Category Archives: Appliance Repair Posts

All appliance repair categories.

Maytag Bravo / Whirlpool Cabrio / Kenmore Oasis washer leaks, puddle appears after use

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In this excursion into appliance repair excellence, the Samurai shows you how to locate the source of a leak in a Maytag Bravo washing machine and how to fix it. In case you didn’t figure it out from the title of this post, the Maytag Bravo, Whirlpool Cabrio, and Kenmore Oasis washers are all the same machine, so this sublime repair kata applies to all three.

In these machines, the first thing to check for leaks is the pump. The other leak source is the tub seal. But leaking pumps are fairly common and also much easier to repair. Observe the technique of the Master:

Here’s the drain pump I used to fix this washer, in stock and ready to ship ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Drain-Pump/W10217134/1472275?RCAID=24038

And this video has more detailed replacement procedures:

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box right here at Fixitnow.com. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!

Subscribe to our FREE, award-winning newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment ==> http://newsletter.fixitnow.com and download your free report on appliance brand recommendations! Every issue is jam-packed with appliance repair tips and inside information direct from the Samurai’s fingertips to your engorged and tingling eyeballs.

The Appliance Guru provides prompt, convenient service in the following towns in New Hampshire: New London, Elkins, Wilmot, Springfield, Georges Mills, Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, Sutton, Bradford, Warner, Grantham, and the Eastman Community. Visit our website for more info and a discount coupon on your next service call: ==> http://applianceguru.com

Secret Samurai Trick for Correctly Diagnosing Refrigerator Compressor Start Problems

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Sometimes, when you’re working on a compressor no-start problem, it’s a simple matter of replacing the compressor start relay. But is the bad relay the primary cause of the problem or a secondary effect from something else? Sometimes, it’s not obvious and it takes real Samurai Kidneys™ to discern what’s really going on. Watch and learn, Grasshoppah…

Here’s the relay and overload kit I used to fix the compressor ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Relay-and-Overload-Kit/4387913/586521?RCAID=24038

And here’s the replacement condenser fan motor I installed ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Condenser-Fan-Motor/833697/2790?RCAID=24038

One of the common failures with a compressor is that the varnish insulation on the motor windings starts to break down and current starts leaking to ground. If the current leakage is large enough, you can deduce that this is happening by measuring compressor current draw. Or you can directly check out the compressor motor windings using an instrument called a megger to directly test the integrity of the winding insulation. This video shows using a megger to check the compressor motor:

Here’s the updated Supco megger I use to check compressors ==> Supco M-500 Megohmmeter

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box right here at Fixitnow.com. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!

Subscribe to our FREE, award-winning newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment ==> http://newsletter.fixitnow.com and download your free report on appliance brand recommendations! Every issue is jam-packed with appliance repair tips and inside information direct from the Samurai’s fingertips to your engorged and tingling eyeballs.

The Appliance Guru provides prompt, convenient service in the following towns in New Hampshire: New London, Elkins, Wilmot, Springfield, Georges Mills, Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, Sutton, Bradford, Warner, Grantham, and the Eastman Community. Visit our website for more info and a discount coupon on your next service call: ==> http://applianceguru.com

Appliantology Newsletter: Home on the Range

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Appliantology Newsletter
Home on the Range
 July 8, 2012
Electric Range Tips
An electric range has two main working parts: the stove or cooktop elements and the oven elements. The most common problem with stove elements is the receptacles get sloppy and stop making good, tight electrical contact with the element resulting in poor heating. The most common (and simplest) problem with the oven is that the bake or broil element self-destructs, sometimes in spectacular fashion. In this issue of Appliantology, ol’ Samurai’s gonna show you how to whup up on both of these common and easily-repairable problems.
Putting the Heat Back into Your Stove Burners
Replacing an Oven Bake or Broil Element Safely
And Remember…
I’m always uploading new videos to my YouTube channel from my various appliance service calls as The Appliance Guru. You can keep up with ’em by subscribing to Samurai’s YouTube Channel.
You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at Fixitnow.com or Appliantology.org. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!
Subscribe to the Appliantology Newsletter.
Samurai Appliance Repair Man, www.Fixitnow.com

Appliantology Newsletter: Secret Refrigerator Repair Tricks

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Appliantology Newsletter
Secret Refrigerator Repair Tricks
 Early-July 2012
Trade Secrets
Okay, before I divulge protected trade secrets for fixing refrigerators, I have to ask for your solemn vow of silence. Divulging this information to the profane can get me in big trouble with my Brethren in The Craft. I could get thrown out of the International Appliance Repair Guild! So, please, if you feel like sharing these secrets with someone, do so by forwarding them this entire newletter. That way, nothing can get taken out of context that might get me trouble with The Brethren. Domo!
Refrigerator Warming Up in Both Compartments and No Frost on the Back Wall Inside the Freezer?
This will be one of four things:

1. Dirty condenser (preventable)
2. Burned out compressor start relay (very fixable)
3. Bad or lazy condenser fan motor (very fixable)
4. Bad compressor or sealed system (“freon”) leak (terminal event: go shopping)

As indicated, the first three causes are very fixable, even preventable. But the fourth one is a 4th Down Time to Punt event. That’s because EPA’s DuPont regulations have made doing sealed system work so expensive that it’s not cost-effective to do it on most refrigerators… unless you paid so much for the box that you’re married to it (a la Sub-Zero). So, lots of easily-repairable refrigerators choking up the landfills today.

Be that as it may, let’s talk about the first three things that we can do something about…
Dirty Condenser
A dirty condenser will make any refrigerator warm up. Even the mighty Sub-Zero is not immune from a dirty condenser’s refrigerator-killing effects. Check this out, this could be you:
Burned Out Compressor Start Relay / Bad or Lazy Condenser Fan Motor
I grouped these two things together because they can and do occur together but most people, including most technicians, don’t catch this. But you, dear reader, are now privvy to one to the Samurai’s most cherished repair tricks…

And Hey! …
I frequently upload new videos to my YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe so you can check ’em out as soon as they’re uploaded: Samurai’s YouTube Channel

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at Fixitnow.com or Appliantology.org. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!
Samurai Appliance Repair Man, Fixitnow.com

Ice Maker Repair Manual, troubleshooting aid

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Your Name: Joe

Type of Appliance: Refrigerator

Brand: Sears – Kenmore

Model Number: 596.71813101

Your Precious Words:
Hi! Hope you can help me. My ice maker quit working. Do you have a repair manual with a full schematic which I could use to aid in trouble shooting?
If so, can I purchase one?

Thanks for any help and advice!

Joe

I can do waay better than a stinky ol’ manual– how’s about a Samurai Original™ how-to repair video?

And here’s my illuminating troubleshooting flowchart:

http://fixitnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/21562311-Troubleshooting-the-Whirlpool-Modular-Icemaker.pdf

More detailed info in this post ==> http://fixitnow.com/wp/2012/06/23/troubleshooting-a-no-ice-complaint-and-testing-replacing-a-whirlpool-modular-ice-maker/

BTW, I just covered this very topic in the last issue of our award-winning, internationally-acclaimed newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment. You should subscribe so you don’t miss out on future pearls of appliantological wisdom ==> http://newsletter.fixitnow.com and download your free report on appliance brand recommendations! Every issue is jam-packed with appliance repair tips and inside information direct from the Samurai’s fingertips to your engorged and tingling eyeballs.

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at Fixitnow.com. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!

The Appliance Guru provides prompt, convenient service in the following towns in New Hampshire: New London, Elkins, Wilmot, Springfield, Georges Mills, Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, Sutton, Bradford, Warner, Grantham, and the Eastman Community. Visit our website for more info and a discount coupon on your next service call ==> http://applianceguru.com

Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Whirlpool dishwasher impeller parts found inside, makes scraping sound

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Your Name: Chris

Type of Appliance: Dishwasher

Brand: Whirlpool quiet wash plus

Model Number: DU8950XY-1

Your Precious Words:
It was not draining so I tried everything….so i finally took the motor pump apart..I got down to the filter and when I took it off there was a giant can opener(like on top of a coke can) and underneath was a spring…when I took the filter off, this part of the impeller kit came off…so I put it back on and the washer made a scrapping sound…I took it back a part and took off the spring and can opener looking part and put it back together and now it “seems” to be working….Do I need this part and if so, how do I re install it properly?

Whirlpool Dishwasher Impeller Parts

Yep, the impeller inside your dishwasher has done what we professional appliantologists call, “broke.” That is to say, a catastrophic mechanical failure of the materials such that the dishwasher is no longer able to fulfill its design function.

Pictured below is the impeller and seal kit for your dishwasher, notice that the piece you found and sent me the photo of is among the parts of the kit:

Impeller and Seal Kit

You just need to replace the impeller kit, which you can get right here ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Impeller-and-Seal-Kit/675806/679717

The kit comes with instructions and is pretty easy to install.

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at Fixitnow.com. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!

The Appliance Guru provides prompt, convenient service in the following towns in New Hampshire: New London, Elkins, Wilmot, Springfield, Georges Mills, Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, Sutton, Bradford, Warner, Grantham, and the Eastman Community. Visit our website for more info and a discount coupon on your next service call ==> http://applianceguru.com

Subscribe to our FREE, award-winning newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment ==> http://newsletter.fixitnow.com and download your free report on appliance brand recommendations! Every issue is jam-packed with appliance repair tips and inside information direct from the Samurai’s fingertips to your engorged and tingling eyeballs.

Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Appliantology Newsletter: Ice Maker Illumination

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Appliantology Newsletter
Ice Maker Illumination
 Late-June 2012

How to Fix an Ice Maker that’s Not Making Ice
The Whirlpool modular ice maker is the most commonly used ice maker in refrigerators today. You’ll even find these ice makers in non-Whirlpool refrigerators. There’s a reason for that: it’s a very rugged and reliable unit and easy to work on. Anyone with a 3rd Grade edumucation can fix one of these units… if you know a few Secret Samurai Tricks™.
If you’re a professional appliantologist, this is the ice maker you’ll most frequently encounter on service calls. If you’re a DIY appliance repair dude or dudette, this is most likely the type of ice maker installed in your refrigerator, regardless of refrigerator brand. So come watch the Samurai personally step you through troubleshooting and repairing your Whirlpool-built ice maker and save Big Bucks!
Want to Add an Ice Maker to Your Refrigerator?
Ol’ Samurai’s gotcha covered. You can quickly and easily find a replacement or add-on ice maker for most brands and models of refrigerators ratcheer.
Super easy to install and they all come with crystal-clear, step-by-step instructions. If you can use a screwdriver, you can install an add-on ice maker kit to your refrigerator!
The Appliantology Academy, www.Appliantology.org

Troubleshooting a No-Ice Complaint and Testing-Replacing a Whirlpool Modular Ice Maker

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The Whirlpool modular ice maker is the most commonly used ice maker in refrigerators today. You’ll even find these ice makers in non-Whirlpool refrigerators. If you’re a professional appliantologist, this is the ice maker you’ll most frequently encounter on service calls.


When you’re troubleshooting these ice makers for a no ice complaint, the first thing you need to know is the freezer temperature. There’s a thermostat built into the ice maker that will shut it off if the freezer temperature is above 17F. And unless you have a calibrated palm, you can’t tell the difference between 15F and 20F by feel so you have be able to get an accurate temperature shoot. I like using an infrared temperature gun; my personal favorite and the one I’ve used joyfully for years is the Raytek MT6 Non-contact MiniTemp Infrared Thermometer

Okay, if freezer temperature is good, then you focus on the Big Three Causes for No Ice in a Whirlpool Modular Ice Maker™:

– bad water inlet solenoid valve
– plugged ice maker fill tube
– bad ice maker control module

The easiest way to check all three at once is to run a manual harvest cycle on the ice maker. This video shows how to do that:

If the ice maker won’t start the harvest, it’s a dead ice maker or bad control module; doesn’t matter which, either way, just replace the whole ice maker. I used to mess around with replacing just the control module but for just a few bucks more, you can replace the entire ice maker and it’s a more reliable repair. Here’s the replacement ice maker kit I used to fix this problem ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Ice-Maker-Assembly/4317943/1857

If the ice maker does the harvest but no water enters the mold at the end of the cycle, then either the fill tube is plugged or the water inlet valve is bad. This video shows how to test the water inlet valve:

This flowchart summarizes the troubleshooting algorithm for these modular ice maker units:

http://fixitnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/21562311-Troubleshooting-the-Whirlpool-Modular-Icemaker.pdf

You can buy the replacement water inlet valve for any brand or model of refrigerator here ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/Refrigerator-Valve-Float-Parts

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at Fixitnow.com. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!

The Appliance Guru provides prompt, convenient service in the following towns in New Hampshire: New London, Elkins, Wilmot, Springfield, Georges Mills, Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, Sutton, Bradford, Warner, Grantham, and the Eastman Community. Visit our website for more info and a discount coupon on your next service call ==> http://applianceguru.com

Subscribe to our FREE, award-winning newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment ==> http://newsletter.fixitnow.com and download your free report on appliance brand recommendations! Every issue is jam-packed with appliance repair tips and inside information direct from the Samurai’s fingertips to your engorged and tingling eyeballs.

Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Replacing an Electric Oven Bake Element with a Burnt Wire Connection

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Replacing the bake or broil heating element in an electric oven is one of the easiest appliance repairs you’ll ever do… IF you unplug or kill power to range first. If you don’t kill power before you try to remove the element, you’ll turn a simple, plug n’ chug job that only requires a screwdriver into job that requires wire repair tools. That’s because you’re probably going to arc or burn one of the terminals attached to the heating element as shown in this video. Watch with amazed bewilderment as The Appliance Guru expertly replaces the burnt wire terminal and completes the job that the client started but couldn’t finish:

You can buy the replacement element for any brand or model of electric oven or range here with a 365-day return policy ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/Range-Stove-Oven-Heating-Element-Parts

And this video shows you the correct way to replace the element:

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at Fixitnow.com. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!

The Appliance Guru provides prompt, convenient service in the following towns in New Hampshire: New London, Elkins, Wilmot, Springfield, Georges Mills, Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, Sutton, Bradford, Warner, Grantham, and the Eastman Community. Visit our website for more info and a discount coupon on your next service call ==> http://applianceguru.com

Subscribe to our FREE, award-winning newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment ==> http://newsletter.fixitnow.com and download your free report on appliance brand recommendations! Every issue is jam-packed with appliance repair tips and inside information direct from the Samurai’s fingertips to your engorged and tingling eyeballs.

Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Fixing a Whirlpool Duet Sport Washer that Won’t Drain

2 Replies

This client called in with a complaint that his Whirlpool Duet Sport washer, WFW9150, was full of water and would not pump out. He was also getting the F9 E1 error code which corresponds to this problem. About 72.4% of problems are caused by something stuck in the pump, jamming the impeller. About 27.3% of these problems are caused a bad pump. The remaining 0.3% of these problems are caused by the pump not getting voltage which could be a bad wire connection or bad controller. Watch with befuddled amazement as The Appliance Guru expertly disassembles the pump, plucks out a broken piece of hair clip that was jamming the pump and restores this machine to its design function.

If the pump turns out to be bad in your washer, you can buy the replacement pump here with a 365-day return policy ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Drain-Pump/W10130913/1373005

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at Fixitnow.com. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!

The Appliance Guru provides prompt, convenient service in the following towns in New Hampshire: New London, Elkins, Wilmot, Springfield, Georges Mills, Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, Sutton, Bradford, Warner, Grantham, and the Eastman Community. Visit our website for more info and a discount coupon on your next service call ==> http://applianceguru.com

Subscribe to our FREE, award-winning newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment ==> http://newsletter.fixitnow.com and download your free report on appliance brand recommendations! Every issue is jam-packed with appliance repair tips and inside information direct from the Samurai’s fingertips to your engorged and tingling eyeballs.

Samurai Appliance Repair Man

De-Mousifying the Control Panel in a Thermador PRSG364GD Range

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This client called in with the complaint that the stove burners on her Thermador cooktop kept clicking after the burner was lit. Watch in horror and amazement as The Appliance Guru uncovers the gruesome cause for this problem. WARNING: This video contains scenes that some viewers may find disturbing. Viewer discretion advised.

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at Fixitnow.com. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!

The Appliance Guru provides prompt, convenient service in the following towns in New Hampshire: New London, Elkins, Wilmot, Springfield, Georges Mills, Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, Sutton, Bradford, Warner, Grantham, and the Eastman Community. Visit our website for more info and a discount coupon on your next service call ==> http://applianceguru.com

Subscribe to our FREE, award-winning newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment ==> http://newsletter.fixitnow.com and download your free report on appliance brand recommendations! Every issue is jam-packed with appliance repair tips and inside information direct from the Samurai’s fingertips to your engorged and tingling eyeballs.

Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Fixing a Frigidaire Front-Load Washer that Won’t Spin

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This client contacted me at 9pm via email using the Service Call Request form at my service website, ApplianceGuru.com. I was there the next day to repair the no-spin problem with her washer. In this video, I explain a couple of short cut techniques for diagnosing a bad door latch assembly in this washer. I had a replacement door latch assembly on my service vehicle and got her fixed up in one trip. That’s SOP for The Appliance Guru!

Here’s the part link to the replacement door latch assembly, comes with a 365-day return policy ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Door-Lock/131763202/1531974?RCAID=24038

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at Fixitnow.com. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!

The Appliance Guru provides prompt, convenient service in the following towns in New Hampshire: New London, Elkins, Wilmot, Springfield, Georges Mills, Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, Sutton, Bradford, Warner, Grantham, and the Eastman Community. Visit our website for more info and a discount coupon on your next service call ==> http://applianceguru.com

Subscribe to our FREE, award-winning newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment ==> http://newsletter.fixitnow.com and download your free report on appliance brand recommendations! Every issue is jam-packed with appliance repair tips and inside information direct from the Samurai’s fingertips to your engorged and tingling eyeballs.

Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Fixing a Calypso washer that’s full of water and has the LD error

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Your Name: Justene

Type of Appliance: Washer

Brand: kenmoore

Model Number: 110.22062102

Your Precious Words:
my washer wont drain…I have received what seems to be the well known “LD” error. I have removed the back (small) panel and cant access the pump. As I understand it I have to remove the bottom panel to access the pump? Any advice about draining water before laying the machine on it’s back to remove bottom panel?

Yes, the much-beloved LD error in the Whirlpool-Kenmore Calypso (a.k.a., Collapse-o) washer. You undoubtedly need the upgraded motor and pump kit ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Drain-Pump/285990/1058894

This motor and pump have been completely re-designed because the old one was so prone to clogging and failure.

The pump is replaced from the bottom of the washer by tipping the washer on it’s FRONT panel, not the back. Emptying the water from the tub is one of those glamor jobs that us professional appliantologists do at least once a day. It’s not rocket science: you bail out as much as you can with a scoop and bucket (you know, bailing like in a leaky boat) and then you can use your wet vac to get the rest.

Once the washer is on its front panel, removing and replacing the motor an pump is just a matter of disconnecting the obvious wire harnesses and bolts. It’s plug n’ chug, about two mugs on the world-famous SUDS-o-meter.

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at Fixitnow.com. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!

Subscribe to our FREE, award-winning newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment ==> http://newsletter.fixitnow.com and download your free report on appliance brand recommendations! Every issue is jam-packed with appliance repair tips and inside information direct from the Samurai’s fingertips to your engorged and tingling eyeballs.

Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Secret Samurai trick for clearing frozen condensate drains and frosted up evaporator coils

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Your Name: Earl

Type of Appliance: Refrigerator

Brand: Roper

Model Number: RT18DKXEW05

Your Precious Words:
You were right on the money with the freezer tube problem. I’ve still got a hair dryer in the freezer thawing out the drain tube. I’m just now starting to see a little water in the defrost pan. Do you know if it’s a straight shot down the tube or is there an elbow. I can only get a wire a couple of inches down there.

Ahh, Grasshoppah, the Samurai shall reveal unto thee an ancient trade secret of The Craft for handling these types of problems. Professional Appliantologists use a handheld steamer to clear frozen condensate drains. They also work great for clearing frosted up evaporator coils. Here’s the exact steamer I use and I can testify it does a great job, has saved me many countless hours and much frustration ==> http://amzn.to/Ml4Hfj

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at Fixitnow.com. No harm in buying and trying with our 365-day, no-hassle return policy, even on electrical parts that were installed!

Subscribe to our FREE, award-winning newsletter, Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment ==> http://newsletter.fixitnow.com and download your free report on appliance brand recommendations! Every issue is jam-packed with appliance repair tips and inside information direct from the Samurai’s fingertips to your engorged and tingling eyeballs.

Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Refrigerator won’t turn on unless you jiggle the temperature control dial

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Your Name: Jim

Type of Appliance: Refrigerator

Brand: whirlpool

Model Number: ED5PVEXWS02

Your Precious Words:
refrig. doesnt come back on. will come on sometimes if mess with cold control

Temperature control (cold control) replacement with a 365-day return policy ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Temperature-Control-Thermostat/2198202/2299?RCAID=24038

Click the play button below to hear my reply: