /> <br /><strong class='bbc'>Cause:</strong><br /><strong class='bbc'>Testing has determined that cycle stopping may result from a software error that can cause a false error code that cancels the cycle. Techs will see a<span class='bbc_underline'> 6-1 error code </span>recorded in service diagnostics. This issue is very sporadic, and is affected by the location of the household and region of the country. Other conditions that may also cause this “cancel drain” cycle are: siphoning through the drain hose, severe sudsing, and debris in the sump.</strong><br /> <br /><strong class='bbc'>Correction:</strong><br />If the customer experiences a “cancel drain” issue, first check the following:<br />1. Make sure the dishwasher is installed according to installation instructions provided with the unit.<br />2. Check for water siphoning out through the drain hose. Ensure that the drain hose end termination point is above the water level in the tub. The drain loop attached to the side of the tub is not sufficient to prevent siphoning.<br />3. Check for severe sudsing or a malfunctioning Rinse Aid dispenser.<br />4. Check for locked rotor in wash pump.<br />5. Check for and remove debris in the bottom of the sump/chopper area.<br />6. Check for water supply and proper water level in the dishwasher.<br />7. If all the above checks are OK, then the control will need to be replaced with one that has the upgraded software designed to handle any additional power variation. See chart below for part numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Testing has determined that cycle stopping may result from a software error that can cause a false error code that cancels the cycle. Techs will see a 6-1 error code recorded in service diagnostics. This issue is very sporadic, and is affected by the location of the household and region of the country. Other conditions that may also cause this “cancel drain” cycle are: siphoning through the drain hose, severe sudsing, and debris in the sump.<br /><strong class='bbc'> </strong><br /><strong class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>Replace with Part Number</strong></strong><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Control-Board/W10380685/1938381' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><strong class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>W10380685</strong></strong></a><br /> <br /><strong class='bbc'> </strong></p></blockquote><br /><span  style='color: rgb(40,40,40)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'>Revised control board:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Control-Board/W10380685/1938381' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>http://www.repaircli...0380685/1938381</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/42541-kitchenaid-dishwasher-kuds30ixbl0-runs-partway-thru-cycle-then-cancels-drains/?view=findpost&p=257514' class='bbc_url' title=''>Kitchenaid Dishwasher KUDS30IXBL0 runs partway thru cycle then cancels & drains</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 2013 13:28:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-662-service-pointer-whirlpool-kitchenaid-dishwasher-runs-partway-thru-cycle-cancel-drains-then-shuts-off/</guid>
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		<title>How to get the error codes on an Electrolux dishwasher</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-661-how-to-get-the-error-codes-on-an-electrolux-dishwasher/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Brother PDuff calls the dance steps on this little ditty:<br /><br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="PDuff" data-cid="257420" data-time="1370617695" data-date="07 June 2013 &#045; 11&#58;08 AM"><p>Remove bottom access panel and check main control for any lit leds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lit led is specific to affected component.&nbsp;&nbsp;Access Component/Relay/Triac test as follows:<br /> <br />From power up press Sanitize and Delay Start<br />"Et" should be displayed (engineering test)<br />Press Rinse Only<br />"rt" should be displayed indicating component test mode.&nbsp;&nbsp;Press the following buttons to toggle on/off each component:<br /> <br />Auto Sense-washer motor<br />Heavy-water valve<br />Normal-drain motor<br />Quick-drain valve<br />Rinse Only-Clean light led<br />Hi Temp-all leds on control housing<br />Sanitize-fan state<br />Air Dry-dispenser<br /> <br />When checking heater, always fill tub with water.</p></blockquote><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/42536-frigidaire-dw-eidw6105gb1/?view=findpost&p=257420' class='bbc_url' title=''>Frigidaire D/W EIDW6105GB1</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 2013 01:58:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-661-how-to-get-the-error-codes-on-an-electrolux-dishwasher/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[GE front load washer &#34;Smart&#34; dispense pedestal problem]]></title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-660-ge-front-load-washer-smart-dispense-pedestal-problem/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[If you ever run into one of these overly-"smart" GE front loaders with a "smart" dispense pedestal, Brother nickfixit offers these sage words of advice:<br /><br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="nickfixit" data-cid="257357" data-time="1370566854" data-date="06 June 2013 &#045; 09&#58;00 PM"><p>Run! Do not get involved! The design is so flawed you can not fix it so it stays working. You'll be replacing the pump assembly and cleaning ever inch of hose, every connector, and the tanks. Over and over and over......<br /><br />We will not warranty or cover these with any service contract, it's a total looser with certain multiple unpaid recalls</p></blockquote><br />Along with this tech bulletin from GE on this problem: <a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/934-ge-profile-front-load-washer-smart-dispenser-inop-tech-bulletin/' class='bbc_url' title=''>http://appliantology.org/files/file/934-ge-profile-front-load-washer-smart-dispenser-inop-tech-bulletin/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/42522-ge-spbd880j0mv-detergent-dispensing-pedestal/?view=findpost&p=257357' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE SPBD880J0MV detergent dispensing pedestal</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:16:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-660-ge-front-load-washer-smart-dispense-pedestal-problem/</guid>
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		<title>Join the Samurai and the Oz Man for a Hike on the Ammonusuc - Jewel Trail Loop</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-659-join-the-samurai-and-the-oz-man-for-a-hike-on-the-ammonusuc-jewel-trail-loop/</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[Join the Samurai and his semper fi canine hiking partner, The Oz Man, on a perfect day for this classic hike in the Whites!<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/67889038?byline=0&portrait=0"" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/67889038">The Ammonusuc-Jewel Trail Loop in the White Mountains of New Hampshire</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/zenzoidman">Scott MacKenzie Brown</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com"">Vimeo</a>.</p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:54:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-659-join-the-samurai-and-the-oz-man-for-a-hike-on-the-ammonusuc-jewel-trail-loop/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[GE Wall Oven: Display says &#34;BAKE&#34; but relays won't engage]]></title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-658-ge-wall-oven-display-says-bake-but-relays-wont-engage/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Here's another tasty and expeditious troubleshooting tip from our friends at <a href='http://fixyourboard.com/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>FixYourBoard.com</a>, offering top quality control board re-building, specializing in bringing NLA control boards back from the dead. Here's something to watch out for when troubleshooting GE wall ovens. Same trick may apply to other brands and models.<br /><br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="fixyourboard" data-cid="257306" data-time="1370537437" data-date="06 June 2013 &#045; 12&#58;50 PM"><p>GE Wall Oven: Display says "BAKE" but relays won't engage.<br /><br />From our tech support conversation:<br />Tech Support: Is the door closed or open?<br />Tech: Closed.<br /><br />.... long conversation with measurements etc ...<br /><br />Tech Support: I'd like to verify the functionality of the plunger switch on the door. Can you locate it?<br />Tech: Yes, that's what I'm holding in to "close the door".<br /><br />.... Ka-Ching! ... Nooo!!!<br /><br />Tech Support: Please physically close the door and try again.<br />Tech: The oven is heating!<br /><br /><br />TIME SAVING TIP ABOUT GE WALL OVEN:<br /><br />If the control board thinks the door is open it prevents the heating element relays from engaging.<br /><strong class='bbc'>This is completely determined by the state of the 2 micro-switches in the LATCH MECHANISM.</strong><br />(To cook switch #2 (top) MUST BE CLOSED, switch #1 (bottom) MUST BE OPEN)<br /><strong class='bbc'>The oven controller DOES NOT SENSE the PLUNGER switch!</strong><br /><br />Remember this to save wild geese. <img src='http://appliantology.org/public/style_emoticons/ultimatedark/woot.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':woot:' /></p></blockquote><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/42525-ge-wall-oven-display-says-bake-but-relays-wont-engage/?view=findpost&p=257306' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE Wall Oven: Display says "BAKE" but relays won't engage.</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:16:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-658-ge-wall-oven-display-says-bake-but-relays-wont-engage/</guid>
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		<title>Understanding and programming Bosch Dishwasher control codes</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-657-understanding-and-programming-bosch-dishwasher-control-codes/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Brother PDuff explains the esoteric and mystical art of programming the control codes in Bosh dishwasher control boards using model SHE44C06UC/22 as an example:<br /><br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="PDuff" data-cid="257311" data-time="1370539262" data-date="06 June 2013 &#045; 01&#58;21 PM"><p>Control codes are particular to model. C0-C4. Your model is a C1 control. With unit turned off and fascia removed and module exposed, there are six buttons. Ignore the first button under display and label remaining buttons from left to right S1 S2 S3 S4 and S5. The leds above each button label L1 L2 L3 L4 and L5. Enter coding mode as follows:<br /><br />Press and hold buttons S2 S3 S4 and S5 simultaneously, then turn dishwasher on using on/off switch. When in coding mode leds L2 L3 L4 and L5 will be blinking.<br /><br />Release buttons S2 S3 S4 and S5 to view control coding in display. To change control coding, press button S2 as needed to scroll through codes. Your model is C1 or 21.<br /><br />Turn dishwasher off to save control coding and exit mode. Reinstall control to console. Reinstall fascia. Check operation.</p></blockquote><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/42518-bosch-dishwasher-control-codes-c1-c9/?view=findpost&p=257311' class='bbc_url' title=''>Bosch Dishwasher control codes (C1-C9)?</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2013 07:54:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-657-understanding-and-programming-bosch-dishwasher-control-codes/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[LG refrigerator frosting up inside the freezer, but it's not a defrosting problem]]></title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-656-lg-refrigerator-frosting-up-inside-the-freezer-but-its-not-a-defrosting-problem/</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[This has been a long-time vexing problem in some LG refrigerator models.&nbsp;&nbsp;You'll also see this on Kenmore and GE refrigerators that were built by LG.&nbsp;&nbsp;The unit defrosts properly but builds up rime ice inside the freezer looking like there's an air leak, like from a bad door seal.&nbsp;&nbsp;But the door seals are good and no source of air leak can be found.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brother Durham found this tech memo that explains it and offers the cure: a <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Evaporator-Fan-Motor/4811JJ2002K/1580209' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>redesigned evaporator fan motor</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="DurhamAppliance" data-cid="257064" data-time="1370392783" data-date="04 June 2013 &#045; 08&#58;39 PM"><p>This service bulletin covers your model... it may be of assistance <a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/915-service-bulletin-lg-fridge-ice-in-freezer-compartment/' class='bbc_url' title=''>http://appliantology.org/files/file/915-service-bulletin-lg-fridge-ice-in-freezer-compartment/</a><br /><br />new grillefan has increased insulation.</p></blockquote> <br /><br />Here's the upgraded evaporator fan: <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Evaporator-Fan-Motor/4811JJ2002K/1580209?modelNumber=795.78092900' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>http://www.repaircli...er=795.78092900</a><br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Evaporator-Fan-Motor/4811JJ2002K/1580209?modelNumber=795.78092900' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00004791/Evaporator-Fan-Motor-4811JJ2002K-01479509.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/42481-lg-built-kenmore-frosting-in-freezer-not-defrost-issue/?view=findpost&p=257064' class='bbc_url' title=''>LG built Kenmore frosting in freezer, not defrost issue.</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:19:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-656-lg-refrigerator-frosting-up-inside-the-freezer-but-its-not-a-defrosting-problem/</guid>
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		<title>Replacing the drum bearings in an LG front-load washer</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-655-replacing-the-drum-bearings-in-an-lg-front-load-washer/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[First, buy the replacment bearing for your LG washer here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/LG-Washing-Machine-Bearing-Parts' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>http://www.repairclinic.com/LG-Washing-Machine-Bearing-Parts</a><br /><br />Then install them using the guidance in this video:<br /><br /><a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/911-lg-washer-outer-drum-bearing-installation-video/' class='bbc_url' title=''>http://appliantology.org/files/file/911-lg-washer-outer-drum-bearing-installation-video/</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 02 Jun 2013 21:06:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-655-replacing-the-drum-bearings-in-an-lg-front-load-washer/</guid>
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		<title>Summary of the appliance repair search arsenal and capabilities available to you at Appliantology.org</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-654-summary-of-the-appliance-repair-search-arsenal-and-capabilities-available-to-you-at-appliantologyorg/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="DurhamAppliance" data-cid="256629" data-time="1370098490" data-date="01 June 2013 &#045; 10&#58;54 AM"><p><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Samurai Appliance Repair Man" data-cid="256617" data-time="1370093977"><p><br />And as anyone who's spent any time searching this site knows, there's gold in them thar old topics!</p></blockquote><br />That's why it's important to remember to use the site's google search box as well as the standard box. The google box will search and find older stuff as well as newer entries. But the wild card search parameters "*" doesn't work for numbers (this is a google shortcoming probably done to prevent their servers from bogging down searching for all occurences of jpt4* in an alpha string then billions of results if included in a numerical or alpha numerical string)<br /><br />The main Appliantolgy search box will respect the wild card "*" for alpha-numerical searches but the searches are limited to entries made in the last year or so.<br /></p></blockquote><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41561-how-does-a-question-get-marked-as-answered/?view=findpost&p=256629' class='bbc_url' title=''>How does a question get marked as answered?</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Jun 2013 15:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-654-summary-of-the-appliance-repair-search-arsenal-and-capabilities-available-to-you-at-appliantologyorg/</guid>
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		<title>Troubleshooting tip for Whirlpool inverter-type microwave ovens with an F7 error code</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-653-troubleshooting-tip-for-whirlpool-inverter-type-microwave-ovens-with-an-f7-error-code/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[The high voltage system in microwave ovens is used to power the magnetron and generate the microwave sound energy that cooks the food. This voltage is in the range of 2,000 vdc. There are two ways of producing this high voltage. The older, conventional way is using a high voltage transformer, capacitor and rectifier. This is a pretty reliable configuration and easy to troubleshoot and repair.<br /><br />The other way of producing the high voltage for the magnetron is using an inverter board. These are ofter nightmares to troubleshoot and expensive to repair.<br /><br />In these Whirlpool inverter-type microwaves (built by Panasonic), the F7 error code indicates a problem with the inverter board.<br /><br />Sometimes you may see a burned spot on the inverter board confirming the error code. But absent any visual confirmation like that, Brothers <a href='http://appliantology.org/user/82944-jj-surfer/' class='bbc_url' title=''>JJ Surfer</a> and <a href='http://appliantology.org/user/5093-chat-in-fl/' class='bbc_url' title=''>Chat_in_FL</a> offer this heads-up when troubleshooting Whirlpool inverter-type microwave ovens that throw an F7 error code.<br /><br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="JJ Surfer" data-cid="256345" data-time="1369902215"><p>Be careful.. I've had a bad mag throw the same error, I would check mag for shorts and continuity first before ordering inverter board, high limit t-stat on cavity or mag could cause dead condition (no display) although I don't think those reset.</p></blockquote><br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Chat_in_FL" data-cid="256350" data-time="1369911739"><p>As <a href='http://appliantology.org/user/82944-jj-surfer/' class='bbc_url' title=''>JJ Surfer</a> just said: Also check magnetron terminals to ground. After replacing the inverter and control board, I've found a shorted mag will also give you this F-7 error code, indicated by pulsing power to the mag just before the error code is displayed...</p></blockquote><br />Test the magnetron by ohming between the terminals, should be very low resistance, typically less than an ohm.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then check from one of the terminals to the magentron casing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Should wide open-- if you read continuity or some resistance, then the magnetron is bad.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />If the magnetron checks good, you can get the replacement inverter board here:<br /><br /><br />1100 watt Inverter board: <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Inverter-Board/W10217710/1472287?modelNumber=GH6177XPS5' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>http://www.repaircli...mber=GH6177XPS5</a><br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Inverter-Board/W10217710/1472287?modelNumber=GH6177XPS5' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00002285/Inverter-Board-W10217710-00688011.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /><br />40 watt Inverter board: <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Inverter-Board/8204989/1027609?modelNumber=GH6177XPS5' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>http://www.repaircli...mber=GH6177XPS5</a><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Inverter-Board/8204989/1027609?modelNumber=GH6177XPS5' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00004738/Inverter-Board-8204989-01459787.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/42372-whirlpool-microwave/?view=findpost&p=256359' class='bbc_url' title=''>Whirlpool Microwave</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 May 2013 13:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-653-troubleshooting-tip-for-whirlpool-inverter-type-microwave-ovens-with-an-f7-error-code/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Special repair trick for fixing an LE error code in LG front-load washers (and it's NOT the hall sensor)]]></title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-651-special-repair-trick-for-fixing-an-le-error-code-in-lg-front-load-washers-and-its-not-the-hall-sensor/</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[As most people know after a quick search of the Internet, the LE error code in LG front-load washers is <em class='bbc'>usually</em> caused by a bad <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Rotor-Position-Sensor/6501KW2002A/1268238' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>hall sensor, also called a rotor position sensor or RPS</a>. The hall sensor is easy to test and replace, see <a href='http://fixitnow.com/wp/2011/07/18/how-to-test-the-hall-sensor-in-an-lg-front-loading-washer/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>this post at Fixitnow.com</a> for detailed instructions.<br /><br />Okay, let's say you replaced the hall sensor because you believed it was bad and you're still getting that ding-dang infernal LE error code. What's a brutha to do?<br /><br />First off, don't go into a blind <a href='http://fixitnow.com/wp/2004/04/30/new-economy-appliance-repair-service-coming-soon-to-your-town/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>parts changing monkey</a> panic and start replacing parts that just never fail on their own like the stator. Take a breath, unbunch them panties, and come with me now as we step through the three most likely causes for the LE error code that persists even after replacing the hall sensor.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>1. Using too much or the wrong kind of detergent</strong><br /><br />Using non-HE (high efficiency) detergent in any HE washing machine (which includes ALL front loaders, regardless of brand or model) is a big Bozo No-No. You can't just use less of the non-HE stuff because washing with low water requires different detergent chemistry than washing with boocoo water.<br /><br />The biggest problem with using non-HE detergent is sudsing. Excessive sudsing can cause problems in HE washers by “cushioning” — or even preventing — the tumbling action. HE detergents also hold soils and dyes in suspension in low water volumes, so they don’t re-deposit onto cleaned clothes. This means that if you’re using non-HE detergents in your front-loading washer, you’re wearing poopy germs and other ca-ca on your clothes right now and you are one of the Great Unwashed. The inside of your washer will start smelling poopy, too. See my seminal tome, <a href='http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-629-9-ways-to-beat-odor-problems-in-modern-high-efficiency-front-load-and-top-load-washers/' class='bbc_url' title=''>9 Ways to Beat Odor Problems in Modern High-Efficiency Front Load and Top Load Washers</a>, for more.<br /><br />But the biggest problem with sudsing as it pertains to the LE error code in LG front loaders is that the excessive suds can trick out the control board because the load doesn't "feel" right (yes, the control board senses the load and its action) and so it throws an LE error code.<br /><br />Note that using <em class='bbc'>too much</em> HE detergent can cause over-sudsing, too. Detergents are one those things where more is NOT better. You want just the right amount and no more. So what is the right amount? Well, first off, disregard the idiot directions on the box. Naturally they're going to tell you to use more so you'll have to buy more sooner. And don't fill it to the MAX line in the dispenser. Start with the following amounts of HE detergent and adjust based on your water hardness; more for hard water, less for soft water (read more about water hardness and how to check yours in this post, <a href='http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-338-the-hard-facts-about-hard-water-and-your-appliances/' class='bbc_url' title=''>The Hard Facts about Hard Water and Your Appliances</a>):<br /><br /><br />- Regular HE detergent: 2 tablespoons per normal wash load<br /><br />- HE 2X (double concentrated): 1 tablespoon<br /><br />- HE 3X (triple concentrated): 1 <strong class='bbc'>teaspoon</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>2) Broken wire harness</strong><br /><br />If you're sure that you (or your customer, if you're a professional appliantologist) are using the correct type and amount of detergent then replace the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Rotor-Position-Sensor/6501KW2002A/1268238' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>motor wire harness</a> at the back of the washer (the one underneath the motor). You can see it in the photo below:<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_4_5_454983.png' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br /><br /><br />Even though the wire harness may look fine, one of the wires inside may have broken over the years of use-- they's a whole lotta shakin' and gyratin' going on back there! Also, wire harnesses in dynamic environments like a front load washer can become intermittent in their conductivity. It may work in more quiescent parts of the cycle and then break continuity as the movement increases. This can break the data feedback from the hall sensor to the main control board and cause it to throw an LE error code.<br /><br />A visual inspection of a wire harness doesn't give a full assessment of its integrity-- you have to measure continuity of each wire in that harness to know what's really going on.<br /><br />Or just go ahead and <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Rotor-Position-Sensor/6501KW2002A/1268238' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>replace the wire harness</a>, it's inexpensive and easy to do.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>3. The main control board may be bad</strong><br /><br />Emphasis on the "may" because this is actually the least likely scenario yet the first one that most techs will jump on in these situations. Lots of times, when the main control board in an LG washer goes bad, it's visible, like in this one:<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_4_5_79871.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br />It's usually the triacs, the power transistors, that get shorted out. If you see this, you better look for the problem elsewhere in the machine because something shorted and caused the triac to draw excessive current which burned it up.<br /><br />But control boards absolutely do fail in non-visible ways, too. So if you're still getting the LE error code after you've replaced the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Rotor-Position-Sensor/6501KW2002A/1268238' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>hall sensor</a>, you've ruled out detergent issues and replaced the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Rotor-Position-Sensor/6501KW2002A/1268238' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>wire harness</a>, then the only thing you're left with is the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/LG-Washing-Machine-Circuit-Board-Timer-Parts' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>main control board</a>.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 12:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-651-special-repair-trick-for-fixing-an-le-error-code-in-lg-front-load-washers-and-its-not-the-hall-sensor/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[How to test and replace the ADC &#34;Jazz&#34; circuit board in Maytag and Amana refrigerators]]></title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-650-how-to-test-and-replace-the-adc-jazz-circuit-board-in-maytag-and-amana-refrigerators/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[The <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/12784415/1541423' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>"Jazz" control board</a> is what Whirlpool (makers of Amana and Maytag appliances) calls the Adaptive Defrost Control (ADC) board used in some models of french door and bottom-mount Maytag and Amana refrigerators. You can identify the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/12784415/1541423' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Jazz control board</a> by the two, single-digit digital displays for the freezer and fresh food temperature adjustment that are located at the top of the fresh food compartment.<br /><br />These Jazz boards fail pretty frequently. The two most common failure modes on these boards are<br /><br />1) Failure to initiate defrost and<br /><br />2) Failure to stop the compressor during defrost.<br /><br />In both cases, the evaporator frosts up so much that air can't flow through it anymore. When I get the call, the typical complaint is that the freezer temperatures are fine but the fresh food compartment (the beer compartment) is not cold enough.<br /><br />Troubleshooting these Jazz boards is pretty straightforward. Put the unit into forced defrost mode and see if the defrost heating element in the freezer heats up. You can tell this in a number of ways:<br /><br />- feel the heating element (carefully!) if you can reach it<br />- listen for sizzling as the frost melts off the evaporator and hits the hot element<br />- measure current or wattage change (should increase)-- a <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Energy-Usage-Meter/P4400/1012487' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Kill-A-Watt meter</a> makes this quick and easy to do.<br /><br />The compressor should shut off during defrost. If you still hear it running, then you don't need to do any further troubleshooting because you know the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/12784415/1541423' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Jazz board is bad and you can go ahead and replace it</a>.<br /><br />If the defrost heater does not get hot in forced defrost mode, then you need to disassemble the freezer and check continuity of the defrost limiter and defrost heater. But, I gotta tell ya, in these units I replace far more Jazz boards than I do defrost limiters. And I don't think I've ever had to replace a defrost heater in one of these models.<br /><br />So, how do you put the Jazz control board into forced defrost mode? I thought you'd never ask! The tech sheet behind the toe grill has instructions like this:<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_55589_30_28039.png' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br /><br /><br />But lots of people have trouble following the instructions on the tech sheet so it may help if you watch me do it:<br /><br /><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://youtube.com/embed/2enSBwQXnhw?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe><br /><br />As far as replacing the Jazz board, there are a couple techniques out there. First thing is to remove the light cover (the clear plastic part over the lights behind the control panel). It just slides back and off. That's the easy part.<br /><br />One way to get at the Jazz board is to remove the entire control housing, like ahso:<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_55589_30_43232.png' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br />The other method, and my preferred method, is to just unclip the Jazz board housing, letting it swing down, but leaving the rest of the control housing intact, like ahso:<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_55589_30_68181.png' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/12784415/1541423' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>replacement Jazz board</a> comes with an instruction sheet. Read this carefully because you have to program the Jazz board according to the program code on the model number sticker inside the beer compartment.<br /><br />You can buy the replacement Jazz board here with a one-year, no-hassle return policy: <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/12784415/1541423' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/12784415/1541423</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Acknowledgments</strong>:<br /><br />Special thanks to <a href='http://appliantology.org/user/55589-strathy/' class='bbc_url' title=''>Brother Strathy</a> for the beautious and informative diagram markups.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 13:22:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-650-how-to-test-and-replace-the-adc-jazz-circuit-board-in-maytag-and-amana-refrigerators/</guid>
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		<title>Troubleshooting technique for checking the MCU in a Whirlpool Duet Sport washer</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-649-troubleshooting-technique-for-checking-the-mcu-in-a-whirlpool-duet-sport-washer/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[If you're dealing with a Whirlpool Duet Sport front load washer (also sold under the Maytag and Kenmore brands) that just beeps when you press the start button but doesn't lock the door or run, it can be tricky to figure what the problem is. The prime suspects are: CCU (central control unit), MCU (motor control unit), and the door latch assembly. <a href='http://appliantology.org/user/2460-trying-to-help/' class='bbc_url' title=''>Academy Fellow Trying to help</a> offers this tip for checking the MCU to determine whether it's the cause of the problem or not. If it checks good, you have two other suspects to test but at least you've eliminated one of them! OTOH, if the MCU tests bad, you can <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/Whirlpool-Washing-Machine-Parts' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>buy the replacement MCU here</a> with a one year, no-hassle return policy, look up your exact board by the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/General/Help-Me-Find-My-Model-Number' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>model number</a> of your washer.<br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Trying to help" data-cid="255633" data-time="1369268301" data-date="22 May 2013 &#045; 08&#58;18 PM"><p>Yes, there is a 3 wire blue harness that runs from the CCU (Central Control Unit) to the MCU (Motor Control Unit) I believe it is the M3 connector. Unplug that connector at either end and let it hang. Now hit start, if the unit locks the door and acts like it is going to take off on it's little merry way, you have a bad motor control board. Chances are with this disconected after a minute or so a code will pop, but you will already have your answer. At the moment of start the CCU looks for two signals, door lock and motor control. If it does not see what it likes it tripple beeps. Removing the harness eliminates the bad signal. It will lock the door now and sit there looking for the MCU signal. No signal is better than a bad signal! Make sure you ohm your motor to verify it is not shorted and the source of the blown board though!</p></blockquote> <br />Here's the MCU test technique illustrated:<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_4_5_80497.png' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br /><br />and Brother PDuff shares this old tech tip for checking the CCU:<br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="PDuff" data-cid="255685" data-time="1369322860"><p>Old tech trick for checking CCU's was to unplug unit and plug back in.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you hear a click from the CCU then the CCU was usually ok.&nbsp;&nbsp;But I think these new CCU's are onto that trick.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still researching that switch at access panel.&nbsp;&nbsp;I don't know if it would cause a problem but it has attracted my attention.&nbsp;&nbsp;Will advise.</p></blockquote><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/42255-maytag-front-load-washer-whirlpool-doesnt-start-just-beeps/?view=findpost&p=255633' class='bbc_url' title=''>maytag front load washer (whirlpool) doesnt start just beeps</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 12:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-649-troubleshooting-technique-for-checking-the-mcu-in-a-whirlpool-duet-sport-washer/</guid>
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		<title>Wire harness madness to watch out for when replacing the evaporator fan in Kitchenaid built-in refrigerators</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-648-wire-harness-madness-to-watch-out-for-when-replacing-the-evaporator-fan-in-kitchenaid-built-in-refrigerators/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[This Public Service Announcement is brought to you today by Brother fixyourboard of <a href='http://fixyourboard.com' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Fixyourboard.com</a> fame, providing fast, expert rebuild and repair of NLA circuit boards:<br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="fixyourboard" data-cid="255468" data-time="1369173428" data-date="21 May 2013 &#045; 05&#58;57 PM"><p>After replacing evaporator fan and having the main board rebuilt ... the new fan wouldn't run. Well it turns out that the new fan comes with a new wire harness BUT it only applies to certain models. It swaps some wires around and if you install it on the wrong model the evaporator fan doesn't get power!!! It looks just like the orignal (unless you look closely at the pinout). It seems the fan doesn't ship with the WP instruction sheet. Fan p/n <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Evaporator-Fan-Motor/8201589/1018185' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>8201589</a>, board p/n <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/2252159/1058060' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>2252159</a> and brothers, jumper harness p/n <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Wire-jumper/2221077/907843' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>2221077</a>.<br /><br />This has got to have caused a lot of head bangin' ! ??<br /><br />Here's the instruction sheet. Sorry it's a png. Site didn't let me attach the pdf.<br /><br /></p></blockquote>Here's the link to the PDF of the evaporator fan motor installation instructions:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/867-whirlpool-fridge-8201589-evaporator-fan-instructions/' class='bbc_url' title=''>http://appliantology.org/files/file/867-whirlpool-fridge-8201589-evaporator-fan-instructions/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/42233-ksss42fk-ka-built-in-evap-fan-not-running-after-boardfan-replacement/?view=findpost&p=255468' class='bbc_url' title=''>KSSS42FK KA Built In Evap Fan not running after board/fan replacement</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 13:35:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-648-wire-harness-madness-to-watch-out-for-when-replacing-the-evaporator-fan-in-kitchenaid-built-in-refrigerators/</guid>
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		<title>A cautionary PSA for Grasshoppers undertaking microwave oven repair</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-647-a-cautionary-psa-for-grasshoppers-undertaking-microwave-oven-repair/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[This Public Service Announcement is brought to you by <a href='http://appliantology.org/user/82877-pduff/' class='bbc_url' title=''>Brother PDuff</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="PDuff" data-cid="254757" data-time="1368560536" data-date="14 May 2013 &#045; 03&#58;42 PM"><p>I'm reminded of one time, a fellow tech and myself were at the shop.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was working on a large countertop microwave and I was down the hall in the front office.&nbsp;&nbsp;We could see each other and were carrying on a conversation, I forget about what.&nbsp;&nbsp;I'm absolutely positive he had a few fillings in his mouth because as he was looking and talking to me his hand must have touched the high voltage diode or capacitor, discharging it.&nbsp;&nbsp;I kid you not sparks flew out of his open mouth!&nbsp;&nbsp;Being the trained and responsible guy I am I immediately fell to the floor, laughing my ass off.&nbsp;&nbsp;I eventually recovered and asked him if was ok and he said yes, just scared the hell out of him.&nbsp;&nbsp;I said, "Man, did you see sparks fly out of your mouth?"&nbsp;&nbsp;He said no, he must have missed that.&nbsp;&nbsp;Needless to say we both found new respect for microwaves and the awesome, dangerous, and sometimes hilarious power of the high voltage capacitor.</p></blockquote><span  style='font-size: 18px'>To learn more about your microwave oven or to buy parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Microwave-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>.</span><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41715-im-dumb-and-need-help-on-kitchenaid-microwave-khms2040wss-0/?view=findpost&p=254757' class='bbc_url' title=''>Im DUMB and need help on Kitchenaid Microwave khms2040wss-0</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 19:51:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-647-a-cautionary-psa-for-grasshoppers-undertaking-microwave-oven-repair/</guid>
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		<title>Appliantology Newsletter:  Front-Load Washer Stinkology</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-646-appliantology-newsletter-front-load-washer-stinkology/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Caressing your cranium like cool cherry blossoms, it's the green shoots of another Appliantology issue easing down into your eyeballs like the misty morning dew in springtime. <a href='http://ymlp.com/zZJPnA' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Come in and have some Tranya</a>...]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 03:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-646-appliantology-newsletter-front-load-washer-stinkology/</guid>
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		<title>Inverter Motor Fuse Eliminated from GE Hydrowave Top-Load Washers</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-645-inverter-motor-fuse-eliminated-from-ge-hydrowave-top-load-washers/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[From the GE Tech bulletin on this:<br /><br /><br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' ><p>New variable speed inverter motors no longer<br />require the in-line fuse. When replacing an<br />older Hydrowave inverter motor with the new<br />inverter motor, the in-line fuse must be<br />removed from the washer harness. Failure to<br />remove this fuse link will cause the fuse link to<br />fail due to the higher inrush current of the new<br />motor design.<br /><br />Replacement motors will include a jumper wire<br />and 2 wire splices to remove the in-line fuse.<br /><br /><br />Read more: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41994-ge-wjre5500goww-washer/#ixzz2SpWjBMAt%C2%A0' class='bbc_url' title=''>http://appliantology.org/topic/41994-ge-wjre5500goww-washer/#ixzz2SpWjBMAt</a><br /></p></blockquote><br />You can download the tech bulletin here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/817-ge-service-bulletin-new-variable-speed-motors-on-hydrowave-washer-fuse-removed/' class='bbc_url' title=''>http://appliantology.org/files/file/817-ge-service-bulletin-new-variable-speed-motors-on-hydrowave-washer-fuse-removed/</a><br /><br />Buy parts for your GE washer here: <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/GE-Washing-Machine-Parts' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>http://www.repairclinic.com/GE-Washing-Machine-Parts</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 20:38:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-645-inverter-motor-fuse-eliminated-from-ge-hydrowave-top-load-washers/</guid>
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		<title>Understanding Engineers</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-644-understanding-engineers/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[A priceless compendium of engineer jokes posted by Brother Lee Fix:<br /><br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Mr. Lee Fix" data-cid="253465" data-time="1367426750" data-date="01 May 2013 &#045; 12&#58;45 PM"><p><span class='bbc_underline'><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'> Understanding Engineers #1</span></span></span></span><br /><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Two engineering students were biking across a university campus when one said, "Where did you get such a great bike?"&nbsp;&nbsp;The second engineer replied,&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, I was walking along yesterday, minding my own business, when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes and said, "Take what you want."&nbsp;&nbsp;The first engineer nodded approvingly and said, "Good choice:&nbsp;&nbsp;The clothes probably wouldn't fit you anyway."</span></span></span><br /> <br /><span class='bbc_underline'><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Understanding Engineers #2</span></span></span></span><br /><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>To the optimist, the glass is half-full. To the pessimist, the glass is half-empty.&nbsp;&nbsp;To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.</span></span></span><br /> <br /><span class='bbc_underline'><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Understanding Engineers #3</span></span></span></span><br /><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>A priest, a doctor, and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers. The engineer fumed, "What's with those guys?&nbsp;&nbsp;We must have been waiting for fifteen minutes!"&nbsp;&nbsp;The doctor chimed in, "I don't know, but I've never seen such inept golf!"&nbsp;&nbsp;The priest said, "Here comes the greens-keeper.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let's have a word with him."&nbsp;&nbsp;He said, "Hello George, What's wrong with that group ahead of us?&nbsp;&nbsp;They're rather slow, aren't they?"&nbsp;&nbsp;The greens-keeper replied, "Oh, yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;That's a group of blind firemen.&nbsp;&nbsp;They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime!."&nbsp;&nbsp;The group fell silent for a moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;The priest said, "That's so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight."&nbsp;&nbsp;The doctor said, "Good idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;I'm going to contact my ophthalmologist colleague and see if there's anything she can do for them."&nbsp;&nbsp;The engineer said, "Why can't they play at night?"</span></span></span><br /> <br /><span class='bbc_underline'><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Understanding Engineers #4</span></span></span></span><br /><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>What is the difference between mechanical engineers and civil engineers?</span></span></span><br /><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Mechanical engineers build weapons.</span></span></span><br /><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Civil engineers build targets</span></span></span><br /> <br /><span class='bbc_underline'><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Understanding Engineers #5</span></span></span></span><br /><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>The graduate with a science degree asks, "Why does it work?"&nbsp;&nbsp;The graduate with an engineering degree asks, "How does it work?"&nbsp;&nbsp;The graduate with an accounting degree asks, "How much will it cost?"&nbsp;&nbsp;The graduate with an arts degree asks, "Do you want fries with that?"</span></span></span><br /> <br /><span class='bbc_underline'><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Understanding Engineers #6</span></span></span></span><br /><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Three engineering students were gathered together discussing who must have designed the human body.&nbsp;&nbsp;One said, "It was a mechanical engineer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just look at all the joints."&nbsp;&nbsp;Another said, "No, it was an electrical engineer.&nbsp;&nbsp;The nervous system has many thousands of electrical connections."&nbsp;&nbsp;The last one said, "No, actually it had to have been a civil engineer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who else would run a toxic waste pipeline through a recreational area?"</span></span></span><br /> <br /><span class='bbc_underline'><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Understanding Engineers #7</span></span></span></span><br /><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Normal people believe that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Engineers believe that if it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features yet.</span></span></span><br /> <br /><span class='bbc_underline'><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>Understanding Engineers #8</span></span></span></span><br /><span  style='color: #000000'><span  style='font-family: arial'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>An engineer was crossing a road one day, when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess."&nbsp;&nbsp;He bent over, picked up the frog, and put it in his pocket.&nbsp;&nbsp;The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn back into a beautiful princess and stay with you for one week."&nbsp;&nbsp;The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket.&nbsp;&nbsp;The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you for one week and do anything you want."&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket.&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter?&nbsp;&nbsp;I've told you I'm a beautiful princess and that I'll stay with you for one week and do anything you want.&nbsp;&nbsp;Why won't you kiss me?"&nbsp;&nbsp;The engineer said, "Look, I'm an engineer.&nbsp;&nbsp;I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog - now that's cool."</span></span></span></p></blockquote><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41891-more-hotter-water-please/?view=findpost&p=253465' class='bbc_url' title=''>More hotter water, please!</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2013 16:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-644-understanding-engineers/</guid>
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		<title>Kenmore-Amana bottom-mount refrigerator: warm beer compartment but freezer seems okay</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-643-kenmore-amana-bottom-mount-refrigerator-warm-beer-compartment-but-freezer-seems-okay/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Samurai Appliance Repair Man" data-cid="253814" data-time="1367770017" data-date="05 May 2013 &#045; 12&#58;06 PM"><p>You're probably going to find the evaporator coil in the freezer choked in with frost, in which case, the problem is almost always the infamous <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/12784415/1541423?modelNumber=596.65939401' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Jazz Control Board</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />There's a tech sheet in the toe grill that tells how to put the board in diagnostic mode for various tests.&nbsp;&nbsp;But the most common failures with this board are 1) failing to initiate defrost and 2) keeping compressor running during defrost.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both result in a frosted up evaporator coil.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Put the unit into forced defrost.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the defrost heater fires up, that means the defrost heater and limiter are good.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then go ahead and <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/12784415/1541423?modelNumber=596.65939401' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>replace the Jazz Board</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Here's my video showing how to do the diagnostic dance:<br /><br /><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://youtube.com/embed/2enSBwQXnhw?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe><br /></p></blockquote><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41947-kenmoreamana-bottom-mount-59665939401/?view=findpost&p=253814' class='bbc_url' title=''>Kenmore/Amana Bottom Mount 596.65939401</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2013 16:16:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-643-kenmore-amana-bottom-mount-refrigerator-warm-beer-compartment-but-freezer-seems-okay/</guid>
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		<title>Frigidaire Dryer with an E68 error code and stops every 30 Seconds</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-642-frigidaire-dryer-with-an-e68-error-code-and-stops-every-30-seconds/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Brother PDuff gives us the inside skinny on this one-trick pony: <br /><br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="PDuff" data-cid="253667" data-time="1367606179" data-date="03 May 2013 &#045; 02&#58;36 PM"><p>The Frigidaire dryer control board "runs home to mama" with the E68 fault code.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's the only fault code listed and the only one it knows.&nbsp;&nbsp;It indicates stuck button as Brother Reg advised.&nbsp;&nbsp;I've never found a stuck button, usually a bad board.&nbsp;&nbsp;Did have a Gallery dryer the other day with control board and interface.&nbsp;&nbsp;Threw an E68 at me so I ordered the main control board to have when going out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Turned out to be the interface.&nbsp;&nbsp;RATFARTS!!!&nbsp;&nbsp;P/N for your board is <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/User-Control-and-Display-Board/134523200/1154933' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>134523200</a>.</p></blockquote><br />Part link for the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/User-Control-and-Display-Board/134523200/1154933' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Main Control Board</a> with a one-year return policy.<br /><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41706-frigidaire-dryer-that-has-error-e68-and-stops-every-30-seconds/?view=findpost&p=253667' class='bbc_url' title=''>Frigidaire Dryer That Has Error E68 and stops every 30 Seconds</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2013 02:09:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-642-frigidaire-dryer-with-an-e68-error-code-and-stops-every-30-seconds/</guid>
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		<title>Quick Way to Check the Sealed System in a GE - Whirlpool - Kitchenaid Under-counter Ice Maker</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-641-quick-way-to-check-the-sealed-system-in-a-ge-whirlpool-kitchenaid-under-counter-ice-maker/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Brother PDuff enlightens us with this nifty tip for making a quick check of the sealed system (refrigerant and compressor) using your fingers and earballs:<br /><br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="PDuff" data-cid="253021" data-time="1366896905" data-date="25 April 2013 &#045; 09&#58;35 AM"><p>Quick way to check evaporator:&nbsp;&nbsp;With compressor running drain the water from the reservoir by removing bottom cap. Let run for a couple of minutes and check for slight frost on evaporator plate, touch top of plate with wet finger-should stick.&nbsp;&nbsp;If not cold, turn unit off and listen for a hissing noise from evaporator.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not cold and hissing-bad evap.&nbsp;&nbsp;Would replace compressor as well for moisture contamination.</p></blockquote><br /> <br />Service manual for this unit is here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/236-whirlpool-15-inch-automatic-ice-maker/' class='bbc_url' title=''>http://appliantology.org/files/file/236-whirlpool-15-inch-automatic-ice-maker/</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41807-zdis15cssj-ge-monogram-under-counter-ice-maker-not-producing-ice/?view=findpost&p=253021' class='bbc_url' title=''>zdis15cssj GE Monogram under counter ICE MAKER not producing ice:</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:19:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-641-quick-way-to-check-the-sealed-system-in-a-ge-whirlpool-kitchenaid-under-counter-ice-maker/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Beware Appliance Parts Buyer's Remorse!]]></title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-640-beware-appliance-parts-buyers-remorse/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Y'all gather 'round, ol' Uncle Samurai has another sad tale to tell about how someone thought they were gonna save a buck or two buying cheap, generic parts off of Ebay or Amazon but it turns out the parts either don't last long or don't work at all. I rectum this is an increasingly common story in these tough economic times with everyone pinching pennies so hard you can almost hear ol' Abe screaming. But, as we're gonna see in today's saga, buying cheap, knock-off parts from the online peddlers of phony appliance parts is false economy, what we call "penny-wise and dollar dumb."<br /><br />I got this email from confused and frustrated Karla who contacted me about a (surprise!) non-functioning knock-off part she bought from some peddler on Ebay. For some reason, she thought she bought it through this website, www.Appliantology.org. Why did she think that? Who knows! People think all kinds of strange and unpredictable things. That's why humans are so interesting and frustrating at the same time.<br /><br />For the record: <strong class='bbc'>all parts sold through the parts links and search boxes at this website are new, genuine OEM parts and all come with a one year return policy, even on electrical parts that have been installed. </strong><strong class='bbc'> </strong>I do not sell parts on Ebay but there are peddlers there who do using names that sound confusingly similar to this website.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' ><p>Your Name: karla *******<br /><br />Your Email Address: karla********@********.net<br /><br />Your Appliantology Username, if you have one:<br /><br />What would you like to talk about? Other NON-APPLIANCE REPAIR problem<br /><br />Talk to the Samurai: Less than a week ago i bougth thru ebay and pay by paypal a part to my fridge apparently it came ok but once intalled only worked for two days, is there a possibility to return it and change the part for one that works please call ***-***-**** i need the fridge to work<br />Item title<br />Price<br />Shipping price<br />Qty<br />Item total<br /><br />NEW GE refrigerator main control board part WR55X10942 ( item: 261174184655 transaction: 1192412668016 )<br />Paid on Apr-16-13<br />$89.25<br />Free<br />1<br /><br />$89.25<br /><br />Shipped on Apr-18-13<br />USPS Priority Mail<br /><br />Estimated delivery: Tue. Apr. 23 - Wed. Apr. 24<br />Tracking number: 9405503699300397360687</p></blockquote><br />The control board she bought for her GE refrigerator is the famous Muthaboard. <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/WR55X10942/1531075' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>A genuine replacement Muthaboard, brand new in a GE box with a one year warranty retails for about $165</a>.<br /><br />Karla paid about $90.<br /><br />How does that work? Well, in her case, it didn't. The board she bought from the parts peddler on Ebay was probably scavenged from another refrigerator that was junked for a bad sealed system. The parts peddler had no way of checking the board and probably didn't care-- just sell it and let the customer see if it works.<br /><br />Read more about online appliance parts ripoffs and scams in the <a href='http://ymlp.com/zsTPYA' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>March issue of our newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment</a>.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:18:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-640-beware-appliance-parts-buyers-remorse/</guid>
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		<title>The Appliance Guru:  Discount Coupon for Your Next Service Call</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-639-the-appliance-guru-discount-coupon-for-your-next-service-call/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_4_24_33320.png' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br /><br />Get it now: <a href='http://applianceguru.com/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>The Appliance Guru</a> discount coupon worth $10 off your next service call with <a href='http://applianceguru.com/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>The Appliance Guru</a>!<br /><br />If you have been blessed with the supreme good fortune of living in the New London, Wilmot, Newbury, and the Greater Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire, this coupon is for you. All you have to do is print out the coupon and show it to <a href='http://applianceguru.com/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>The Appliance Guru</a> when he comes to your home for a repair.<br /><br /><a href='http://applianceguru.com/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>The Appliance Guru</a> provides prompt, convenient appliance repair service in the following towns in New Hampshire: New London, Elkins, Wilmot, Andover, Springfield, Georges Mills, Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee, Newport, Newbury, Sutton, Warner, Grantham, and the Eastman Community.<br /><br />Learn more about <a href='http://applianceguru.com/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>The Appliance Guru</a> at our website: <a href='http://applianceguru.com/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>www.ApplianceGuru.com</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Apr 2013 02:12:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-639-the-appliance-guru-discount-coupon-for-your-next-service-call/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Double-extra Special Secret Tip for Troubleshooting a GE Refrigerator that's DOA]]></title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-638-double-extra-special-secret-tip-for-troubleshooting-a-ge-refrigerator-thats-doa/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[If you're working on a GE refrigerator that's dead in the water and you've checked for a good 120vac power supply right up to the J11 connector on the muthaboard, then try this troubleshooting tip from Brother BryanS: <br /><br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="BryanS" data-cid="253073" data-time="1366942432" data-date="25 April 2013 &#045; 10&#58;13 PM"><p>Sometimes a shorted fan motor can give you that same scenario. You can try unplugging j2 fan connector and see if the compressor comes on. If it does then you need to just determine which motor is shorted. I've only this happen to me once and it was the evap motor.</p></blockquote>The muthaboard diagram below shows the location of the J2 connector of which Brother BryanS speaks:<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery/album_4/med_gallery_4_4_340323.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br />You can see a bigger version of the muthaboard diagram <a href='http://appliantology.org/gallery/sizes/256-ge-refrigerator-muthaboard-connector-reference-pictorial-view/large/' class='bbc_url' title=''>here</a>.<br /><br /><br />If it the refrigerator starts running with the J2 connector unplugged, you should replace BOTH the affected <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/Shop-For-Parts?s=t-ge%20refrigerator%20fan%20motor-%3D%3D' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>fan motor (usually the evaporator fan</a>) AND the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/WR55X10942/1531075' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>muthaboard</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; See <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41782-ge-refrigerator-fan-with-thermistor/' class='bbc_url' title=''>this topic</a> for a heads-up about getting the correct evaporator fan motor for your model.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'>To learn more about your refrigerator or to order parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Refrigerator-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>.</span><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41819-ge-ref-pds22scrbrss-no-control-board-operation/?view=findpost&p=253073' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE Ref PDS22SCRBRSS No control board operation</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:55:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-638-double-extra-special-secret-tip-for-troubleshooting-a-ge-refrigerator-thats-doa/</guid>
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		<title>Diagnostic Test Kit for GE Refrigerators</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-637-diagnostic-test-kit-for-ge-refrigerators/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Brother Durham explains the diagnostic test kit available for GE refrigerators:<br /> <br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="DurhamAppliance" data-cid="253070" data-time="1366941427" data-date="25 April 2013 &#045; 09&#58;57 PM"><p><strong class='bbc'> </strong>If you do a lot of GE fridge repairs, you may benefit by getting a diagnostic aid shown in the following video. It is, in essence, nothing but a control panel that you can use and will bypass the one in your fridge,&nbsp;&nbsp;whether it is a similar panel, knobs or lcd screen control found at the dispenser. With such a panel, if you connect it and everything works, then you will be certain you have a bad control panel.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br />btw, the part numbers needed for the aid have been changed. Instead of the three parts mentioned in the video, you need two <span  style='font-size: 14px'><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/User-Control-and-Display-Board/WR55X10390/1092891' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>WR55X10390</a> (interface and touch panel kit) and <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Wire-Harness/WX05X14999/914872' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>WX05X14999</a> ( wire harness). I got one a few weeks ago and it paid for itself in a few days.</span><br /> <br /><span  style='font-size: 14px'>ps you&nbsp;&nbsp;can make one of these by removing a 5&nbsp;&nbsp;key control interface from an otherwise dead GE and then purchase the harness.</span><br /> <br /><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://youtube.com/embed/9h7YzcLpOx8?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe></p></blockquote><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 24px'>To learn more about your refrigerator or to buy parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Refrigerator-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>. </span><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41819-ge-ref-pds22scrbrss-no-control-board-operation/?view=findpost&p=253070' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE Ref PDS22SCRBRSS No control board operation</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-637-diagnostic-test-kit-for-ge-refrigerators/</guid>
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		<title>Maintenance Kit for the Newer-Style Frigidaire-built Dryer (also sold under the GE brand)</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-636-maintenance-kit-for-the-newer-style-frigidaire-built-dryer-also-sold-under-the-ge-brand/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the little secrets in the appliance manufacturing world is that the manufacturers will often build appliances for each other. One example of this is certain models of GE dryers are actually built by Frigidaire but sold under the GE label.<br /><br />There are two maintenance kits out there for Frigidaire-built dryers:<br /><br />- <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Maintenance-Kit/5304461262/1261075' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>part number 5304461262 for the older-style units</a> and<br /><br />- <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Maintenance-Kit/5304457724/1198622' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>part number 5304457724 for the newer-style units</a>.<br /><br />What's the difference? Click each of the links and above and carefully examine the photos of the parts included with each kit and try to spot the difference.<br /><br />Give up? Okay, Brother vee8power, one of the wise and esteemed Master Appliantologists here at the Academy, explains the difference:<br /><br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="vee8power" data-cid="245748" data-time="1357563976" data-date="07 January 2013 &#045; 09&#58;06 AM"><p>Looking at the parts breakdown for that model, it looks to me like the correct maintenance kit for your dryer is this one<br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Maintenance-Kit/5304457724/1198622' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Maintenance-Kit/5304457724/1198622</a><br /><br />Notice in the picture that the upper felt does not have the three plastic glides. That's because the plastic glide on your dryer is attached to the drum, it is the newer design.<br /><br />The <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Maintenance-Kit/5304461262/1261075' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>5304461262</a> mentioned above is for the older design, with no plastic glide on the front of the drum.<br />Another thing worth noting is that this is a GE brand dryer but it is built by Frigidaire. The part #'s for the kits are Frigidaire numbers. You won't find them on the parts breakdown for a GE.<br /><br />Knowing how parts interchange is one way us professionals can save our customers, and our fellow forum members, some dough.<br /><br />BTW... <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=154&N=3449' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>gas coils</a>... Whirlpool, GE, an Frigidaire all have part numbers for exactly the same part. Guess which one is <strong class='bbc'>G</strong>enerally most <strong class='bbc'>E</strong>xpensive</p></blockquote><br /><span  style='font-size: 24px'>To learn more about your dryer or to order parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Dryer-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>.</span><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/40533-squeeky-ge-profile-gas-dryer-model-dpxh46gf/?view=findpost&p=245748' class='bbc_url' title=''>Squeeky GE Profile gas dryer model #DPXH46GF</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:34:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-636-maintenance-kit-for-the-newer-style-frigidaire-built-dryer-also-sold-under-the-ge-brand/</guid>
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		<title>How to Test the Emitter-Receiver Optics Ice Maker Control Board in Whirlpool - Kitchenaid Refrigerators</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-635-how-to-test-the-emitter-receiver-optics-ice-maker-control-board-in-whirlpool-kitchenaid-refrigerators/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://youtube.com/embed/DXETmwq6aTk?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe><br /><br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Samurai Appliance Repair Man" data-cid="251979" data-time="1365597509" data-date="10 April 2013 &#045; 08&#58;38 AM"><p>You can also verify by doing the test the Brother Kurtius prescribed, reprinted here for your viewing pleasure:<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' ><p><br />1. Remove receiver board (right side) and insert wire into plug in black/black-white wire locations . This effectively bypasses the optics for test purposes. if you have no black/blk-white wires in the plug don’t panic, just chose the two wires beside the blank hole, not on the end.<br />2. test for voltage at the 4 wire harness plug, black to white and black to green…should have 120vac in both places. if not, inline fuse is open or wire is broken or separated in the liner. very bad and prolly not repairable (the broken wire not the fuse).<br />3. if voltage is present, hookup i/m and test at the points on the motor module head previously noted L and N…should have 120vac.<br />4. if voltage is present, install jumper between test points T and H…this should start the icemaker on a rotation if all the above outlined conditions are true. if it doesn’t, the motor on the module is bad. if it does start, reinstall i/m and wait till it fills and parks. remove jumpers and reinstall optics receiver. icemaker should work…if not, we have proven the icemaker assembly is good and the optics must be at fault, regardless of whether the light flashes are checking good or not.</p></blockquote>If the board checks bad by this method, it's slam-dunk dead.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Ice-Level-Control-Board/4389102/921526' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Emitter-Receiver Board</a><br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Ice-Level-Control-Board/4389102/921526' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00004409/Ice-Level-Control-Board-4389102-01336902.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /></p></blockquote><br /><span  style='font-size: 24px'>To learn more about your ice maker or to order parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Refrigerator-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>.</span><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41557-kitchenaid/?view=findpost&p=251979' class='bbc_url' title=''>KITCHENAID</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:59:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-635-how-to-test-the-emitter-receiver-optics-ice-maker-control-board-in-whirlpool-kitchenaid-refrigerators/</guid>
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		<title>How to Find the Right Parts for Your Appliances and Where to Buy Them</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-633-how-to-find-the-right-parts-for-your-appliances-and-where-to-buy-them/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[If you're looking for an appliance part, use the Appliantology parts search box at the top and bottom of every page on this web site. All parts ordered through the links and search boxes at this site come with a one year return policy, even on electrical parts and circuit boards. Here's the story of someone searching for a part who was right here at Appliantology and could have quickly found what she needed by using the parts search box. Heads up to the wise!<br /><br /><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' ><p>Your Name: Mari<br /><br />Your Appliantology Username, if you have one:<br /><br />What would you like to talk about? Other NON-APPLIANCE REPAIR problem<br /><br />Talk to the Samurai: Hello Samurai,<br />It seems I have that "infamous and failure-prone adaptive defrost control board" for Jenn-Air JCD2389GEW as pictured here on your website. It has the same numbers #P19-399# SIEBE APPLIANCE CONTROLS 1996. It also has various other numbers such as MAYT78245.001, ECD#100-01103-01, 20R1448-00, 60727Q, AJW4212, JWIFSN, 062707367, and also THAILAND. I would like to know which part I would need to replace this part. My "original" still keeps the freezer and ice-maker working properly, fans are turning, and refrigerator section is cool, although probably not cool enough, but it does not defrost itself. I have to manually defrost every morning and evening to keep it going. There are so many of these Part #61005988 offered for sale at a great variety of pricing, so I don't know which to choose, as they all claim to be #61005988. I contacted Jenn-Air and was told that mine was Part #61003990. I tried ordering an inexpensive generic part #61003990/#61005988, but that didn't function at all, and did not operate my fridge at all; total waste of time and effort. I had to reinstall my original part; I have no difficulty installing the part, as I know how to do it, and I am proficient at it! I guess I need an "original", but I don't know where to obtain one. Perhaps a more expensive OEM part #61005988 would work, but now I'm almost afraid to try again. The part I tried had a number on it #MA7700112254-TH#. I assume that the "TH" stands for Thailand. It certainly DIDN'T have the #61003990 or #61005988 on it. I DON’T WANT THAT PART AGAIN! It is confusing to have all these products available with the same part number and a wide variety of different prices. I've seen so-called brand new items like this for as low as $19.95. I would appreciate your input. I need a "working" part, not a make-believe part, to waste my time and effort. WHY are there so many different prices on this item???? DOES the price affect the “workability” of the product???? WHICH PART NUMBER SHOULD I ASK FOR???? I look forward to your response. THANK YOU MOST KINDLY,<br />Regards, Mari</p></blockquote><br />Dear Mari, O dear, dear Mari,<br /><br />The solution to your dilemma was staring you in the face the whole time you were at this site when you sent me your email posted above! At both the top and bottom of every page on this site, you'll see conspicuous parts search boxes where you can enter a model number, part number, type of appliance, brand, or even a part description. There's even one right here in this blog at the top of the right-hand column!<br /><br />In your case, you already knew not just the model number of your refrigerator, but the part numbers for the ADC board, too. If you paste in each of the part numbers you were wondering about, 61003990 and 61005988, one at a time into the parts search box, you'll see that they both resolve to the same part number: <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Defrost-Control-Board/61005988/948430' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>61005988</a>.<br /><br />Here's the replacement ADC board you need for your Jenn-Air fridge:<br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Defrost-Control-Board/61005988/948430' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>ADC Board</a><br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Defrost-Control-Board/61005988/948430?modelNumber=JCD2389GEW' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00002185/Defrost-Control-Board-61005988-00658099.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>I can't emphasize enough what a powerful tool the parts search boxes are at this site!</strong><br /><br />Now for the question about where to buy the part. You also mentioned buying generic parts. One word of advice on buying generic parts: <strong class='bbc'><span  style='font-size: 18px'>DON'T! </span></strong><span  style='font-size: 18px'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>I explain why <a href='http://ymlp.com/zsTPYA' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>in this issue of our award-winning newsletter</a>, <em class='bbc'>Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment</em>. </span></span><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'><span  style='font-size: 14px'>BTW, if you're not a subscriber to our newsletter, <em class='bbc'>Appliantology</em>, you're missing out! Every issue is jam-packed with Special Samurai Secrets </span></span>™ for saving money, life, and limb with your appliances. Taunt your friends and delight your enemies with your amazing new knowledge! And best of all, it's FREE! <a href='http://newsletter.appliantology.org/' class='bbc_url' title=''>Subscribe to <em class='bbc'>Appliantology</em> today</a>.<br /><br />Another thing to keep in mind is that <strong class='bbc'>all parts purchased through this website carry a one year no-hassle return policy</strong>, even electrical parts that have been installed! It's insane!<br /><br />Also, when you buy parts through the links and search boxes on this site, a small percentage of your purchase goes to supporting this website without costing you one penny more for the parts you order. So, if you’re going to order appliance parts anyway, how ’bout using the links on this website to ensure that the Samurai will be here the next time you need appliance repair help? Can I hear an "Amen?"]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:36:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-633-how-to-find-the-right-parts-for-your-appliances-and-where-to-buy-them/</guid>
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		<title>Fixite Do: The Ancient Martial Art of Appliance Repair</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-632-fixite-do-the-ancient-martial-art-of-appliance-repair/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Most folks think of appliance repair as just another one of the technical trades, like a plumber or electrician. And, it’s true, there are those who practice appliance repair as merely a trade. But did you know that appliance repair is actually an ancient martial art, older than Kung Fu, Karate Do, and Tae Kwon Do all put together? Yes, my leetle Grasshoppers, I shi’ite you not. The ancient martial art of appliance repair is called Fixite Do (pronounced “fixi-tay do”). According to archeological records, Fixite Do originated in Lower Slabovia sometime during the Fermentecean era, which began right after the Jurassic era. You may be interested to know that Samurai Appliance Repair Man is a fully trained and certifiable master in the ancient appliance repair martial art of Fixite Do. The picture below is an actual live shot of the Samurai applying his art:<br /><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_4_24_747576.png' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br />The Samurai Demonstrates Fixite Do]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:23:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-632-fixite-do-the-ancient-martial-art-of-appliance-repair/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Samurai's 12 Laws of Appliance Repair]]></title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-631-samurais-12-laws-of-appliance-repair/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<strong class='bbc'>Samurai's Ichiban Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: Never replace a part unless you have proof that the part is bad.<br /><br />This distinguishes the <a href='http://appliantology.org/' class='bbc_url' title=''>Samurai School of Appliantology</a> from the <a href='http://fixitnow.com/wp/2004/04/30/new-economy-appliance-repair-service-coming-soon-to-your-town/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Monkey Boy School of Appliance Repair</a>. When I replace an appliance part, it's because I have proven that the part is bad. This proof could be something subtle, like an electrical measurement, or something simple, like laying eyeballs on a burned wire connection. It could be direct, meaning the part is getting proper input but not giving proper output. Or it could be indirect, meaning that all other parts involved in the problem check out good so it's the bad part by process of elimination. This latter technique is more prevalent in the newer appliances with electronic boards where the manufacturer either doesn't give enough information about the board's inputs and outputs or the information/schematics it does supply are wrong.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's 2nd Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: All machines break.<br /><br />I don't care how much you paid, who made it, or what the salesperson told you, appliances are just another type of machine. And all machines, like everything else in the physical world (including our bodies) tend inexorably toward entropy, i.e., they wear out and breakdown. The corollary to the 2nd Law is to buy appliances that are easy to repair because, at some point during its useful life, you will be repairing it. Speaking of useful life, <a href='http://fixitnow.com/wp/2004/03/06/appliance-tip-of-the-day-how-long-should-appliances-last/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>how long should appliances last</a>?<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's 3rd Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: Measure twice, order once.<br /><br />Ok, you've diligently observed Samurai's Ichiban Law of Appliance Repair and have proven that a part is bad based on some type of objective observation. If this observation involved <a href='http://fixitnow.com/wp/2004/12/18/appliance-repair-revelation-making-basic-electrical-measurements/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>making an electrical measurement</a>, such as voltage, current, or resistance, then make that measurement TWICE just to be doubly-woubly sure that you didn't make a mistake. Common mistakes in making electrical measurements include not making good contact with your probe and not removing at least one wire from the component before making a continuity or resistance measurement.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's 4th Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: Beliefs are for religion, not appliance repair.<br /><br />In appliance repair, we use test instruments to quantify the problem and draw definitive conclusions about cause and effect. Hope, beliefs, and wishful thinking don't get stuff fixed, unless it's by pure, blind luck.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's 5th Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: Electronics and wet appliances do not mix.<br /><br />Manufacturers love using fancy electronical boards for things that used to be done by simple, reliable mechanical switches. I see these boards fail frequently and at far greater expense than the good ol' mechanical switches. But the failure rate of these cheesy, over-priced electronical boards in the wet appliances (washer, dishwasher, ice and water dispensers on refrigerators) is excessively high. If you have a choice when buying new appliances, opt for the models with few or no electronic boards.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's 6th Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: Begin troubleshooting right at the problem.<br /><br />Where else you gonna start? No water coming in your dishwasher? Start at the water inlet valve. Gas oven won't bake? Start at the ignitor. Go right to the main thing that ain't doing its thang.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's 7th Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: All leaks are visual.<br /><br />Let's say your washer is leaking. You see the water seeping from under the washer cabinet. So you go online to the <a href='http://appliantology.org/' class='bbc_url' title=''>Samurai School of Appliantology</a> and say, "my washer is leaking, what should I do?" And we'll tell you to remove the front panel and get some eyeballs on where exactly the leak is coming from. Same deal with your dishwasher-- remove the kickplate and peer underneath with a flashlight while it's running to spot the source of the leak. Get the picture?<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's 8th Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: Fix the obvious problems first.<br /><br />If you have an appliance that you think may have several things wrong with it, you have to break down the problem into smaller component problems and then fix each one. Usually, when you fix the obvious problem first, you find that it was the only problem all along. Other times, you cannot even diagnose the other problems until you've fixed the obvious one(s).<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's 9th Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: Nothing kills bio-gookus like chlorine.<br /><br />Just remember this next time you're dealing with a restricted condensate drain in your refrigerator. Bio-gookus loves to grow in dark, moist environments like condensate drain tubes and they'll restrict the flow the same way plaque does in arteries.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's 10th Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: Never move an appliance to make a repair unless you absolutely have to.<br /><br />This is one I learned the hard way. You never know what you're gonna run into (that you didn't need to) when you move an appliance. And, worse yet, you may end up creating a new repair that you hadn't planned on. The classic example is pulling a dryer out just a few inches only to find that it had some impossible dryer vent connection that requires a contortionist/gymnast to re-attach. Oy!<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's 11th Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: Raw power is dirty power.<br /><br />All electricity is not created equal. <a href='http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/04/09/whats-all-the-fuss-about-power-quality/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Power quality</a> varies widely from place to place. Depending on where you live, power at the wall outlets in your house could have all kinds of garbage on it. Stuff like voltage surges, sags, swells, and spikes can kill electrical and electronics equipment. In this modern era of using electronic control boards in appliances for the jobs that simple, reliable mechanical switches used to do, all your appliances should be protected by simple surge protectors at the least. Just like you wouldn't (or shouldn't) plug your computer directly into the wall outlet without using some type of surge protection, neither should you expose your appliances to naked, raw power.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's 12th Law of Appliance Repair</strong>: Neutral is not ground; ground is not neutral.<br /><br />Under normal circumstances, neutral and ground should have the same, or close to the same, electrical potential. But, electrically, neutral and ground are not the same thing and serve entirely different purposes. Back in the old days, they were often used interchangeably, as with the old three-wire dryer and range cords. But, after lots of people got themselves fried or burned their houses down due to a ground fault, "They" decided it would be a good idea to respect the distinction between ground and neutral. Hence the new four-wire dryer and range connections.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samurai's Golden Rule of Appliance Repair</strong>: Never trust customer diagnostics.<br /><br />I'm too embarrassed to admit how many times I've been burned by violating the Golden Rule. You'll get some customers that are so eloquent and seem so erudite and technically proficient that you'll be tempted to accept their diagnosis over the phone (at their insistence-- to save money, of course). So when you bop on over with the special-ordered part that doesn't fix the problem, you're now in a quandary: how do you charge for this wasted repair effort and the cost of returning a special-ordered part...if you can even return it?&nbsp;&nbsp;Unless you bought the control board <a href='http://appliancepartsresource.com/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>here</a>, electronic boards cannot be returned once they're installed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hard lesson is to always do your own diagnosis, no matter how much the customer insists otherwise.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-631-samurais-12-laws-of-appliance-repair/</guid>
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		<title>Farewell (Good Riddance?) to Winter</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-630-farewell-good-riddance-to-winter/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Got the snow tires off the Guru Mobile today and it made The Oz Man reminisce about winter..<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/64252199" class="EmbeddedVideo" width="400" height="250" frameborder="0"></iframe>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:51:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-630-farewell-good-riddance-to-winter/</guid>
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		<title>9 Ways to Beat Odor Problems in Modern High-Efficiency Front Load and Top Load Washers</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-629-9-ways-to-beat-odor-problems-in-modern-high-efficiency-front-load-and-top-load-washers/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<strong class='bbc'>1. Use Only HE (High Efficiency) Detergent</strong><br /><br />And no, using a smaller quantity of conventional detergent is not the same as using HE detergent, as explained below. HE detergents are not simply a concentrated formulation of the regular stuff. Since front loaders and HE top loaders use much less water than conventional top loaders (about 12 gallons per wash load vs. about 56 gallons in a conventional top-loader), HE washers require a detergent with a whole different chemistry. You can read more about it in my magnum opus, <em class='bbc'><a href='http://fixitnow.com/wp/2007/11/01/high-efficiency-detergents-front-loading-washers-and-the-great-unwashed/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>High Efficiency Detergents, Front-Loading Washers, and the Great Unwashed</a></em>.<br /><br />If HE detergent is not used in these modern, low water-use washers, residue will accumulate in the outer drum and emit a foul odor. Or, as Martha, the sister of Lazarus observed, "Lord, by this time he stinketh."<br /><br />"What's the best HE detergent to use," you ax? I gotta recommend <a href='http://www.amazon.com/Woolite-Complete--25-Loads-1-48/dp/B001VLUXPO/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&keywords=woolite&linkCode=ur2&qid=1366157738&s=hpc&sr=1-6&tag=mrssamskit-20' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Woolite Complete</a> from the Reckitt-Benkiser folks who put on the awesome detergent training seminar for professional appliantologists at the Appliance Service Training Institute every year.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.amazon.com/Woolite-Complete--25-Loads-1-48/dp/B001VLUXPO/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&keywords=woolite&linkCode=ur2&qid=1366157738&s=hpc&sr=1-6&tag=mrssamskit-20' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.woolite.us/images/productscomplete02.png' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>2. Run the "Tub Clean" Cycle Once a Month</strong><br /><br />Using either non-HE detergent or too much HE detergent will cause the build up of a residue called <em class='bbc'>scrud</em> (a mixture of <strong class='bbc'><em class='bbc'>sc</em></strong>um and other c<strong class='bbc'><em class='bbc'>rud</em></strong>). Once the Funk From Within (FFW) has taken hold inside the washer drum or tub, neither bleach nor vinegar will eliminate the odor. De-stinkification at this point involves scrud removal. You'll need to run a product called <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Washing-Machine-Cleaner/W10135699/1373065' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Affresh</a> through it on the "Tub Clean" cycle. This cycle, combined with <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Washing-Machine-Cleaner/W10135699/1373065' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Affresh</a>, is specially designed to remove scrud build-up.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Washing-Machine-Cleaner/W10135699/1373065' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00003526/Washing-Machine-Cleaner-W10135699-01060889.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br />If the washer doesn't have a "Tub Clean" cycle, then just run a hot water wash at maximum water level.<br /><br />When running a Tub Clean cycle with <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Washing-Machine-Cleaner/W10135699/1373065' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Affresh</a>, do not add any clothes or detergent. Just hot water and <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Washing-Machine-Cleaner/W10135699/1373065' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Affresh</a>.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>3. Reduce Detergent Use for Soft Water or Water Softener </strong><br /><br />Soft water will cause over-sudsing even when using HE detergent. To prevent scrud buildup, the amount of detergent used in each wash needs to be reduced to prevent forming suds during the wash cycle. If the water is very soft, as with some city waters where they soften it, the detergent usage will need to be reduced even below the recommended amount.<br /><br />"But I like to see lots of suds in my washer because then I know my clothes are getting clean!"<br /><br />You have to start with the understanding that the tumble action of high-efficiency washers (i.e., front loaders) produce more suds than the agitator action in top loaders. Now most of people think, “Oooo, sudsy, that’s good!” No, not good. Suds do nothing to clean your clothes and are actually an undesirable by-product of the detergent’s chemical interaction with the water.<br /><br />Is it possible to know for sure what kind of water hardness you're dealing with? Ya sure, ya betcha! Just use this <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Water-hardness-test-k/038184/347204' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Maytag water hardness testing kit</a>. You can read more about <a href='http://fixitnow.com/wp/2003/02/13/appliance-tip-of-the-day-the-hard-facts-about-hard-water/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>water hardness, what that means, and how it affects detergents</a>.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Water-hardness-test-k/038184/347204' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00003120/Water-hardness-test-k-038184-00939093.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br />General detergent guidelines for any front load or agitator-less top load washer with tub sizes 3.0 cu ft and larger is as follows (adjust as needed to eliminate undesirable sudsing):<br /><br />HE: (2) Tablespoons Per Wash Load<br /><br />HE 2X: (1) Tablespoon<br /><br />HE 3X: (1) Teaspoon<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>4. Ensure Drain Hose is Installed Properly</strong><br /><br />If the drain hose is not installed properly, the unit will not drain properly. Additionally, if the washer drain hose is crammed so far down the drain pipe that it's submerged in the standing water in the pipe, it will do two things: 1) bring odors back up into the drum and 2) cause siphoning which, in turn, causes improper filling and other weird symptoms.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_4_5_10066.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br />Never extend the drain hose more than 4 inches beyond the end of the elbow, and drain hoses should never be inserted more than 6 inches into drain.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>5. Dry Door Gasket when Laundry is Finished for the Day</strong><br /><br />The door gasket on a front load washer should be wiped dry when the washer is finished working for the day. Water left in the bottom arc of the gasket is normal, since there is no suction pump attached to the gasket. However, if not dried out, stagnate water could begin to stinketh.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>6. Periodically Inspect the Door Gasket and Clean Off Mildew as Needed</strong><br /><br />Periodically, check the door gasket on a front load washer for mildew buildup. If you're a bleach fan, mix 3/4 cup bleach with a gallon of hot water. Use the bleach mixture and a cloth to wipe out the gasket. (Do not use bleach alone. Undiluted bleach will damage the gasket.) Or, we've found that <a href='http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Green-13033-All-Purpose-Sassafras/dp/B0009WY5GY/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&keywords=simple%20green&linkCode=ur2&qid=1366159039&s=hpc&sr=1-1&tag=mrssamskit-20' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Simple Green</a> works pretty good, too, and it's a little less fuss to use.<br /><br />If the mildew cannot be removed, the gasket will have to be replaced. You can <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/Washing-Machine-Parts' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>buy the replacement door gasket for any brand and model of front loader</a> right here with a one year return policy. Most door gaskets you'll find <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/Washing-Machine-Parts' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>here</a> have a how-to replacement video that shows you exactly how to replace it.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>7. Keep Washer Door Open or Lid Raised when Machine is Not in Use</strong><br /><br />After a cycle, small amounts of water are left in the machine. When finished with the unit for the day, dry the gasket (on a front loader) and leave the door open for a couple hours to allow the moisture to evaporate and dry out. On top loaders, just leave the lid raised.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>8. Clean Detergent Dispenser Regularly</strong><br /><br />Once a week, remove the dispenser drawer and clean out the gookus in the sink with hot water and scrub brush.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>9. Clean the Drain Pump Filter Regularly</strong><br /><br />Most front load washers have some type of "coin catcher" or screen for catching "gookus" -- that's a technical term we professional appliantologists use to refer to anything that ain't supposed to be there. This drain pump filter should be cleaned about once a month to prevent odors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Remove the pump filter or coin catcher and scrub it under hot water to get all the nooks and crannies.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery_4_5_32445.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br />Accumulations of gookus on the drain filter like you see above prevents proper drainage and makes a great habitat for little stink-maker bacteria to grow, thrive, and stinketh.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-629-9-ways-to-beat-odor-problems-in-modern-high-efficiency-front-load-and-top-load-washers/</guid>
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		<title>Replacing the Inner Basket and Drum Bearing in a Whirlpool Duet Washer</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-628-replacing-the-inner-basket-and-drum-bearing-in-a-whirlpool-duet-washer/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Brother Strath talks us through these tulips using the Whirlpool Duet washer model WFW9400SU01 as an example:&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Strathy" data-cid="252384" data-time="1366076760" data-date="15 April 2013 &#045; 09&#58;46 PM"><p>here's the short version:<br /> <br />- Remove everything from the tub front and back.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Shocks, hoses, pressure hose, bottom hose, ground wires, drive belt, motor, pulley - but leave the bellow still attached, just disconnect it from the washer front.) <br />- Pull the weights off front and back to make it lighter.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Tub's are about 53 lbs with all weights removed.)<br />- Lift the tub out the back (you might disconnect the top brace that holds the valves and lift it up to make it easier.)<br />- With a Sharpie, mark where the clips are on both halves.<br />- Remove all the clips and separate out.<br />- If you are doing this because of a bad bearing, you have to replace the rear tub as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />- Don't forget to gob up the new bearing with the supplied grease ... and don't forget the new gasket that goes between the tubs<br />- Put the halves back together - you may have to pinch them together with Channel Locs to get the first couple of clips back in place<br />- Reassemble<br />- Double check that all hoses have been connected before testing. <br /> <br />Beer time.</p></blockquote><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Parts:</strong><br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Inner-Tub/W10269756/1515081' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Inner Basket</a><br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Rear-Drum-with-Bearing/W10253866/1515000' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Rear Drum with Bearing</a><br /><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 24px'>To learn more about your washer or to order parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Washing-Machine-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>.</span><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41678-model-wfw9400su01/?view=findpost&p=252384' class='bbc_url' title=''>model # wfw9400su01</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 02:08:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-628-replacing-the-inner-basket-and-drum-bearing-in-a-whirlpool-duet-washer/</guid>
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		<title>GE Microwave Oven Makes Loud Buzzing Noise While Running</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-627-ge-microwave-oven-makes-loud-buzzing-noise-while-running/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Cactus Bob" data-cid="250706" data-time="1364069678" data-date="23 March 2013 &#045; 04&#58;14 PM"><p>yes it is the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Trans-h-v/WB27X10910/1262955' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>transformer</a><br /><br />the noise is a loose winding and will never stop the microwave from working or make it unsafe in any way<br /><br />if you <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Trans-h-v/WB27X10910/1262955' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>replace the transformer</a> the noise will go away<br /></p></blockquote><br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Trans-h-v/WB27X10910/1262955' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Replacement transformer for your GE microwave oven</a>.<br /><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'>To learn more about your microwave oven or to order parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Microwave-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>.</span><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41383-ge-microwave/?view=findpost&p=250706' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE MICROWAVE</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:55:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-627-ge-microwave-oven-makes-loud-buzzing-noise-while-running/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Troubleshooting a GE Hydrowave Top Load Washer that Won't Run]]></title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-626-troubleshooting-a-ge-hydrowave-top-load-washer-that-wont-run/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="fairbank56" data-cid="252109" data-time="1365712205" data-date="11 April 2013 &#045; 04&#58;30 PM"><p>Pretty easy to troubleshoot with a multimeter at the inverter board. On the leftmost connector, using wht/red for your neutral to the meter, you should have 120vac on the red/blk wire and the orn wire (gray on some models). Still using the wht/red for neutral, on the rightmost connector (control voltages from timer) you should get 120vac on these wires depending on mode of operation.<br /><br />High speed agitate, blu and vio/wht<br />Low speed agitate, wht and vio/wht<br />High speed spin, blu and red<br />Low speed spin, wht and red<br /><br />If you are getting the appropriate voltages for a particular mode and the motor isn't working, the motor is faulty or you have the wrong one. There are about 5 different versions of this motor/inverter and they are not interchangeable. On washers that use an electronic control board versus a timer, the control voltages are low DC levels, not line voltage. The inverter has it's own microprocessor, memory and program algorithm for operating the motor. The control voltages from the timer simply tell it what mode to begin operating in. If you are not getting the proper voltages from the timer, the timer could be faulty or you may have a faulty pressure switch or wiring/connection problem. There should be a wiring diagram behind the control panel.<br /><br />Eric</p></blockquote><br /><strong class='bbc'>Some resources from the Downloads section that'll hepya:</strong><br /><br /><a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/725-ge-hydrowave-washer-motor-replacement-chart/' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE Hydrowave Washer Motor Replacement Chart</a><br /><br /><a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/556-ge-washer-hydrowave-mode-shifter-w-led-inverter-motor-service-manual/' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE WASHER Hydrowave / Mode Shifter w/ LED Inverter Motor Service Manual</a><br /><br /><a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/253-ge-profile-hydrowave-washers-with-infusor-wash-system-31-9188-service-manual/' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE Profile Hydrowave Washers With Infusor Wash System 31-9188 Service Manual</a><br /><br /><a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/617-ge-hydrowave-infusor-washer-tech-tips/' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE Hydrowave Infusor Washer Tech Tips</a><br /><br /><a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/703-ge-top-loading-hydrowave-washer-training-bulletin-testing-procedures/' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE Top Loading Hydrowave Washer Training Bulletin: Testing Procedures</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 24px'>To learn more about your washer or to order parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Washing-Machine-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41627-ge-wbsr3140g3ww-cant-get-it-to-work/?view=findpost&p=252109' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE WBSR3140G3WW Cant get it to work.</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-626-troubleshooting-a-ge-hydrowave-top-load-washer-that-wont-run/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Samurai's Appliance Brand Recommendations, Second Edition]]></title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-625-samurais-appliance-brand-recommendations-second-edition/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[0. Introduction<br />1. Disclaimer of Affiliation<br />2. The Second Law of the Prophecy and the Golden Rule<br />3. The “Authorized Servicer” Racket<br />4. What about Kenmore?<br />5. The Four Prime Criteria™ and General Brand Recommendations<br />6. Notes and Observations on Specific Manufacturers<br />7. Recommendations by Type of Appliance<br />8. Epilogue<br /><br /><br />### ### ### ###<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>0. Introduction</strong><br /><br />This is the Second Edition of the Samurai’s Appliance Brand Recommendations, updated April 2013.<br /><br />One of the questions I get asked a lot on service calls and on the web is, “Which appliance brands do you recommend?” Or some variation on that theme such as, “Who makes the best dishwasher?” or “What’s the best brand of <a href='http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-333-scrotum-scrubber-roundup/' class='bbc_url' title=''>scrotum scrubber</a>?”<br /><br />So I thought to myself, I said, “Self, that’s a ding-dang doggone good idear for a Special Samurai Scroll™!” And the Lord did grin and the people did feast on fruit bats and orangutans and breakfast cereals…<br /><br />Skip a bit, brutha.<br /><br />### ### ### ###<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>1. Disclaimer of Affiliation</strong><br /><br />Right. So, since I’ll be talking about appliance brands and offering my opinion as a<br />professional appliantologist on the good, the bad, and the butt-ugly, a disclaimer is in order. Hear ye:<br /><br /><em class='bbc'>In offering my professional opinions on appliance brands, I accepted no amount of money of any kind, neither shekel nor shilling, yen nor yuan, nor any Federal Reserve Note debt instruments masquerading as dollar units of value in consideration for my favorable opinion. My opinions are based solely upon my vast and considerable experience as an appliance samurai engaging in hand-to-machine combat in the field with machines that are no longer operating within their specified parameters or fulfilling their design function.</em><br /><br />### ### ### ###<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>2. The Second Law of the Prophecy and the Golden Rule</strong><br /><br />Okay, with that bit of legal unpleasantness out of the way, let us proceed straightaway to the <a href='http://fixitnow.com/?p=872' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Second Law of the Prophecy</a>: All machines break. Always keep this in mind when contemplating a new appliance purchase. Failure to consider repairability at the time of purchase is to guarantee heartbreak in the two to four years (industry average) when the appliance has its first malfunction and requires a repair.<br /><br />And, brothers and sisters, let us always be mindful of the Golden Rule for buying appliances: Don’t pay so much for an appliance that you’re married to it. If the appliance suddenly requires an outrageously expensive part or has been a troublesome box of bolts requiring frequent repairs, you want the freedom to Deep Six that pig-dog and git you a new one. Well, how free will you feel to jettison said pig-dog if you’ve paid $4,000 for it? Marry a human, not an appliance.<br /><br />### ### ### ###<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>3. The “Authorized Servicer” Racket</strong><br /><br />You also need to understand the “Authorized Servicer” racket. All an “Authorized Servicer” means is that an independent servicer, such as Joe-Bob’s Appliance Repair Service, has signed a contract with a manufacturer agreeing to do their warranty work (i.e., fix their factory eff-ups) for a bargain-basement price, and in most cases, slave’s wages. Sometimes they get a half day or a day’s worth of training and some technical service info. The <em class='bbc'>quid pro quo</em> is that some manufacturer’s will only allow their authorized beeotches access to their tech sites and service bulletins.<br /><br />In my opinion, this is tantamount to a form of blackmail and it does a great disservice to the customer. An all-too common example is that someone has an appliance from a manufacturer who plays dirty like this (and I name names below) and they need a repair. The “Authorized” guy says he can’t get there for three weeks. And while the person’s regular repair guy can get there tomorrow, he declines the job because he doesn’t have access to the latest service bulletins needed to fix the damn thing.<br /><br />So, I ax you, mah bruvahs and sistahs, in whose best interest is it to restrict access to technical service information: you, the customer and end user, or the manufacturer with this medieval policy? Think on these things.<br /><br />### ### ### ###<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>4. What about Kenmore?</strong><br /><br />Most people understand that there ain’t no Kenmore factory in Malaysia or some place. The Kenmore “factory” is several floors on the Sears Tower where corporate bureaucrats beat up other corporate bureaucrats at manufacturing companies, like Whirlpool or Electrolux, to make their stuff for them and slap a Kenmore label on it.<br /><br />Kenmore is nothing more than that– a label slapped on an appliance that someone else made. Kenmore is merely a marketing company in the Sears Tower in Chicago. The real manufacturer is coded into the three digit model number prefix. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with that. But it creates problems such as crossing over a Kenmore model number to the real manufacturer model number, which is needed to look up tech info like service manuals and bulletins. So it affects repairability.<br /><br />### ### ### ###<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>5. The Four Prime Criteria™ and General Brand Recommendations</strong><br /><br />Having laid all that groundwork, you are now ready for me to reveal my Four Prime Criteria™ for selecting an appliance brand:<br /><br />- <strong class='bbc'>Repairability</strong>: the appliance should be constructed in such a manner that it is easy to work on.<br />- <strong class='bbc'>Reasonable markup on parts</strong> compared to the markup on similar parts from other manufacturers.<br />- <strong class='bbc'>Availability of parts</strong> meaning it has a widespread and robust parts distribution system as opposed to having to buy exclusively from the manufacturer or one of their “Authorized” dealers (and usually get screwed in the process).<br />- <strong class='bbc'>Access to technical info</strong>, the big bugaboo I ranted about above, which also ties into Repairability.<br /><br />To help summarize this information, I’ve developed recommendations based on how well a manufacturer lives up to the <strong class='bbc'>Four Prime Criteria™</strong>:<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Recommended</strong>- Meet all the criteria.<br /><strong class='bbc'>Recommended with reservations</strong>- Meet some of the criteria and may be worth considering e.g., get a great bargain price on one.<br /><strong class='bbc'>Not recommended</strong>- Meet none of the criteria, not recommended for purchase under any circumstances.<br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>General Brand Recommendations</strong> (recommendations by appliance type are in Section 7)<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Recommended</strong>:<br />LG, Dacor, Electrolux, Whirlpool / KitchenAid, GE<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Recommended with reservations</strong>:<br />Bosch<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Not recommended</strong>:<br />Samsung, Viking, Sub-Zero, Fisher-Paykel<br /><br />### ### ### ###<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>6. Notes and Observations on Specific Manufacturers</strong><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>LG</strong>: Free access to their tech site for professional appliantologists, an enlightened policy that generates good will among appliantologists and, in turn, good word-of-mouth to customers– a guerilla marketing tactic. Relatively new to the major appliance scene but their front-load washer is already proving to be one of the best out there.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Electrolux - Frigidaire</strong>: Excessive compressor failures in refrigerators. On their front load washers, they removed front panel access to drain pump to save $.50 per unit in production cost; greatly decreases Repairability. However, they allow free access to their tech site for professional servicers so kudos for that.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Whirlpool - KitchenAid</strong>: This manufacturer acquired Maytag and so owns the Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, and Magic Chef brands. Excessive tub bearing failure in front load washers. Allow access to their tech site for professional appliantologists but it’s NOT free; $500/year for non-authorized appliantologists; $250/year for authorized.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>GE</strong>: Allows access to technical info like Whirlpool but for a much lower fee ($160/year) and their tech site is a helluva lot better, too. GE’s TAG (Technical Assistance Group) is also very innovative about getting training information on their new appliances out to independent techs in the field. For example, they do things like put on webinars for techs. Old news for most other fields but that’s bleeding edge in the appliance world!<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Samsung</strong>: What were the engineers smoking when they designed <a href='http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-160-how-to-replace-the-defrost-heater-in-a-samsung-refrigerator/' class='bbc_url' title=''>this refrigerator</a>? Restrictive access to technical service info, quasi-restrictive parts procurement. Often a nightmare getting the right part the first time unless you have access to their good ol’ boys network, GSPN. Rots o' ruck widat, GI!<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Fisher-Paykel - DCS</strong>: Poor reliability on all products. Flimsy products all the way around. Restrictive parts procurement. Restrictive access to technical info. Avoid. Warning, Will Robinson!<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Bosch - Thermador - Gagmenow</strong>: Restrictive access to technical info. In the case of Thermador, overpriced products with a high failure rate and difficult to work on.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Dacor</strong>: Good-quality but pricey products. Robust parts distribution. Open access to technical info. All American-built products.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Sub-Zero</strong>: Restrictive access to technical info. Restrictive parts procurement. Excessively high failure rate for the price paid. Sticker price is a marriage license.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Viking</strong>: Draconian about access to technical info. Have threatened lawsuits against servicers to keep their tech info off the web. Restrictive parts procurement. Very poor construction quality on all their in-house built stuff. This manufacturer fails all the Four Prime Criteria. If there’s a more effed-up appliance manufacturer out there, I’ve not seen ‘em yet.<br /><br />### ### ### ###<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>7. Recommendations by Type of Appliance</strong><br /><br />Here are my (updated) bottom line recommendations by type of appliance, listed in order of preference:<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Front load washer</strong>: LG, GE, Electrolux, Whirlpool<br /><strong class='bbc'>Top load washer</strong>: Whirlpool direct drive (also sold as the Maytag Centennial washer), Whirlpool Cabrio (also sold as the Maytag Bravo and Kenmore Oasis washer)<br /><strong class='bbc'>Refrigerator</strong>: Any of the Whirlpool-built products, GE, LG<br /><strong class='bbc'>Dryer</strong>: Whirlpool-built with lint filter in the top panel, LG, Electrolux-Frigidaire-Gibson<br /><strong class='bbc'>Dishwasher</strong>: KitchenAid. Yep, just KitchenAid but with the caveat that <a href='http://fixitnow.com/wp/2007/06/11/any-good-dishwashers-today/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>all dishwashers built today suck</a>. And you can thank the Energy Star requirements for that.<br /><strong class='bbc'>Dishdrawer</strong>: <a href='http://fixitnow.com/wp/2010/08/05/kitchenaid-kenmore-dishdrawers-differences-and-repair-manuals/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>KitchenAid by Fulgor</a>, not the piece-of-trash KitchenAid that was previously built by Fisher-Freaking-Paykel.<br /><strong class='bbc'>Oven/range/stove</strong>: Electrolux, GE, Whirlpool, Dacor<br /><br />### ### ### ###<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>8. Epilogue</strong><br /><br />Just a reminder, you can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box right here on this page. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed! It’s insane!<br /><br />Samurai Appliance Repair Man<br /><a href='http://www.appliantology.org' class='bbc_url' title=''>www.Appliantology.org</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:57:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-625-samurais-appliance-brand-recommendations-second-edition/</guid>
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		<title>How to remove the freezer door in a Whirlpool GI6SDRXXB00 French Door refrigerator</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-623-how-to-remove-the-freezer-door-in-a-whirlpool-gi6sdrxxb00-french-door-refrigerator/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="RegUS_PatOff" data-cid="251318" data-time="1364844620" data-date="01 April 2013 &#045; 03&#58;30 PM"><p>this may apply:<br /><br />Freezer Drawer (some models)<br />1. Open drawer to fully open position.<br />2. Remove upper and lower basket.<br />3. Remove screws one in each rail marked on side of rail.<br />4. Lift front of drawer up and out to remove drawer.<br />5. Set drawer on a padded surface to prevent damage to finish.</p></blockquote><br /><span  style='font-size: 24px'>To learn more about your refrigerator or to order parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Refrigerator-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>.</span><br /> <br /><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/32358-whirlpool-french-door-gi6sdrxxb00/?view=findpost&p=251318' class='bbc_url' title=''>Whirlpool French Door GI6SDRXXB00</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:02:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-623-how-to-remove-the-freezer-door-in-a-whirlpool-gi6sdrxxb00-french-door-refrigerator/</guid>
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		<title>Early-stage AC motor failure and the famous 60 hertz hum</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-621-early-stage-ac-motor-failure-and-the-famous-60-hertz-hum/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Wingerman" data-cid="251120" data-time="1364567047" data-date="29 March 2013 &#045; 10&#58;24 AM"><p>The early stages of a motor failure exhibits the famous 60 cycle hum.&nbsp;&nbsp;120 volts is supplied to the motor; if any of the windings begin to short; there is not enough induction, the rotor of the motor stalls and eventually locks (locked rotor amps) draws excessive current and trips the internal/external overload on the motor. Before this occurs, if a winding in the motor is shorting, you will hear a buzzing noise which is the 60 cycle frequency of the 120 volt supply indicating (perhaps) a failing motor.</p></blockquote><br />Source:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41448-new-dryer-works-great-but-fills-house-with-a-hum-noise/?view=findpost&p=251120' class='bbc_url' title=''>New dryer works great, but fills house with a hum noise</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 30 Mar 2013 12:28:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-621-early-stage-ac-motor-failure-and-the-famous-60-hertz-hum/</guid>
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		<title>How to pay three times more for an appliance repair in your home</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-620-how-to-pay-three-times-more-for-an-appliance-repair-in-your-home/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="nickfixit" data-cid="251066" data-time="1364513111" data-date="28 March 2013 &#045; 07&#58;25 PM"><p>I go out on a DOTT type whirlpool dryer, order says it won't finish cycle. He leads me to the laundry room and I find the thing completely dismantled. He said he hired a buddy to fix it, but he couldn't figure it out. He had the front off, the burner tube out, he bent and broke the clips to force off the kick panel. he removed the rear bulkhead, he took the front off with out removing the blower, he even took the screws out of the door. He failed to gain access to the console, lots of bending and pry marks but he never found the clips to open it up.<br /><br />The only wrong with the machine was a blown thermal fuse.<br /><br />It took 3 min to find the problem, and 90 min to rebuild the dryer around the new thermal fuse.<br /><br />What a tool.</p></blockquote><br /> <br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41437-dott-dryer-all-in-pieces/?view=findpost&p=251066' class='bbc_url' title=''>DOTT Dryer all in pieces</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2013 01:19:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-620-how-to-pay-three-times-more-for-an-appliance-repair-in-your-home/</guid>
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		<title>Refrigerator Checklist - Spring 2013</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-619-refrigerator-checklist-spring-2013/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Spring 2013 is finally here! When I think about spring, I think, "Oh, goodie: Refrigerator Season!" Why do I get excited and squeal like a little piglet in a donut shop about Refrigerator Season? Because I know my phone is about to explode with a whole lotta high-dolla warm refrigerator repair calls. Here are five simple things you can do to your refrigerator right now to keep your beer tooth-crackin' cold right on through the up-coming summer heat wave.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>1. Clean your refrigerator condenser</strong><br /><br /><a href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BpHMFu6DLRA#t=24s' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>This video</a> shows you the basic condenser cleaning technique for most refrigerators. A <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Vacuum-Hose-Attachment/8171579A/1544893' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>special vacuum hose attachment</a> and a <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Long-Handled-Bristle-Brush/5303318693/12859' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>condenser cleaning brush</a> will help you kick some condenser bootay without risking damage to the tubing and causing a refrigerant leak.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Vacuum-Hose-Attachment/8171579A/1544893' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00003044/Vacuum-Hose-Attachment-8171579A-00915732.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a> <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Long-Handled-Bristle-Brush/5303318693/12859' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00003925/Long-Handled-Bristle-Brush-5303318693-01181494.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>2. Clean, gap-check, and replace-as-needed your refrigerator door gaskets</strong><br /><br />Use some <a href='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009WY5GY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0009WY5GY&linkCode=as2&tag=mrssamskit-20' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Simple Green</a> to wipe down the door gaskets and their mating surface on the refrigerator cabinet. Check for gaps, tears, or sags all the way around the perimeter of the door where the gasket meets the cabinet. If you see any gaps or damage to the gaskets, it's time to replace 'em. RepairClinic carries a complete line of <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/Gasket-Seal-Parts?s=t-refrigerator+door+gasket-%3D%3Dc21' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>replacement gaskets for all brands and models of refrigerators</a>, all with a one year guarantee.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/Gasket-Seal-Parts?s=t-refrigerator+door+gasket-%3D%3Dc21' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><span  style='font-size: 10px'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00003630/Refrigerator-Door-Gasket-WR24X10231-01091966.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span></a><br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>3. If your refrigerator has a digital display, make sure it's plugged into a surge suppressor</strong><br /><br />A digital display on a refrigerator (or any appliance) is a sure sign that it has at least one electronic control board in it. These electronic boards are just like the electronic boards used in your computer and they are subject to the same vulnerabilities as your computer. And, just like you would always use a <a href='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006BBAC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00006BBAC&linkCode=as2&tag=mrssamskit-20' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>surge suppressor</a> to protect your computer from voltage spikes and other junk coming in on the power lines, you need to do the same thing with your home appliances that use electronic boards, which include almost all appliances manufactured within the last few years.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006BBAC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00006BBAC&linkCode=as2&tag=mrssamskit-20' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511D6sAkZ9L._SX300_.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>4. Replace your refrigerator water filter</strong><br /><br />This will both protect you from gookus in the water as well as prevent flow and pressure problems with your dispenser or ice maker. We carry a complete line of <a href='http://appliancepartsresource.com/water_filters.php' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>refrigerator water filters for all brands and models</a> all at great prices and conveniently delivered to right to your home.<br /><br /><a href='http://appliancepartsresource.com/water_filters.php' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00003372/Water-Filter-MWF-01014666.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>5. Beat the stink! </strong><br /><br />With warmer temperatures come more odors. Use this inexpensive <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Deodorizer/78956/597' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>refrigerator deodorizer</a> to gobble up odors in your refrigerator and keep it smelling clean and fresh.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Deodorizer/78956/597' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://appliancepartsresource.com/images/cleaner_accessories/78956.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 24px'>To learn more about your refrigerator or to order parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Refrigerator-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>.</span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:27:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-619-refrigerator-checklist-spring-2013/</guid>
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		<title>How the drain solenoid used in older GE dishwashers works and why it can make a buzzing noise</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-618-how-the-drain-solenoid-used-in-older-ge-dishwashers-works-and-why-it-can-make-a-buzzing-noise/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Budget Appliance Repair" data-cid="250791" data-time="1364216253" data-date="25 March 2013 &#045; 08&#58;57 AM"><p>When the electromagnet pulls the plunger down, it doesn't close the drain flapper all the way, (only about 3/4 of the way closed), then the water pressure hits the flapper and holds it sealed against the spray arm outlet so the water goes out the drain.<br /><br />When the water pressure hits the drain flapper and opens it the rest of the way it takes the load off the solenoid. The solenoid is only energized for about 30 seconds and if it finishes draining before the the timer turns off power to the drain solenoid then the return springs will pull pressure against the magnetic force of the solenoid and can cause the buzzing noise.</p></blockquote><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Drain-Solenoid-Kit/WD21X10060/271344' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Replacement drain solenoid kit</a><br /><br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Drain-Solenoid-Kit/WD21X10060/271344?modelNumber=GSD2020F01BB' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00003778/Drain-Solenoid-Kit-WD21X10060-01137333.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 24px'>To learn more about your dishwasher or to order parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Dishwasher-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>.</span><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41387-ge-dishwasher-buzzing-drain-solenoid/?view=findpost&p=250791' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE dishwasher buzzing drain solenoid</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:04:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-618-how-the-drain-solenoid-used-in-older-ge-dishwashers-works-and-why-it-can-make-a-buzzing-noise/</guid>
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		<title>Newer-model Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator freezing food on the top shelf</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-617-newer-model-whirlpool-side-by-side-refrigerator-freezing-food-on-the-top-shelf/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="BryanS" data-cid="250721" data-time="1364092407" data-date="23 March 2013 &#045; 10&#58;33 PM"><p>I just wanted to share a part number I recently received from Whirlpool after much arguing and tons of recalls for this issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;I work in Northern VA area, and we have ran a lot of builder calls around here with the top shelf freezing on the SXS for the last 2 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whirlpool made us change sensors, pcb, dampers, blame the customer for blocking the back shelves, applying permgum inside damper area, etc. There haven't been many techs on our team that have run into this as much as the few of us stuck running new home calls. I found out they made a new damper design to fix this issue, but did not have a part# for a long time. I was to the point of telling the customer not to call us back for this issue and contact their builder and Whirlpool, so they could get this new damper. Well the part# for this new damper is <a href='http://bit.ly/Y8L3fg' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>W10572852</a>. I hope this helps anyone that may run into this issue. I do not have specific model numbers, but it has mainly been the SXS manufactured in the last couple years with the ice makers located on the freezer door.</p></blockquote><br /><a href='http://appliantology.org/files/file/670-whirlpool-refrigerator-sxs-gsc25c-wrs965-freezing-food-on-the-top-shelf/' class='bbc_url' title=''>Whirlpool Service Pointer</a> issued for this problem.<br /><br /><a href='http://bit.ly/Y8L3fg' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Replacement damper assembly</a>.<br /><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 24px'>To learn more about your washer or to order parts, <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Washing-Machine-Repair-Help' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>click here</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /> <br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41384-newer-whirlpool-sxs-freezing-on-the-top-shelf/?view=findpost&p=250721' class='bbc_url' title=''>Newer Whirlpool SXS freezing on the top shelf</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 24 Mar 2013 19:51:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-617-newer-model-whirlpool-side-by-side-refrigerator-freezing-food-on-the-top-shelf/</guid>
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		<title>Using the Tech Sheet Schematic to Root Out Appliance Gremlins</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-615-using-the-tech-sheet-schematic-to-root-out-appliance-gremlins/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[We all love those jobs where, given the brand, model, and problem description, you walk into the house already knowing what the problem is. After you've worked as an appliance tech for a while, you start noting that every machine has weak points and particular failure patterns. Some failures become so well-known that the manufacturer will issue a service bulletin on it. But what about those jobs where it's not a clear case of plug n' chug, in other words, where you DON'T know exactly what part to replace to fix the problem? Well, that may be when you have to use the tech sheet schematic, your trusty meter, and that gray swirling muck betwixt your ears to track down a pesky electrical problem.<br /><br />If you don't have much experience using schematics to solve problems, this article will give you some good, practical foundational information that'll help bring you up to speed. This won't be a theoretical primer on basic electricity and making electrical measurements-- I expect most of you reading this already have that-- nawsir, we's just gonna jump right into real-world appliance problems and get stuff fixed using schematic diagrams.<br /><br />In this excursion into Appliantological Excellence, we're going to review three recent service calls I did on two refrigerators and a front load washer where I used the tech sheet schematic to ruthlessly hunt down the troublesome gremlins and terminate them with extreme prejudice. In all three cases, you'll see the actual schematics used and how they were crucial to planning and executing my victorious assault.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Fixing A No-Drum Movement Problem In A Frigidaire Front-Load Washing Machine </strong><br /><br />We've all been on the no-spin complaints in these Frigidaire front load washers. As long as the drum moves during tumble, you know with 98.76% certainty that the problem is a bad <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Door-or-Lid-Latch-Assembly/131763202/1531974' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>door lock assembly</a>, like in <a href='http://youtu.be/U19Mmi9EMoA' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>this case</a>. Easy repair, badda-bing, badda-boom, skip n' pluck to the next job and life is good.<br /><br />But what about the case where the drum isn't moving at all, no tumble, no spin, no nuttin'? Could be a bad motor control board. Could be a bad motor. Could be a bad wire connection. Could be lotsa things. But when we're on a service call, "could be's" don't do us any good; we need to slam-dunk, dead-nutz KNOW what the problem is. After all, ain't that why we professional Appliantologists makes the big money? <span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://applianceguru.com/images/emoticons/vanilla/tooth.gif' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /><br /><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://youtube.com/embed/-IZfPx8-qcU?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe><br /><br />This video shows that sometimes finding the problem is just as much about finding voltage where it <em class='bbc'>shouldn't</em> be as much as it is about finding voltage where it <em class='bbc'>should</em> be. Using the schematic and ladder diagram on the tech sheet, I was able to prove that the problem was the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Motor-Control-Board/134149220/1206430' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>motor control board</a> because it was backfeeding 120vac to the pressure switch. Something had shorted on that board and it was toast. This justified the huge PITA of pulling this stack unit out of the closet in which it was installed (in a kitchen with new hardwood floors, no less!) to install the new board. And problem solved.<br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Fixing A Whirlpool Refrigerator That Intermittently Warms Up </strong><br /><br />This unit is the one with the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Defrost-Control-Board/W10366604/2210004' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>small ADC board</a> and mechanical cold control in the fresh food compartment control panel. It was intermittently warming up for randomly-varying lengths of time. A really tricky problem, this is one you need to catch in the act to effectively troubleshoot. In fact, I had already been out on this one two days prior to this call for the same complaint and could not find the problem since both compartments were cooling just fine when I arrived. The second time she called back, I got right out and caught this tricky bugger in the act.<br /><br /><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://youtube.com/embed/Toy-T7wLEuM?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe><br /><br />Having two things bad at the same time on any one appliance is rare but it does happen and you have to be thorough and persistent to root out all the evil-doers. In this case, both the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Defrost-Control-Board/W10366604/2210004' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>ADC board</a> and the <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Start-Device/8201786/1177466' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>compressor start relay</a> were bad.<br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Fixing a No-Cool Problem in a GE Side-by-Side Refrigerator </strong><br /><br />In this problem, the complaint was that the fresh food compartment was warm. A quick check in the freezer revealed that the evaporator fan motor wasn't running. Rather than tear apart the freezer right away, it's much easier on these refrigerators with a muthaboard in back to just go around behind the unit and do some quick checks right at the muthaboard to see if its sending voltage to the fan.<br /><br />This is a case, also, where the original minimanual supplied with the unit was AWOL (as in gone) and I was using the copy that I had pre-loaded onto <a href='http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-599-a-powerful-and-portable-information-tool-for-professional-appliantologists/' class='bbc_url' title=''>my Kindle Fire</a> just in case. Having been burned like this before, I now always try to load the tech sheet, Fast Track manual, or minimanual onto my Kindle Fire before I run a service call on a unit. So in this video, you'll see me using the schematic on my Kindle Fire.<br /><br /><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://youtube.com/embed/RlqvWBYqUKE?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe><br /><br />The lesson on this one is to expect the unexpected and don't get so caught up in the schematic that you overlook the simple things, like loose or unplugged wire harness connectors!<br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>What's It All Mean, Seymour? </strong><br /><br />Using the schematic diagrams to troubleshoot electrical problems in appliances is not optional unless it's a very simple circuit or there's something visually burnt or disconnected. Knowing how to use the schematic can take away the guess work when trying to figure out which part to replace. The most authoritative schematic to use is the one that's on the tech sheet that came with the appliance. It supersedes the schematics in the service manual because there may have been late production revisions on that model that aren't reflected in the service manual schematics.<br /><br />But don't count on the tech sheet to still be there with the appliance when you need it! About a third of the time I go out on service calls, the tech sheet is missing; either it was stolen by the sleaze bag who worked on the unit before me or the customer removed it for "safe keeping"... and then lost it. So always try to have the tech sheet for the model you're working on pre-loaded on your <a href='http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-599-a-powerful-and-portable-information-tool-for-professional-appliantologists/' class='bbc_url' title=''>Kindle Fire</a>, iPad or whatever tablet you use for storing and carrying technical documents on service calls before you run the call.<br /><br />If you're not using some type of tablet computer as an information tool, you're really shooting yourself in the foot. <a href='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083Q04IQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0083Q04IQ&linkCode=as2&tag=mrssamskit-20' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>You can buy a Kindle Fire for a little as $160</a>! If you can't afford that for a bidness information tool, then there's something wrong with how you're pricing your service and you need to start using the <a href='http://www.appliancebluebook.com/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>Appliance Blue Book</a>.<br /><br />And if you'd like to see more videos like the ones in this article, <a href='http://www.youtube.com/samurairepairman' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>subscribe to my YouTube channel</a>! I'm usually filming these while literally single-handedly whuppin' up on some appliance bootay, so what they lack in production value they make up with edge-of-your seat excitement of live appliance repair action!]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-615-using-the-tech-sheet-schematic-to-root-out-appliance-gremlins/</guid>
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		<title>Understanding and Diagnosing Sensor Dry in Samsung Dryers</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-614-understanding-and-diagnosing-sensor-dry-in-samsung-dryers/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Ohm" data-cid="250501" data-time="1363763810" data-date="20 March 2013 &#045; 03&#58;16 AM"><p><span  style='color: #ff0000'><span  style='font-size: 18px'><strong class='bbc'>Understanding and Diagnosing SENSOR DRY</strong></span></span><br />Category Home Appliances &gt; Washing Machine &gt; Dryer Model Code DV203AEW/XAA / DV203AGS/XAX / DV203AGW/XAA / DV203AGW/XAX / DV206AES/XAA / DV206AGS/XAA / DV206LEW/XAC / DV306LEW/XAA / DV306LEW/XAC / DV306LGW / DV316BGC/XAA / DV316BGW/XAA / DV316HEC/XAC / DV316LES/XAA / DV316LES/XAC / DV316LEW/XAA / DV316LEW/XAC / DV316LGS/XAA / DV316LGWXAA / DV317AEG/XAC / DV317AES/XAA / DV317AES/XAC / DV317AEW/XAC / DV317AGS/XAA / DV317AGW/XAA / DV326LGS/XAA / DV328AEG/XAA / DV328AER/XAA / DV328AEW/XAA / DV328AGG/XAA / DV328AGR/XAA / DV328AGW/XAA / DV337AEG/XAC / DV337AEG/XAP / DV337AEL/XAC / DV337AER/XAC / DV337AEW/XAC / DV338AEB/XAA / DV338AEW/XAA / DV338AGB/XAA / DV338AGW/XAA / DV4015JFW4/XAP / DV4015JJW/XAC / DV4015JJW2/XAC / DV4015JJW3/XAC / DV428AEL/XAC / DV428AEW/XAC / DV438AER/XAA / DV438AGR/XAA / DV448AEP/XAA / DV448AEP/XAC / DV448AEW/XAA / DV448AEW/XAC / DV448AGP/XAA / DV448AGW/XAA Added by STEVEP Registered date 10.21.2008 Description<br /> <strong class='bbc'>Circuit Description and Operation </strong><br /> <br />Sensor Dry Mode automatically measures the moisture in the load and shuts the dryer off when the proper level of dryness is reached. This sensor dry should not be confused with a temperature sensor, the sensor bars measure moisture and the temperature sensor “thermistor” measures temperature.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sensor dry uses nothing more than two metal bars inside the edge of the drum. These bars do not go bad unless they are physically damaged however it is always a good practice to clean them whenever servicing using some rubbing alcohol, especially when the unit gets older. Never use sand paper or other abrasive methods.<br /> <br />At the start of the cycle an estimated time will be displayed as the Main PCB monitors the sensor circuit for 3 minute after the 3 minutes the estimated time can increase decrease, stay the same or advance to off based upon the moisture detected. The unit will do this assessment multiple times during the auto cycle and can adjust the estimated time as needed.<br /> <br /><strong class='bbc'>Diagnostic Procedure:</strong><br /> <br />The sensor dry bars can be checked easily by<br />placing a coin across both bars and checking for<br />continuity.<br />Being more specific the resistance values are listed<br />below<br />Dry Clothes = Infinity<br />Wet Clothes = ~190 ohms ±10%<br /> <br />The sensor bars can be also tested in diagnostic mode. Place a slightly damp cloth in the dryer, start a normal cycle then press the Temp + Signal buttons for 3 seconds. When there are wet items being dried, data will add up (from 0 to 1200 and repeating) as the wet clothes touch the sensor bars. If the sensor bar value does not increase as wet items contact it the sensor is defective.<br /> <br />NOTE:&nbsp;&nbsp;Select any Auto cycle without clothes hit start unit should run for 3-5 minutes and shut off.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span  style='color: #ff0000'><span  style='font-size: 18px'><strong class='bbc'>SENSOR DRY Customer Education</strong></span></span><br />Category Home Appliances &gt; Washing Machine &gt; Dryer Model Code DV203AEW/XAA / DV203AGS/XAX / DV203AGW/XAA / DV203AGW/XAX / DV206AES/XAA / DV206AGS/XAA / DV206LEW/XAC / DV218AEB/XAC / DV218AES/XAC / DV218AEW/XAA / DV218AEW/XAC / DV218AGB/XAA / DV218AGW/XAA / DV2C6BGW/XAA / DV306LEW/XAA / DV306LEW/XAC / DV306LGW / DV306LGW/XAA / DV316BGW/XAA / DV316BGW/XAX / DV316LES/XAA / DV316LES/XAC / DV316LEW/XAA / DV316LEW/XAC / DV316LGS/XAA / DV316LGS/XAX / DV316LGW/XAA / DV316LGWXAA / DV317AEG/XAA / DV317AES/XAA / DV317AEW/XAA / DV317AGG/XAA / DV317AGS/XAA / DV317AGW/XAA / DV326LGS/XAA / DV328AEG/XAA / DV328AER/XAA / DV328AEW/XAA / DV328AGG/XAA / DV328AGR/XAA / DV328AGW/XAA / DV337AEG/XAA / DV337AEG/XAP / DV337AEL/XAA / DV337AER/XAA / DV337AEW/XAA / DV337AGG/XAA / DV337AGG/XAX / DV337AGL/XAA / DV337AGR/XAA / DV337AGW/XAA / DV338AEB/XAA / DV338AEW/XAA / DV338AGB/XAA / DV338AGW/XAA / DV3C6BGW/XAA / DV3C6BGW/XAX / DV4015JJW2/XAC / DV428AEL/XAC / DV428AEW/XAC / DV438AER/XAA / DV438AGR/XAA / DV448AEP/XAA / DV448AEP/XAC / DV448AEW/XAA / DV448AEW/XAC / DV448AGP/XAA / DV448AGW/XAA Added by STEVEP Registered date 10.21.2008 Description<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Usage and&nbsp;&nbsp;Customer Education:</strong><br /> <br />Sensor Dry Mode automatically measures the moisture in the load and shuts the dryer off when the proper level of dryness is reached.<br />At the start of the cycle an estimated time will be displayed as the Main PCB monitors the sensor circuit for 3 minutes. After the 3 minutes the estimated time can increase, decrease, stay the same or advance to off based upon the moisture detected. The unit will sample moisture level multiple times during the auto cycle and can adjust the estimated time as needed.<br /> <br />The length of the dry time will be proportional to the size of the load as well as the moisture in the clothes.&nbsp;&nbsp;However there are several factors that will effect dry time. These can be installation issues such as improper venting or a clogged lint filter. Another reason for clothes not being fully dried is the fabric itself. For example, towels or jeans are very thick and can contain some moisture even though the outward edge is dry. For best results always wash like items such as towels with towels jeans with jeans etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is important that loads are large enough to make adequate contact with sensing bars for feature to work properly. The customer complaint for undersized loads would be “clothes not dry at end of cycle”. If consumer has the need to wash and dry just a few articles of clothing recommend using time dry for those loads.<br /> <br /><strong class='bbc'>NOTE: Always remember the time being displayed is an estimated time and can increase, decrease, stay the same or advance to off anytime during the cycle. </strong><br /> <br /><strong class='bbc'>NOTE: Wrinkle Prevent&nbsp;&nbsp;Feature will extend cycle for 90 minutes. Drum will tumble with no heat and lights in control panel will oscillate. </strong><br /><strong class='bbc'>Wrinkle Prevent is often overlooked as possible cause for long dry times or dryer never shuts off..</strong></p></blockquote><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41346-samsung-dryer-model-dv328aewxaa/?view=findpost&p=250501' class='bbc_url' title=''>Samsung Dryer Model #DV328AEW/XAA</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:23:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-614-understanding-and-diagnosing-sensor-dry-in-samsung-dryers/</guid>
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		<title>Online Appliance Parts Ripoffs and Scams</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-613-online-appliance-parts-ripoffs-and-scams/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee, it's <a href='http://ymlp.com/zsTPYA' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>another killa issue of <em class='bbc'>Appliantology</em></a>.<br /><br />I look out on the web and what do I see? Another frikka-frakka scammer got his eye on me.<br /><br />How'm I 'posed to git the appliance parts I need wif all these little punks tryin' to make me bleed?<br /><br />Ain't but one person got the truth, I know: SamuraiRepairman, <a href='http://ymlp.com/zsTPYA' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>here I go</a>…]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:56:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-613-online-appliance-parts-ripoffs-and-scams/</guid>
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		<title>Entrance Exam for Appliance Technical Data Sheet Writers</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-612-entrance-exam-for-appliance-technical-data-sheet-writers/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="DurhamAppliance" data-cid="250420" data-time="1363693680" data-date="19 March 2013 &#045; 07&#58;48 AM"><p>I've had f2 errors where the problem was a thermal fuse. Usually I test probe and fuse (if there is one), and reset ecm if possible before I replace a board on any oven, regardless of manufacturer or error codes.<br /> <br />With regards to tech sheet writers, the following question and response was found on 85 % of their requirement exams...<br /> <br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/ncmortdoc/FindX.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br /> <br />The problem is, their examiners consider it the correct answer.</p></blockquote><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41316-ge-oven-modjtp95wcw1ww-f2-error-code/?view=findpost&p=250420' class='bbc_url' title=''>GE Oven Mod#JTP95WCW1WW F2 error code</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-612-entrance-exam-for-appliance-technical-data-sheet-writers/</guid>
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		<title>Kitchenaid Dishwasher Runs about 10 minutes and then Stops: Service Bulletin</title>
		<link>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-611-kitchenaid-dishwasher-runs-about-10-minutes-and-then-stops-service-bulletin/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="Chat_in_FL" data-cid="250336" data-time="1363602481" data-date="18 March 2013 &#045; 06&#58;28 AM"><p>Bad model#, but:<br /><a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Control-Board/W10380685/1938381' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/i/00004863/Control-Board-W10380685-01505766.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Customer Concern: </strong>Dishwasher stops approximately 10 minutes into the cycle, “cancel drains” and goes directly to standby mode (off).<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Cause: </strong>Testing has determined that cycle stopping may result from a software error that can cause a false error code that cancels the cycle. Techs will see a 6-1 error code recorded in service diagnostics. This issue is very sporadic, and is affected by the location of the household and region of the country. Other conditions that may also cause this “cancel drain” cycle are: siphoning through the drain hose, severe sudsing, and debris in the sump.<br /><br /><strong class='bbc'>Correction:</strong><br />If the customer experiences a “cancel drain” issue, first check the following:<br />1. Make sure the dishwasher is installed according to installation instructions provided with the unit.<br />2. Check for water siphoning out through the drain hose. Ensure that the drain hose end termination point is above the water level in the tub. The drain loop attached to the side of the tub is not sufficient to prevent siphoning.<br />3. Check for severe sudsing or a malfunctioning Rinse Aid dispenser.<br />4. Check for locked rotor in wash pump.<br />5. Check for and remove debris in the bottom of the sump/chopper area.<br />6. Check for water supply and proper water level in the dishwasher.<br />7. If all the above checks are OK, then the control will need to be replaced with one that has the upgraded software designed to handle any additional power variation.<br /><br />Verify new board is Control Board<strong class='bbc'> <a href='http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Control-Board/W10380685/1938381' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='external'>W10380685</a></strong>, the upgraded part.</p></blockquote><br /><br />Source: <a href='http://appliantology.org/topic/41309-kitchenaid-dishwasher-kuds301x-runs-only-for-10-minutes-then-stops/?view=findpost&p=250336' class='bbc_url' title=''>kitchenaid dishwasher KUDS301X runs only for 10 minutes then stops</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:02:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-611-kitchenaid-dishwasher-runs-about-10-minutes-and-then-stops-service-bulletin/</guid>
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