Author Archives: Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Whirlpool/Kenmore Cabrio and Maytag Bravo washers throwing the vexing “oL” error code, even when unloaded

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The “oL” error code in the Cabrio and Bravo washers means the motor is sensing an overload (“oL”) condition.  While this could indicate a problem with the motor, it usually doesn’t.  Most of the time, you’ll see this error code when one of two things is going on:

1) There’s a piece of clothing stuck between the inner basket and outer tub.

2) The tub is not floating freely, usually because it’s seized to the drive shaft by rust and crudus; FYI: this condition is almost always caused by using non-HE detergent in this washer– see this post for more info about using non-HE detergents in these high efficiency washing machines.  Also, be aware that, if this is the case, it can be very difficult to remove the basket from a badly corroded drive shaft, could even be a two-man job.  And be careful you don’t wrench your back!

In either case, you’re gonna need to do some tear-down to remove the inner basket.  This video will help you with that.

 

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

The heartbreak of dryer fires; so easily avoided. Don’t let this happen to you! Here’s how…

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Virtually all catastrophic dryer fires start in the dryer vent, not inside the dryer itself. This is because most vents are poorly constructed and get filled with flammable dryer lint resulting in a disease we professional appliantologists call, venterialsclorosis. See this post for more on that:

http://fixitnow.com/wp/2006/12/26/dryer-venting-diseases-venterialsclorosis/

The Heartbreak of Home Dryer Fires

Dryer Fires are Easy to Avoid!

If the dryer vent is made using that cheap, collapsible plastic hose, you’re really asking for trouble!

For more information on how to make a proper, safe dryer vent, see this post:

http://fixitnow.com/wp/2003/10/15/appliance-tip-of-the-day-the-ultimate-dryer-venting-guide/

To learn more about your dryer or to order parts, come ye hither: http://www.repairclinic.com/Dryer-Repair-Help

Daily Summary of Samurai’s Tweets, 2010-09-18

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Daily Summary of Samurai’s Tweets, 2010-09-17

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  • So one of my customers calls me with a new complaint about her Kitchenaid dishwasher. She says the upper spray a… http://post.ly/xxqJ #
  • Help disassembling a Kitchenaid KGCT305EBL0 cooktop; words of wisdom and breakdown diagrams http://j.mp/c5Zj9E #
  • The 5th Law of the Prophecy, "Electronics and wet appliances do not mix." Can I hear an, "Amen?" http://j.mp/cNxrLf #
  • Best Twitter clients: iPhone=SimplyTweet, iPad=Twittelator, iMac=Chromed Bird (extension for Google Chrome, best browser). #
  • Hmm, decisions, decisions… http://post.ly/xzSn #
  • Maytag MAH6700AWW with the unnerving 3E error code; a heart-warming tale of diagnosis and repair: http://j.mp/bSDsdo #
  • Frigidaire/Kenmore front-loading washer: the heartbreak of drum bearing failure. http://j.mp/b1Q5dX #
  • There's a new Twitter in town, y'all, and he's the biggest, baddest Twit of 'em all! http://post.ly/y0tj #
  • Auto Load Detection in Newer Model Whirlpool (and some Kenmore) Top Loaders; We're Not in Kansas Anymore, Toto! http://post.ly/y2NA #
  • Element gets red hot on a Maytag PYE2300AYW dryer but the clothes take forever to dry. Found burnt felt seal. But how… http://post.ly/y3ll #

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Hosed by butchered Fisher-Paykel dishdrawer drain hose installations? Here’s why…

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I’ve worked on lotsa these dishdrawers from Down Under and, in my experience, the El Numero Uno problem I see with these things comes from the installer doing a crappy job setting up the drain hose. It’s not much different from your everyday dishwasher but, hey, I see lots of screw ups there, too, especially when they’re installed by plumbers. Now, don’t start sending me hate mail telling be about how “plumbers rule the world because the world is run by a**holes” and all that malarky. Plumbing is a highly skilled trade, it’s true. But lots of plumbers think that because they know about how water runs downhill, that makes them qualified to work on appliances. Well, I’ve seen first-hand how that just ain’t true.

Anyway, stop getting me sidetracked on our cousin tradesmen. Here’s the page right from the Fisher-Paykel installation sheets that comes with every single F-P dishdrawer showing how the drain hoses are supposed to be installed. You know most of the time, I find these pages still in the plastic wrapper, untouched by an installer’s hands? ‘Tis sad but ’tis true, too.

So, if you’re having weird drainage problems with your dishdrawer, like long drain times, no draining, one drawer filling up whilst the other is draining, and you live in the Land of the Formerly-Free, then you best start by taking a look at your drain hose situation and comparing it with the installation sheet below.

Fisher Paykel Dishdrawer Drain Hose Configurations

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

Diagnosing the Mysterious and Elusive “te” Error Code in LG Washing Machines

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According to LG’s service information, the pernicious “te” error code is caused by a faulty thermistor. If you were just blithely to go buy a new thermistor and plug it in hoping to fix your washer, you may be disappointed. Sublime Master john63 honors us again in the Samurai School of Appliantology with his pearls of wisdom on this vexing error code:

THERMISTORS rarely fail in LG washers.

The most likey cause of the “te” error is:

1) Loose wiring at the control panel (directly behind the CYCLE SELECTOR KNOB)

2) Broken wire at the THERMISTOR (located at the bottom /front of the tub)

To access the wire plug connectors at the CONTROL PANEL—-remove the top cover of the washer.

Stand in front of the washer and look for the plug connectors behind the CONTROL PANEL. Pull apart the plugs and re-install.

Test the washer. If the “te” error still occurs—-it will be neccesary to remove the FRONT PANEL as well (two sets of special plier-type tools are needed).

Inspect the THERMISTOR closely—-with good lighting. If there’s a break in the wire it will be at or near the black sheathing / heat shrink material.

Though not as common—-a broken wire at this location is *usually* caused by excessive vibration during the spin cycle. This is also *usually* found on the older LG washers that are in *wood floor* laundry rooms.

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