From the monthly archives:

September 2008

How to Remove the Lower Spray Arm in a Maytag MDB Dishwasher

by Samurai Appliance Repair Man on September 27, 2008

in Dishwasher Repair

The lower arm is held in place by a large diameter plastic furled nut right in the middle of the lower arm, as shown below. (There’s a large hole in the middle of this nut.) Undo that and the whole lower arm assembly will come out. This exposes the torx bolts [...]

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Samurai Fixit Cam

by Samurai Appliance Repair Man on September 27, 2008

in General Appliance Wisdom

And now, for all you fixit freaks out there who surf into sites like this one just ‘cuz you like to see how stuff gets fixed, I present the Samurai Fixit Cam for your viewing pleasure.

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Whirlpool Duet Washer with F-21 Fault Code

by Samurai Appliance Repair Man on September 27, 2008

in Washer Repair

This problem is a good illustration of how there’s just no substitute for actual hand-to-hand combat with broken appliances. Here’s an excerpt from the service manual on this fault code:

EXPLANATION AND RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE
F21 LONG DRAIN
If the drain time exceeds 8 minutes the water valves turn off.
NOTES:After 4 minutes the “Sd” error will be displayed, [...]

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Weird Timer Problems in a Whirlpool / Kenmore Dryer with Electronic Control

by Samurai Appliance Repair Man on September 27, 2008

in Dryer Repair

This nugget of Appliantological wisdom applies to the Whirlpool-built dryers with the “Even Heat” control board, also sold under the Kenwhore label. The typical problem description runs thusly:
My dryer runs for about two minutes and then shuts down. The timer continues to run down to the end but but it does it really [...]

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De-Stinkifying Your Front Loading Washing Machine

by Samurai Appliance Repair Man on September 27, 2008

in Washer Repair

A common complaint about front loading washers is mildew odor, or Das Schmeel. We professional appliantolgists refer to this condition as Funk from Within Syndrome (FFWS). So, here are some causative factors and other Fun Facts to Know and Tell (FFTKAT) about FFWS:
1. Using conventional detergent [...]

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How to Replace the Wash Motor Assembly in a Whirlpool-built Dishwasher

by Samurai Appliance Repair Man on September 25, 2008

in Dishwasher Repair

If you have one of the Whirlpool-built dishwashers (also applies to Kitchenaids and some Kenmores) with the dinky wash motors, then one day, maybe someday very soon, you’ll need to replace the wash motor assembly. Here’re some resources that’ll hepya:

Step-by-Step Instructions on Replacing the Wash Motor Assembly
Anatomy of a Whirlpool-Kitchenaid-Kenmore Dishwasher
Installation Tips for Replacing [...]

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KitchenAid Dishwasher Lock Light Flashing

by Samurai Appliance Repair Man on September 20, 2008

in Dishwasher Repair

This Tip ‘O Da Day applies to newer KitchenAid dishwashers with model numbers like KUDI02FR.
The flashing Lock light problem is caused by a stuck key on the touchpanel console.
If the control board detects that a key is stuck in the “mashed-in” position, then the dishwasher will suspend operation and maddeningly flash [...]

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How to Load a Dishwasher

by Samurai Appliance Repair Man on September 20, 2008

in Dishwasher Repair

1. Keep your big stuff at the sides and back, so that they don’t hog all the water and detergent and keep it from reaching the other dishes. This will also keep them from blocking the detergent door.
2. Load the grungy side of the dishes toward the center so they get blasted [...]

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