Monthly Archives: June 2010

Maytag MAH Washer Shakes, Rattles, and Rolls

This little pearl of appliantological wisdom applies to Maytag’s later model, “new and improved” Neptune front load washers. They have model numbers like MAH6700AW*, MAH8700AW*, MAH9700AW*, MAL1800AX* (the “*” is a wild card character, like in a Google search, not part of the model number).

To learn more about your washing machine, or to order parts, click here.

Whirlpool Duet Washer: Anatomy 101 and Commonly Replaced Parts

I like this machine. It’s German-built and you can almost tear the whole thing down with a #10 torx bit. Now, Whirlpool sells another front loader that also bears the name “Duet,” it’s the Duet Sport. The Sport is made in Mexico and, while it’s not a bad machine, it’s just not at the same level as its German big brother.

Here’s some basic anatomy and component locations:

Whirlpool Duet Washer Component Access and Locations

(click for larger view)

And here’s a handy list of commonly replaced parts on this machine. For each component, I’ve also included some things that may indicate that part is bad. Notice the emphasis on the word, “may.” These are meant to point you in the right direction but you should still confirm the part is bad.

Commonly Replaced Parts in the Whirlpool Duet Washer
Part Problem Indications Part Link
Drain Pump Won’t drain, long pump out times, F02 or Sud error code, noisy during drain Buy Now
Door Latch Assembly Won’t spin, Fdl error code Buy Now
Door Bellow Seal Leaks like a drunken sailor! Buy Now
Water Inlet Valve Slow water fill, no water fill, water overfills, F09 Buy Now
Central Control Unit (CCU) F11 error code, won’t power up, won’t accept selections Buy Now
Motor Control Unit (MCU) F11 error code, F15 error code, F06 error code Buy Now
Water Level Switch FH error code Buy Now
Other Goodies You May Want
Official Service Manual Tremendous troubleshooting and repair aid. Complete, illustrated teardown instructions. Buy Now
Affresh Keep your washer smelling schweet, baby, schweet! Buy Now

To learn more about your washing machine, or to order parts, click here.

Maytag Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard

house_fire200x133.jpgWell, they done went and did it this time– them engineers at Maytag made a boo-boo that can make your dishwasher spontaneously burst into flames, engulfing your entire house and all your loved ones in a giant, hairy ball o’ flame!

Okay, so I overstate it a bit for entertainment value. I mean, c’mon, it’s a post about a boring appliance recall– I gotta do something to spice it up!

Here’s the recall notice from the CPSC:

Name of Product: Dishwashers

Units: About 1.7 million in the United States

Manufacturer: Maytag Corp. of Newton, Iowa or Maytag Corp. of Benton Harbor, Mich.

Hazard: An electrical failure in the dishwasher’s heating element can pose a serious fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 12 reports of dishwasher heating element failures that resulted in fires and dishwasher damage, including one report of extensive kitchen damage from a fire. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes Maytag®, Amana®, Jenn-Air®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley® brand dishwashers with plastic tubs and certain serial numbers. The affected dishwashers were manufactured with black, bisque, white, silver and stainless steel front panels. The brand name is printed on the front of the dishwasher. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label located inside the plastic tub on a tag near the left side of the door opening. Serial numbers will start or end with one of the following sequences.

maytag-dishwasher-recall-serial-numbers
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Sold at: Department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from February 2006 through April 2010 for between $250 and $900.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it, inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire and contact Maytag to verify if their dishwasher is included in the recall. If the dishwasher is included in the recall, consumers can either schedule a free in-home repair or receive a rebate following the purchase of certain new Maytag brand stainless-steel tub dishwashers. The rebate is $150 if the consumer purchases new dishwasher models MDB7759, MDB7609 or MDBH979; or $250 if the consumer purchases new dishwasher models MDB8959, MDB8859, MDB7809 or MDB7709. Consumers should not return the recalled dishwashers to the retailer where purchased as retailers are not prepared to take the units back.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Maytag at (800) 544-5513 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.repair.maytag.com

Maytag Dishwasher Recall 6-3-2010
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