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Appliance Repair Tips
- If your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly you could try checking the condenser coils. There are condenser coils on the rear of the box, make sure the box is several inches from the wall and that nothing is on top at the rear, blocking the heat from coming off the coils.
- If your freezer is too warm it may be because of a defective defrost thermostat. Test your defrost thermostat to determine if it has malfunctioned. If it has, you will need to replace it.
- If you are having problems with your icemaker, the water inlet valve may be filled with ice. If it is, simply thaw the water tube with a hair dryer to remove the blockage. Be careful to not melt any plastic parts with the blow dryer.
Washing Machine Repair Tips
- Never overload the machine
- If your washing machine won’t spin or agitate Make sure that the selector switch on the control panel, if there is one, is set properly. Check to ensure the button has been pressed all the way in. If it is, then try testing the switch. If it has failed, it will need to be replaced.
- When a washing machine allows hot water to enter the tub depends greatly upon its make and model. Some washing machines direct hot water only during certain cycles. Others allow hot and cold water to enter in an alternating fashion in order to equalize the water temperature. The first thing you should do is refer to your owner's manual to ensure that your washer is not operating as it should. If you discover that it isn't, investigate the machine's water inlet valve. It could be defective, and causing your problem.
- If your clothes aren’t drying properly make sure the dryer is not pushed back against the rear exhaust duct causing an airflow restriction.
- Some dryers have drive belts that are used to turn the drum. If this belt becomes worn and breaks, it will no longer prompt the drum to tumble. Open up your dryer's cabinet and inspect its belt. You will have to replace a belt that has become defective in order for your dryer to tumble again. Also, take a quick look at your idler pulley wheel. Pulley wheels tend to wear at the same rate as a dryer's belt, and it may also be in need of replacing.
- If your dryer doesn’t start up at all you should test the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a heat-sensitive fuse attached to your dryer's exhaust duct (in most models) that is designed to blow if the dryer overheats. A blown fuse would cause your dryer to not heat, or to not work at all. Open up your dryer's cabinet and locate its thermal fuse. Test the component. If it has blown, replace it.
- If your dishes aren’t getting clean enough try adjusting the thermostat. Make sure the water is hot enough. It should be at least 140 degrees, which is hot enough to burn you - VERY HOT! If it is not hot enough, turn the hot water heater thermostat up to a higher setting.
- It is quite common for a dishwasher to not drain because either the drain hose or the air gap (if the unit has one) is clogged up. Drain hose clogs commonly occur where the hose is attached to the main household drain line, or where the hose connects with the garbage disposer. Try removing the drain hose to unclog any debris. Don't forget to reattach the hose before you start your dishwasher again.
- A defective timer could interfere with a dishwasher's ability to drain properly. Test your dishwasher's timer mechanism. If it is faulty, replace it. Keep in mind that you can replace either the entire timer assembly or just the timer's motor.
- In some models, a valve has to open in order for the water to drain out of the dishwasher. This valve is controlled by a solenoid, but it is the timer that decides when the valve should open. If your timer is working fine, check the drain valve and its solenoid. If need be, replace them.
- If your oven isn’t heating up make sure the controls are set properly: that the oven selector switch is set correctly and that the temperature switch is set to the desired temperature. Where applicable, make sure the oven timer is set to manual.
- If you have a gas stove and the burners aren’t lighting try wiping them off with a hot, damp rag and letting them dry completely.
- If you have an electric stove and the burners aren’t working try working setting them straight in their proper positions.
- If your oven doesn’t turn off make sure your oven is on manual control. Be sure to check your owner's manual for proper settings.
- Do not use aluminum foil or anything with metal on it. (unless your microwave specifically allows it. Check your owner's manual)
- A fuse is a safety device that will cut off the flow of an electrical current if the current becomes too strong. This action protects your microwave. The first thing you should check if your microwave isn't working is its fuse. The appliance will not work again until the fuse is replaced.
- Check the turntable guide to make sure it is lined up properly and that there is no debris caught in it. You may need to re-align or clean your turntable guide.
- A turntable tray not sitting on its bushing correctly may not be the only reason why it is not turning properly. Your turntable tray may be dirty and may not have a clear path for rotation. Inspect your tray for caked on food particles. Also examine below the tray for any food or other debris that may be hindering its movement. If you discover any objects hindering the tray's movement, thoroughly clean both the tray and below the tray with warm soapy water.
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