September 2008

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

September 27, 2008 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 that you need to [...]

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Samurai Fixit Cam

September 27, 2008 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

September 27, 2008 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 [...]

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

September 27, 2008 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 fast. [...]

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De-Stinkifying Your Front Loading Washing Machine

September 27, 2008 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 instead High Efficiency (HE) detergent. Why would someone [...]

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

September 25, 2008 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 [...]

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KitchenAid Dishwasher Lock Light Flashing

September 20, 2008 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 the light [...]

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How to Load a Dishwasher

September 20, 2008 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 more directly [...]

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