49 replies to this topic

[Dominic]

My dishwasher (GE GSD6200G00BB) tripped the circuit breaker when the cycle started. I called a "certified" GE repair outfit and described the problem and they said, "$79 please, whether we fix it or not." No thanks.

I figured out on my own, with a little help from Pegi, that the transorb blew after I replaced a blown float switch (symptom, not problem), returned the defective GE float switch I was sold, and getting _no_ help from GE on the phone. (See: http://applianceguru...4082&forum_id=1). I also had to end up buying a new controller because turning on the water valve without the transorb in place (after I extracted the old one) fried that, too.

These GE yoyos actually denied the part existed because it didn't show up on their schematics nor on the wiring diagram (which I already knew, because I had both the schematics and wiring diagrams myself). Then, when I insisted it that it did exist, because I was holding it in my hand, they said, "Sorry, Sir, that's a part that only a qualified service technician could order!" WTF does that mean?!?

Well, those qualified service technicians must get it over at repairclinic.com because that's where I got it, thanks to help from the forums: http://www.repaircli...?R=154&N=948008

What really burns me up, is that instead of creating a loyal GE customer, surely an extinct breed, by saying, "Sure, your symptoms sound exactly like a blown transorb. We'll send you one right out," they deny, deny, deny.

The hilarious thing is that right on the instructions for installing the new transorb, a GE document, it says, "replacement of this part is indicated if a short circuit is encountered (circuit breaker trips) when the dishwasher water valve is turned on by the dishwasher cycle." Gee! That's what was wrong with my dishwasher!

A**holes. Now a $20 fix and satisfied customer has become a $150 fix and a pissed off customer. Albeit with clean dishes and no more dishpan hands ("Madge, they're marvelous!").

[That Guy]

There are no "loyal GE customers". They may think they are, but after they own A G.E. for awhile, they won't be loyal anymore.

[longtimer]

don't you think the "GE SUCKS" is little strong coming from a cheap idiot that blew his own control board out because he did not know what he was doing and thought $79.95 was not worth spending on a proffesional like most of us here?

sounds like there is a God

[Dominic]

Oh, are you bummed you didn't get my $79. Sorry fella, but I don't like to pay $79 for a $20 part. Did you read my post? If they had the transorb in the schematics, which they don't (see: http://fixitnow.com/...ripped-breaker/), I wouldn't have blown the controller board. Not know what I'm doing? I fixed my dishwasher with bad schematics!

You may call me a cheap idiot, but GE still sucks!

(And you seem a little bitter. Need a beer? ;-)

Dom

PS Just fixed this piece of crap dishwasher for the second time. Bad door interlock switch, but was able to open it up and fix 'er up. $79? Nope, $0!

PPS Maybe I'm wrong, but most of the posts that I read on here are from owners, not professionals. And if you're a professional, why do you need so much help that you come to these forums...?

[Robin the Hood]

Hmm...now don't get me wrong, Dom, but the "professional" that you just insulted is indeed, just that: a professional! He/she is not hanging out here looking for advice; these people are here to help the average consumer (i.e., you) resolve appliance issues without you necessarily needing to call in a technician.

And the person you spoke to on the phone at GE was not a GE Tech; thanks to the overall litigiousness (yes, Virginia! It's a real word!) of the American Public, those of us who actually work for the manufacturers have been forced to limit outside access to "technical" information. Too many cases of liability when the end-user fails to follow instruction and fries him/herself, damages the appliance, or burns down their home. So, the person who told you it was not a user serviceable part (and not in their schematic) was only doing his/her job.

I get these kinds of calls everyday... people not asking but demanding that we sell them a magnetron direct (system won't even allow that anymore) or a dryer conversion kit. It was simply costing appliance manufacturers too much money ("I'm gonna sue! I'm taking you to court!"), and so we have, sadly, ceased & desisted from providing technical information (and non-user serviceable parts) to anyone who is not an authorized servicer.

As for the $79, this is called a trip/diagnostic fee, and the majority of servicers charge this fee to pay for a) their time,  and their gas; they physically examine and troubleshoot the unit, then (in most cases) tell you EXACTLY what is wrong with your appliance. At that time, your friendly technician normally quotes you parts and labor for the required repair. This gives you the OPTION of taking advantage of their expertise (or not, your choice). Sometimes, paying someone who actually knows what they're doing to diagnose your appliance can save you money in the long run. If all of the techs out there charged nada for diagnostics, they might spend their entire day running around the country (or county) and never make a dime.

Had a case recently with a 'premium brand' dishwasher, consumer did not want to pay service to come out, so bought a $300 electrical part from a local distributor, which did NOT correct the problem. Now, bear in mind, most Parts Distributors will NOT provide a refund for electrical parts (this one was no exception), so, the customer paid $300 for a part he did not need and could not return because he was too cheap to actually pay a diagnostic fee (in this case, $75). He seemed to think that, by calling the manufacturer, we could FORCE the Parts Distributor to refund his money. That is simply not the case, and he's now out the cash.

Penny wise, pound foolish.

And didn't your mama ever tell you not to bite the hand that feeds?:fingerwag:

[grey shrek]

Well said Ms. Robin.. :rah:

[RegUS_PatOff]

[user=34529]Robin the Hood[/user] wrote:

... have been forced to limit outside access to "technical" information. Too many cases of liability when the end-user fails to follow instruction and fries him/herself, damages the appliance, or burns down their home...

agreed ... although, anyone can repair their own automobile.

Manufacture's parts and repair information is readily available ,
engine, brakes, steering, ...  any dangerous liability there ?

[longtimer]

After reading that post of mine from over a year ago,

I would now phrase the differently now.

I would not call you an Idiot, for that I am sorry.

I have been in this business a long time, maybe too long.

I have dealings with the public good and bad.

I originally entered the site with the thought of helping a few and

having a dialog with others in the business.

I did not expect to get the same stuff I hear at work every day.

Since I have to control myself at work, yes I vented on you.

As far as Cheap goes, I have rethought that and now take that back.

You have demonstrated that you are willing to spend more money doing it yourself.

[Pegi]

"". And if you're a professional, why do you need so much help that you come to these forums...? ""

What a stupid comment...who do you think spends their free time for no pay helping out homeowners like you try to repair their appliances and freely gives of their experience and knowledge? Us the professionals in the business that volunteer their time to help the Samurai with the ones asking for help.  However we do come across stuff that we need help with so ask of knowledge from the other professionals ourselves also, no one can know everything on every appliance out there...

[Robin the Hood]

Indeed. Given the plethora of brands and models out there on the market today, there is no Hope In Hades that ANYONE can know EVERYTHING about EVERY appliance out there.

My favorite is when I get a customer calling and DEMANDING that the technician have ALL of the parts necessary for the repair of their appliance ON THE TRUCK when they arrive to do the diagnostic.

Yes, there are certain situations that can be 'pre-screened' for parts; there are, howver, more situations where it could be one of MANY parts causing the issue with the appliance.

The cost for maintaining inventory alone would be phenomenal for ANY Independent Service Company, and would put most of our esteemed colleagues out of business. And I'm trying to picture the service rig that could actually carry EVERY part for EVERY make and model of appliance out there in the wide world today...:headscratch:

Boggles the mind.

[grey shrek]

As for the service unit  -  have you ever seen a picture of the trucking units that haul across Australia ? Some times 4 or 5 45ft. trailers. As an ex truck driver , I always thought that would be fun -once..

[Robin the Hood]

Apropros of nothing...my Dad's been a truck driver since he was 17, Shrek...I've heard phrases & curses that would make a Bucaneer blush!

And my poor, feckless sibling (younger brother) works for..wait for it! GE!!

But in their Healthcare Division...no appliances involved. Although he says he DID get some great discounts on the appliances for his new home.

Hmmm...think I'll call him today & see how they're holding up!

 

:oops:
And I think I'll see if I can't find a picture of one of those rigs you were talking about!

[Cactus Bob]

 i am a little late to this party ,i just read this post .it burned me up .  to the ge s***s poster who did not want to pay for someone to check out his appliance : TOO BAD !  i think i speak for most tecs in saying we all try real hard to get it right , we dont know everthing about everthing !  i have bought and installed parts only to have it still not work and we cant just take back a part we dont want anymore . so we live with the mistake ,thats all part of the service fee you pay . the "tone" of your complant was your not going to be ripped off by anyone , not us or GE . if your in the field repairing appliances your not getting rich $$$$  WE ARE DOING THE BEST WE CAN .  so give us a chance to get it right .....even here we try to tell whats wrong without ever seeing your appliance , and thats not easy . the phone call to ge was the same thing . without ever seeing your appliance you wat them to tell you what you need , and never be wrong !  the internet ,this forum and other like it have done so much to help me to do better work in  the field even though i may have never seen "THIS PROBLEM" or "this appliance" before .........enough soap box for today ........

[ROBBYRIG]

[user=33613]Cactus Bob[/user] wrote:

 i am a little late to this party ,i just read this post .it burned me up .  to the ge s***s poster who did not want to pay for someone to check out his appliance : TOO BAD !  i think i speak for most tecs in saying we all try real hard to get it right , we dont know everthing about everthing !  i have bought and installed parts only to have it still not work and we cant just take back a part we dont want anymore . so we live with the mistake ,thats all part of the service fee you pay . the "tone" of your complant was your not going to be ripped off by anyone , not us or GE . if your in the field repairing appliances your not getting rich $$$$  WE ARE DOING THE BEST WE CAN .  so give us a chance to get it right .....even here we try to tell whats wrong without ever seeing your appliance , and thats not easy . the phone call to ge was the same thing . without ever seeing your appliance you wat them to tell you what you need , and never be wrong !  the internet ,this forum and other like it have done so much to help me to do better work in  the field even though i may have never seen "THIS PROBLEM" or "this appliance" before .........enough soap box for today ........

PREACH IT BROTHER BOB!!!!

[Robin the Hood]

Amen.

[Bobice]

Why is it when we technicians require a diagnostic fee everybody clams up.
However people have no problem paying a "Doctor". While I was hospitalized after my accident the Operating Surgeon asked what a charge would be to look at his central air and complained when I told him $89.00 for the first half hour and $89.00 an hour after that. I said to him "You charge $1,000.00" to which he replied I am a professional.
I told him, so was I.

[denrayr]

After giving a doctor an estimate for repair he said "im in the wrong business". I looked around his house as if i was scoping it out and said "so am i" ...I once had an anesthesiologist call me a crook because his asko part took 2 weeks to come in. I looked him in they eye and said "im offended" and i left his house. He begged me to come back and finish the repair, but I refused.

[Scottthewolf]

Most people think appliance repair is something a grease monkey can do. They do not realize how complex appliances really are, and the price of our overhead. Sorry people, but staying up to date on all the new appliances out there, owning service vans, phone lines, gasoline insurance, and tools, it all adds up.

[Bobice]

Has anyone looked at the price of schooling and textbooks for our industry lately.
Most people like you said think we are nothing more then screwdriver turning idiots.
This I blame on our "Educational System". My guidance counselor basically said to my mother "Why is he so interested in going there (Vocational School), so I basically taught myself (fixed our air conditioner I was 12 years old at the time). In high school I got a job in a parts store after school There I met various Technicians, and one hired me after graduating high school. I consider myself lucky as not only did they service Appliances, but had a full HVAC/R company complete with sheet metal shop.