Yearly Archives: 2010

Frigidaire Affinity Front Loading Washing Machine with Undocumented Error Code E6E

Q: Undocumented error code? Does that mean it’s illegal?

A: No, but you’ll wish it was.

This refers to the Frigidaire Affinity front loading washers, example model number LTF2940EE0. The E6E error code that you may see on the display isn’t listed in the service manual or the tech sheet, like the one below:

Frigidaire LTF2940ES1 Tech Sheet

So, what does this mean? He IS the Kwisatz Haderach! Oops, sorry– had a Dune flashback, must be too much spicy food.

*Buuuuurrrp!* OK, I feel better now. Thanks for your concern. I’m feelin’ the love, yo.

One note on tech sheets before I get back into the nittiest of grittiest on this repair. Tech sheets are really handy things to have when you’re troubleshooting and indispensable for over-electronified appliances that flash weird codes and make space-age beeping noises. It has the error code listings, key sequence for entering service/diagnostic mode, schematics, and lots of other fixit goodies. I hate it when I’m on a service call and go to get the tech sheet only to find that some sleazeball had “borrowed” it on a previous service call. There’s a special place in Hell for parts changing monkeys who do this and you know who you are!

If you’ll be using the schematic or wiring diagram for troubleshooting, you should always use the specific tech sheet supplied with your washer, located behind the bottom kickplate. That’s because the wiring will vary slightly (just enough!) depending on the features built into the specific model you’re working on. The manufacturers will even say that in the service manual, which is intended to cover a family of models.

OK, OK, enough yada-yada. So, what’s the deal with the undocumented E6E error code in these machines? Ain’t but one thang, Hoss: bad interface control board. Come git you one:

What, you don’t believe me? Do you mock me, sir? Do YOU mock ME? OK, how ’bout this: if you buy the board here and replace it and that doesn’t fix your washer, you can return it for a full refund within 30 days, no hassles, no questions. Yeah, uh huh, who’s yer Daddy?

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

Changing Out the Motor-Pump Assembly in a Whirlpool-built Dishwasher

Leave a reply

You know the drill: you open your Whirlpool-Kitchenaid-Kenmore dishwasher after it supposedly ran through the cycle last night and… the dishes still have last night’s grits and redeye gravy sauce smeared all over them. Or maybe the clean light is blinking seven times.

So you do some very intelligent button pushing on the control panel and, using your keen Vulcan-like powers of observation, discern that water does indeed flow into the dishwasher. And it gets pumped out after a while, too. OK, no problem with the water. But when it’s supposed to be washing, you hear a loud, low hum or growling noise instead of that old familiar quiet, almost inaudible sound of water swishing around.

Most likely what’s going on is that the wash motor in the dishwasher is what we professional appliantologists call FUBAR. Wellllll, you just grab ‘hold of those two mushy lumps at the base of your spine and let’s do the Samurai Fixit Romp!

Y’see, Hoss, this dishwasher is a lot different from the good ol’ dishwashers with the single big honkin’ center-mounted motor that sandblasted all your dishes clean and pumped the water out. As effective and reliable as that design was– still lots of ’em in still in service out there today– it was deemed politically incorrect by the Masters of the Universe.

So, Whirlpool dutifully developed the new Energy Star-compliant design, dubbed the Point Voyager dishwasher. It uses a much smaller wash motor and an even smaller drain pump. Good idea in theory and it sure does run a helluva lot quieter that the old war horses.

But their weak point seems to be the bearing seal in the wash motor. After a while, the bearing seal leaks and water gets in there, seizing up the wash motor. You could replace just the wash motor but, in my vast and awesome experience, it’s worth the few extra shekels to replace the entire motor pump assembly. That way, you’re getting a whole new impeller, macerator, and pump volutes, which can trap all kinda ca-ca. And replacing the motor-pump assembly is easier than replacing just the wash motor since you have to remove the motor-pump assembly in either case. It’s just plug n’ chug; easy job, about two mugs on the world-famous SUDS-o-meter.

This post has all the information you need to fix that puppy. First thang, come git you a new motor-pump assembly:

Now, on to the destructions. Here’s a printed how-to on this surgical procedure from Whirlpool Corporation…

Whirlpool Dishwasher Motor-Pump Assembly Replacement

… or, for my grasshoppers who prefer a more cinematic experience, you may wish to watch the Samurai in action as he replaces the entire motor-pump assembly in less than four minutes, a world-record!

The only thing I didn’t show in the video was the pull tabs that hold the motor-pump assembly in place. That’s ‘cuz I’s moving so fast that it woulda just been a blur anyway. But here’s a still shot that shows what they look like and explains a bit about ’em. Click the pic for the larger view.

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

GE Arctica or Profile Refrigerator with Electronics Controls: DOA and Warming Up

Leave a reply

This troubleshooting flowchart for GE Arctica and Profile refrigerators with electronic controls, PSS and GSS models, will hepya hone in on the problem. I can tell you this, though: 90% of the time, this problem is caused by a bad mutha board– that’s the control board that lives in a cubby hole in the back of the box; here’s the part link.

(Click for larger view.)

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

How to Enter Service/Diagnostic Mode in the Asko W640 and W660 Washing Machines

Leave a reply

If you have an Asko W640 or W660 front loader that’s acting flakey, one of the first things you’ll want to do is put it into diagnostic mode. This will let you test various functions such as the drain pump and drive motor and other sensors and functions in the machine. You won’t find this in your owner’s manual though they really should include it. What possible harm could it do? But the Samurai’s gotcha covered. Go git ’em!

Asko W640 and W660 Service Test

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

When Was the Last Time You Replaced the Water Filter in Your Refrigerator?

Leave a reply

As the water filter in your refrigerator removes bad taste and scale from the water used in your ice maker and fountain, it accumulates lots of poisonous yucky stuff often found in tap water such as lead, asbestos, chlorine, giardia, cysts, pesticides, and herbicides. But after six to 12 months of use, the water filter becomes saturated and needs to be replaced because it’s no longer filtering out the bad stuff and you’re drinking it all in! When was the last time you replaced the water filter in your refrigerator?

Most refrigerators today with ice makers or water through the door have water filters built in, which is much more convenient than installing one in the water supply line from your water source. Your refrigerator water filter is most likely located either inside the refrigerator cabinet, near the top, or in the grill at the bottom of the unit. Here’s a convenient listing of the most common replacement water filters for refrigerators.

Start your summer off in good health and replace the water filter in your refrigerator today!

	Frigidaire PureSourcePlus Water Filter – Replacement filter for Frigidaire refrigerators equipped with the PureSource™ water filtration system. This is manufacturer part WFCB, and it replaces 530917752, RF-200, RC200, RC-101 and 46-9906.
	Frigidaire PureSource 2 Water Filter – This filter fits all Frigidaire/Gibson front cassette refrigerator models. This is manufacturer part number WF2CB. This is Frigidaire’s newest, most advanced filtration system for refrigerators.
	Amana Clean ‘n Clear Water Filter – Single Pack Water Filter Replacement Cartridge. Easy do-it-yourself installation. This is manufacturer part number WF401S. Reduces waterborne contaminates, such as lead, giardia, cryptosporifium, altrazine, lindane, 2, 4-D & asbestos. Chlorine taste and odor is also reduced.
	Maytag/Amana/Jenn-Air PuriClean II Refrigerator Water Filter – The PuriClean II water filter is manufacturer part number UKF8001AXX. It is a high-quality carbon filter that reduces contaminants such as lead, cysts, pesticides, herbicides and much more. Replace annually or when the filter light is on.
	Maytag Puri-Clean Water Filter – Puri-Clean water filter. This is manufacturer part UKF7001AXX.
	LG Premium Ice and Water Replacement Filter – Replacement filter 5231JA2006A. This is a chemical and mechanical reduction filter, scale inhibitor included. Capacity 300 gallons. Reduces chlorine, taste and odor, sediment and rust.
	LG Premium Replacement Cartridge Filter – Replacement cartridge 5231JA2002A. This is a chemical and mechanical reduction filter. Capacity 500 gallons. Reduces chlorine taste, odor and rust.
	General Electric Water Filter Replacement, Built-In, Without Adapter – Replacement water filter cartridge for General Electric Water by Culligan built-in filtration system. This is manufacturer part MWF, and it replaces GWF01, GWF06, HWF, FXRC, FXRT, MXRC, HXRT, WR97X1006 and 46-9905. Does not include adapter. (Adapter is here.)
	Whirlpool Ice & Water Filter – Ice & water filter. This is manufacturer part 8171413. This filter fits all Whirlpool and KitchenAid water filtration system refrigerators manufactured with the water filter system built inside the refrigerator.
	Whirlpool EZ Change Advanced Water Filter by PUR – Water and ice filter for Whirlpool refrigerators with the EZ Change Advanced water filter system. Compatible with refrigerators that accept filter number 4396710 and 4396711
	Whirlpool Ice and Water Filter – Ice and water filter in front access grille for refrigerators made by Whirlpool, including some Kitchen Aid and Kenmore refrigerators. This is manufacturer part 4396508, and it replaces 4392857, WF-NL300, WF-L500 and 4396163. Replace every 6 to 12 months.
	Whirlpool Ice and Water Filter – 2 pack – Ice and water filter in front access grille for refrigerators made by Whirlpool, including some Kitchen Aid and Kenmore refrigerators.
	Whirlpool Ice And Water Filter – Cyst ice and water filter for all Whirlpool – Kenmore – Kitchen Aid refrigerators with the filter below the freezer door. Activated carbon block. This is manufacturer part 4392922. Replace every 400 gal. or 6 months, whichever comes first.
	Universal Water Filter – Universal Icemaker Water Filter – 10-inch water filter designed to improve the taste of drinking water and the clarity of ice cubes. Push-on fittings. Order an “Icemaker Installation Kit, Copper” for first time installation.
	Icemaker Water Filter Kit – Water filter kit for icemaker line. This is manufacturer part GXRTQ. Works with both plastic and copper lines. Includes quick disconnect fittings for easy replacement. Good for 6 months or 2,000 gallons.

GE Refrigerator Muthaboard Concession Letter

Leave a reply

Gene wrote:

I got hot food and cold freezer in my GE Profile PSC23NSTE SS. I’d like to see the GE refrigerator motherboard recall list before I talk to GE. Can I get a copy of GE_Refrig_Board.pdf?

Thanks,

Gene

Ax and ye shall receive! ==> http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-388-ge-refrigerator-muthaboard-concession-list-of-affected-models/

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

Samurai Appliance Repair Forum Server Migration Status

Leave a reply

Migrating the Samurai Appliance Repair Forums to a new server. You can keep up with the migration status on this page:

http://fixitnow.com/samurai-appliance-repair-forum-server-migration-status/

How to Remove the Fresh Food Air Damper in the GE Arctica Pro Side-by-Side GSS23-GSS25-GSS27-PSS23-PSS27-PSS29-PSSS25 Refrigerator

2 Replies

One of the many common problems with this otherwise highly mediocre refrigerator is that the air damper– the port that brings cold air from the freezer into the beer compartment to keep your beer and milk cold– gets FUBAR and you have to replace it. A common sign of this problem is frozen beer, as discussed in this post.

Well, based on the questions in the Samurai Appliance Repair Forums, wherein Grasshoppers couldn’t figger out how to get at the damper assembly, it seemed meet and right to add this additional reference on disassembling and replacing the damper assembly. Enjoy!

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

Complete Repair Library for the Fridgemore Front Loading Washing Machine

Leave a reply

Here, in this post, I present to you, my beloved Grasshoppers, a complete repair reference library for the Frigidaire-built, front-loading washer, also sold under the Kenwhore label with the 417 model number prefix. This is for Frigidaire’s “Affinity” line. Consider it a Paschal gift. Христос воскресе!

Owner’s Guide

Wiring Diagram

Installation Instructions

Parts Manual

Replacement Parts

Operating Instructions

Service Manual

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

Removing and Replacing a Drum Vane in a Frigidaire-Built Front Load Washer

Leave a reply

Yeah, wash enough tennis shoes, dog beds, and iron jock straps in your front loader and, sooner or later, you’re gonna break one o’ them drum vanes. The fix is easy as pie… once you know the secret handshake. This page will help you do that in the Frigidaire-built front loaders, which includes Kenmore’s with a model number prefix of 417. And you can get the replacement drum vane ratcheer.

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

Maytag or Amana 19-20-22 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Mount Refrigerator Control Console Disassembly

Leave a reply

If you have one of those Maytag or Amana bottom-freezer refrigerators, at some point you’ll have to disassemble the control console mounted in the ceiling of the beer compartment (same place where you set the temperature). One common example for why you may need to do this is to replace the cold control (thermostat), or the defrost timer / ADC board (depending on how yours is equipped). This page shows you how.

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

The Samurai School of Appliantology Intergalactic Chat Facility

Leave a reply

Just when I thought it was safe to get behind the keyboard again, I went and added The Samurai School of Appliantology Intergalactic Chat Facility to the repair forums. Why is it “intergalactic?” you may well ax? Well, y’see, Hoss, here at Fixit-the-freak-now-dot-frikkin-com, we’re using appliance repair to heal not just the planet, but the entire Universe. How will we ever accomplish such an astronomical task? One appliance repair at time.

Anyway, I was thinking– besides where’s the beer— that this can have all kinda uses: you can chat with other Grasshoppers or Apprentices about a particular appliance problem or topic in the repair forum; you may get invited to a special password-protected chat room by one of the Master Appliantologists for some tête-à-tête instruction; clear up some confoosion on how to use the site, or for just shootin’ the breeze.

The Samurai School of Appliantology Intergalactic Chat Facility has lots of cool features that’ll shake your bake: it’ll “undock” and float in a smaller window so you can be posting in the forum, surfing, whatever, while watching the chat room; when someone enters or posts something, it’ll make a little sound to let you know (which you can turn off); you can also create your own chat rooms on-the-fly, add a password if you like, and invite people or a particular person for live chat, if you feel so inspired.

Log in to the chat area using the same username and password you use to log into the repair forums. You’ll see a couple of permanent chat rooms: The Dojo is a Master Appliantologists-only, password-protected chat room, and The Grasshopper Shack is open to all registered forum members. It’s all free and, best of all, it doesn’t cost you anything, either!

The Samurai School of Appliantology Intergalactic Chat Facility– beam in and check it out:

http://chat.applianceguru.com

Appliantology Newsletter, Spring 2010

Leave a reply

0. Introduction
1. Fixitnow.com Reloaded
2. Join the Dojo
3. Samurai Appliance Repair Forum Update
4. More Server Migrations Coming in April
5. Fixitnow.com Appliance Repair Radio
6. Appliance Service Training Institute

0. Introduction.

Just in time for pollen season, the Spring issue of Appliantology is here! Movin’ on…

1. Fixitnow.com Reloaded

Never content to rest on our kimonos, we’re always looking for new ways of outdoing ourselves. And this time, we went one bettah. We’re pimpin’ a whole new look with bleeding edge technology. Check it out, Hoss:

http://fixitnow.com/wp/2010/03/04/fixitnow-com-reloaded-your-favorite- appliance-repair-weapon-of-mass-instruction-now-goes-to-eleven/

2. Join the Dojo

And now, you can be a part of the Samurai’s dojo. Register at Fixitnow.com and you can comment on posts, maybe suggest something to add, disagree with something, or even add your own hard-won appliantological wisdom for the benefit of other Seekers. It’s free and you won’t get put on any mailing list.

http://fixitnow.com/wp-login.php?action=register

Specific appliance repair questions should still be posted in the Samurai Appliance Repair Forums, though, because other techs can get involved and it’s easier to track.

Now, here’s an important point that has some people confoozed and sending me emails: my blog, Fixitnow.com, and the repair forums, ApplianceGuru.com, are two entirely different, albeit symbiotic, websites. Registering at one does *not* automatically register you at the other. Here’s the direct link to the repair forums for you to bookmark:

http://applianceguru.com

Which brings me to my next point…

3. Samurai Appliance Repair Forums Update

A few weeks ago, we started an unannounced experiment where we opened the forums up so that anyone could register and start new topics in the Kitchen and Laundry forums without making a love-offering or passing the Appliantologist Merit Exam. It’s worked out so well that we’re going to keep it like this for the foreseeable future. So, to get help in the repair forums, all you have to do is register as a Grasshopper and fire away! But, Apprenticeship does have its perks and privileges such as downloading the thousands of illuminating attachments, use of the private messaging system, editing your own posts, and access to more forums. Find out more about our new forum membership options here:

http://apprentice.applianceguru.com

Oh, and notice that the forum website is now sporting its own logo. Made it myself, thank you very much.

4. More Server Migrations Coming in April

I know, I know, I just got Fixitnow.com moved into a new hosting situation and now I’m going to be moving both Fixitnow.com and the repair forum, ApplianceGuru.com, to a shiny new server. Literally. I’m staying with the same hosting company, Data1Systems.com, but moving both sites from shared hosting on two different servers to a single dedicated server. Oh yeah, we’re talking serious hardware action! The new server is already in and is being stress-tested as you read this.

We’ll be making the Big Migration sometime during the week after Easter (April 4th). Both sites may be unavailable for about a day during that week– not sure which day yet. This will especially affect the forum because I’ll have to stop posting during the transition otherwise we’ll lose all those precious posts during database migration.

The other thing that may be affected is your forum login. The login cookie that the forum uses will be different and you may need to reset the cookie in your browser. But this broken cookie is easy to fix! If you are having login problems after the migration, just use the “reset cookie” link on the login page. Click, fixed!

5. Fixitnow.com Appliance Repair Radio

After a four year hiatus in our popular podcast, Fixitnow.com Appliance Repair Radio, Mrs. Samurai and I hatched another one. Come have a listen to our latest sonata in Appliance Major:

http://podcast.fixitnow.com/

6. Appliance Service Training Institute

Speaking of (and with) Mrs. Samurai, she accompanied me as my official consort to the annual Appliance Service Training Institute this past February. The convention was held at the Disney Coronado Resort. Lemme tell ya, I was not looking forward to another garish, rodent-infested Disney experience like those freak shows when I was a kid. But it was actually a decent venue for this type of event. Lots for Mrs. Samurai to do while I was in the various training sessions during the day. Yummy places for dining in the evenings.

Anyway, it was well worth the time and expense of going there (though, I must say I could have done without the anal cavity search going through airport security). Met lots of Brethren in The Craft, including some of the Appliantological Masters who frequent the repair forum. And scored some good tech info on the latest appliance models. I posted some audio and photo notes at my Posterous site for your edumucation:

http://fixitnow.posterous.com/tag/asti

Your pal,

Samurai Appliance Repair Man
http://fixitnow.com
Buy appliance parts here: http://parts.fixitnow.com
Repair Forums: http://applianceguru.com

P.S. I know a lot of you are disappointed that there’s no political stuff this time. Between all the server and website changes and the annual Lenten rigors, I just haven’t had any time for political ca-ca. Is that muslim dude, what’s-his-name, still President?

P.S.S. Would you like to have your very own, personal and autographed copy of Appliantology delivered to your email in a discreet brown wrapper? Well, you just kommen zie hither, bitte.

Fixitnow.com Reloaded: Your Favorite Appliance Repair Weapon of Mass Instruction Now Goes to Eleven

3 Replies

That’s right, my friends, Fixitnow.com just went one bettah. Now you can find the appliance repair information you need faster and in high-swank style. Daf right, Homes, we pimpin’ now!

I finally did that server migration I’ve been angsting about for over a month and I thought, “Hello? Why is there an echo in here?” Whoops, sorry, wrong thought. Anyway, what better time for a website makeover than when you move into a new server? I couldn’t think of one so I grabbed a couple cases of Smuttynose Star Island Single and went to work. When I woke up on the floor next to my compooter, my bloodshot eye (the other one was still swollen shut) did behold the glory of the new look. Please allow me to give you a quick tour.

Thank you for not smoking. Have a nice day. In re-building Fixitnow.com, we’ve incorporated all the latest available technology… and even some technology that’s not yet available. For example, this website is now constructed with a fully-anodized, uni-welded titanium frame to achieve superior strength and durability while keeping page weight to a minimum. For your safety while navigating the site, you’ll find a fully-inflatable and self-illuminating navigation menu at the top of the screen. And, for the comfort of other browsers here at the site, please notice that Fixitnow.com is a smoke-free website.

Fixitnow.com is best viewed using the VistaView 3D NavGoggles. Taking a cue from the blockbuster movie, Avatar, we realized that 3D websites are gonna be the next big thing on the web. Since the Samurai is always on the bleeding edge of technology, Fixitnow.com is now the first and only site on the web to offer a 3D browsing experience. Yes, my friends, now experience the total Samurai awesomeness of Fixitnow.com in 3D using the VistaView 3D NavGoggles! Unfortunately the goggles haven’t been made yet, or even invented as far as I know, but when they are…!

Fixitnow.com is braille captioned for the visually impaired. Here at Fixitnow.com, we’re always looking for new ways of making the site accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their physical challenge. So, today I’m proud to announce that Fixitnow.com is now Braille captioned for the vision impaired. If you’re not seeing the Braille captions, just thank the pot-bellied, bald-headed Buddha that you ain’t blind!

We hope you enjoy your enhanced repair experience here at the new, improved Fixitnow.com Samurai Appliance Repair Man.

Venting a Dryer Into a Crawlspace Under a House

Leave a reply

Angi wrote:

Hi, Thanks for you timely response.
I you have a well vented crawl space under your house, why can’t you vent your dryer underneath your house.

Oh, but you can! If you don’t mind mold, mildew, rotted floor joists, caved in floors, and chronic illnesses from all the gookus in dryer exhaust. Also, the US EPA has identified the fragrances in fabric softeners as particularly potent source of allergens for many people.

I dunno, dryer manufacturers come up with these silly venting requirements because they have this crazy notion that most people don’t like this stuff. Go figure!