Appliance Repair - Trouble Shooting Appliance Problems

Is the dryer being overloaded?

Normal load size will fill the dryer 1/3 to 1/2 of the total drum size.

Has the lint screen been cleaned?

Is the correct temperature selected?

High, medium, and low heat settings

Have you checked that there is no obstruction in the exhaust duct?

Check the exhaust duct at the outside end and see if the trap door opens when the dryer operates. If it does not, then there is an obstruction.

Is the exhaust duct too small?

The duct must be at least 4 inches.

Is the load too small?

Less items does not improve dry time, add similar items to improve tumbling.

Are the items sorted properly?

Items must be sorted by similar fabric, weight, and construction in the same load.

Is the dryer being overloaded?

Normal load size will fill the dryer 1/3 to 1/2 of the total drum size.

Is the wash load too damp?

Re-spin the load in the washer to remove excess water.

Is there high humidity?

Drying time will increase with high humidity. One way to improve this is to use a dehumidifier in the same room as the dryer.

Have you checked the house fuse or circuit breaker?

The dryer may still operate, but not provide heat, if on fuse is blown or circuit breaker is tripped.

On gas dryers, have you checked that the gas supply is on?

Is the power cord plugged into a live electrical outlet and is the connection tight?

Have you checked the house fuse and circuit breaker?

Is the cycle selector in the correct position?

Is the door properly closed?

Have you opened the door during operation?

The START button must be depressed after opening the door the restart the dryer.

Are you using the heat dry option? (on some models)

This will provide faster drying time but will use more energy

Are you using rinse aid?

Rinse aid such as Jet-Dry is crucial on newer models and will improve dry time and reduce water spots

Are you washing plastics?

Plastic items tend to collect water due to their porous surface and may need to be towel dried.

Have you checked that the proper wash cycle is selected

Short or light wash cycles may save water and energy but may not clean heavily soiled dishes properly.

Have you checked the incoming water temperature?

The temperature to the dishwasher must be at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. To check the temperature turn on your faucet and let it run until all cold water is out of the pipes.

Have you checked the amount of detergent and water hardness?

Check your owners manual and your local water company for proper amounts. 12 grains and higher is extremely hard and detergent alone may not be enough. Water softener is recomended.

Are you using the correct amount of detergent?

Refer to your use and care manual for proper amounts. Newer dishwasher require very little detergent, too much causes suds to form and leaks to occur.

Have you checked that the dishwasher is level?

Did you spill rinse aid?

Spilled rinse aid can cause foaming and leaking.

Are you running the drain through a disposal?

Run the disposer to clear the drain system.

Have you checked to make sure the drain hose is not kinked?

Did you make sure the dishwasher completed the cycle?

Have you made sure the door was closed and latched?

The drain pump will not operate if the door is not securely latched.

Have you checked the circuit breaker?

Did you check that the door is securely latched?

Did you check that the dishwasher is not on delay start?

Most disposers have a port to insert an Allen wrench into. By turning the Allen wrench, you can usually dislodge anything in the disposal. Once this is done, remove the foreign object from the disposal.

Make sure the disposal is unplugged

Check that the disposal is plugged in properly. Usually there is a red reset button on the disposal, depress this then try again.

Small leaks periodically are normal, as water heats it expands and may drip out of the faucet.

If the unit is leaking continuously then call for service

Check to see that there is power to the unit. Is the disposal plugged in securely? Have you checked the circuit breaker? Have you check to see if there is on overload switch on the tank?

Have you closely followed the instructions in your Owner's Guide?

Have you checked the house fuse or circuit breaker? Have you checked that the microwave is plugged into the electrical outlet correctly?

Ice cubes that have been in the ice storage bin for a long time may shrink due to the cold air moving over them when not used regularly.

Have you checked that the sensor arm is in the correct position?

If the sensor arm is in the "UP" position, the icemaker is shut off. Some new units may also have an on-off switch.

Have you made sure the water valve is fully open?

Is the freezer compartment cold enough?

If the freezer control is set too warm, the icemaker may not produce ice. On a new installation, it may take up to 24 hours to start making ice.

Do you have any cans, jars, or similar items in or on top of the refrigerator that could be causing the noise?

Is the refrigerator level?

Bubbling sounds are normal shortly after the refrigerator starts or stops.

Sizzling sounds are normal during the defrost cycle where the water is dripping on the defrost heater.

Top mount refrigerators have an energy saver switch located at the top of the fresh food compartment.

Switch in the "Reduces Exterior Moisture" position will minimize and collection of moisture.

Have you adjusted the temperature control?

To a low setting (if too cold), or to a higher setting (if too warm). After adjusting controls, wait 24 hours for temperatures to balance. (See Owner's Guide for setting of controls.)

Does the light in the refrigerator work?

If not, is the electrical plug firmly in the outlet? Have you check the house fuse or the circuit breaker?

Has the temperature control been turning off?

Has the condenser been cleaned?

Are the doors closing and sealing properly?

See Owner's Guide for cleaning instructions

Have you checked to make sure the air filter is clean and free of dust?

Have you made sure all doors, windows, and registers are closed?

Have you made sure there is nothing in front of the unit blocking airflow?

Drapes, blinds, furniture...

Have you made sure the unit has the correct cooling capacity for your room?

Contact dealer to reconfirm correct cooling capacity

Was the unit recently turned on?

Allow time for "stored" heat from walls, floor furnature...

Is there ice forming on the cooling coils behind the decorative front?

Turn the unit off and allow the unit to defrost. Once defrosted turn the thermostat to a warmer position.

Have you made sure the power cord is completely plugged in?

Have you checked the circuit breaker?

The thermostat may be set too low or too high to cool or heat.

Have you checked for proper airflow?

i.e. aluminum foil covering rack, cookie sheet is too large...

Dark utensils absorb heat

Use light utensils

Have you checked that the oven racks are properly in place and in correct position for what you are baking?

Is the range level?

Kitchen cabinets may make the range appear unlevel, use a level when aligning.

Are you using the proper pan?

Have you used foil incorrectly?

Did you preheat, if recommended?

Have you checked that the element or burner is cycling on?

The element could be bad.

Have you checked to make sure the clock is correctly set?

See Owner's Guide for installation.

Is the range disconnected from the electrical power?

Has the lock light gone out?

Have you waited 1 hour after the clean cycle has completed?

The oven must get below 400 degrees before it will unlock.

Can the lock lever be easily moved to the left?

If not, wait a few more minutes and try again.

After all this has been followed, put the oven back in self clean, then cancel the cycle and wait for the oven to get before 400 degrees for the door to unlock.

Is your bulb loose or burned out?

Is the range plug disconnected from the electrical outlet?

Range cords are not supplied with the range when purchased

Are your house fuses blown or your curcuit breakers tripped?

Is the range plug loose or improperly plugged in?

Has power supply to your house been interrupted?

Have you check the house fuse or curcuit breaker?

Is the range plug disconnected from the electrical outlet?

Where the correct utensils used?

Did you check the element is plugged in properly?

Is the correct control turned on?

Over time spills and grime can build up. If you can remove your drawer, clean the tracks, glides and rollers. After it is clean, lightly oil the track with a household lubricant.

Is the compactor plugged in securely? Have you checked the circuit breaker?

Have you checked to see if there is no foreign object in the basket?

Does the noise occur for all types wash loads?

If the noise started with your most recent load, have you tried distributing the clothes more evenly in the tub? (Vibrating noise can be caused by uneven distribution of heavy items.)

Do you have soft water?

Less detergent is needed if the water is soft

Is your detergent compatible with your washer?

HE (high efficiency) detergents are required for many newer washers.

Are you using the correct amount of detergent?

Read the package for correct amounts of detergent

Are the hoses connected tight to the faucet?

Is the end of the drain hose correctly in and secured to a drain facility?

Is the temperature switch set correctly?

Are the hoses connected to the correct faucets?

Hot to hot and cold to cold.

Is the water heater set correctly?

Have you checked to make sure that the drain hose is not kinked or knotted?

Have you checked that the water faucets are turned on?

Have you checked that the hose filter screens are clean and not plugged?

Have you checked that the water faucets are turned on?

Have you checked that the hose filter screens are clean and not plugged?

Have you checked that the electrical plug is properly in the outlet?

Have you checked the house fuse or circuit breaker?

Is the timer knob pulled out and the timer set to start?

If your washer has buttons, be sure the buttons are fully depressed.

The motor may be overheated

Wait for 30 minutes and try again, if the problem continues then call for service.

Is the door or lid fully closed?