Author Archives: Samurai Appliance Repair Man

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

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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Get Ready! (for the Hard Day)

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It’s not a question of if, but when and how bad the next emergency will impact your life. Even the various tentacles of the federal gubmint are urging people to make preparations for at least a 72 hour emergency, but anyone with any common sense is preparing for a much more protracted scenario. When I talk about this with my family, we call this the Hard Day.

http://getready.fixitnow.com

To help people prepare for the inevitable, I’ve started a new message board completely dedicated to helping everyone and anyone prepare for the coming Hard Day. It’s brand, spankin’ new so I only have a few things posted right now but it’s not about me– it’s about we the sheeple pooling our knowledge and resources to help each other survive and prosper during the Hard Day. In turn, we have a responsibility to help our neighbors and communities prepare. Don’t rely on the gubmint to do for you what you should do for yourself; remember Katrina.

http://getready.fixitnow.com

The new message board is called Get Ready! It looks the same as the Samurai Appliance Repair Forum and runs the same software, so it’s already familiar to regular users of this site. So come on in and become a part of our preparedness community:

http://getready.fixitnow.com

Staber Washer: A Customer’s First Impression

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The Staber washer is a horizontal axis washer (commonly referred to as “front-loaders”) but with the unique feature of loading from top. It has all the advantages that come with horizontal axis washers: uses much less washer and electricity, no inefficient, clunky transmission, needs less detergent, and clothes last longer because they’re not whipped back and forth by an agitator. You can read more about the Staber here.

Recently, one of my site users bought a Staber and I asked him if he would share his honest first impression of the machine. He was gracious enough to write the following excellent report on his first impression upon receiving, unpacking, installing, and running his new Staber. If you’re considering buying a Staber, this report is required reading:

John wrote:

It came nicely packed, but after opening it, my neighbor said, ‘is it used?’. There were greasy fingerprints, dust, etc. Since I know you are into the Apple packaging thing, you can unnerstan what I’m talkin’ ’bout. It didn’t bother me much. I read that they test each unit, etc. which is comforting. I also would give the ‘fit and finish’ a B-. I like the overall look of the machine, but when you look closely, the sheet metal does not match up to the plastic top very well. Again, not a big deal to me.

I installed new filter washers because the old ones had started to fall apart. I tried to scrape the remnants out of the valve before hooking things up. I really should replace the valves, but was very excited to hook things up and blew it off.

With my wife’s help, we had it leveled on our uneven, poured-concrete floor in about 15 mins. The manual indicated that each adjustable foot also had a locknut, which it did not (design change?). Also, it stated that we should install the rubber feet onto the metal feet, but they were already on…

Following their advice to wash our clothes sans detergent a couple of times because of residual soap residue due to our old, ineffective washer, we threw a colors load in to use both cold and hot water on a warm cycle. I was amazed at how quickly it started to agitate due to the short time needed to add water. I’m not sure I get Staber’s logic when they state that it is gentler than traditional washers yet cleans better. Do they mean that it is tumbling rather than tugging on the clothes?

Anyway, it sounded like it was really agitating things nicely. Could be a little quieter, but not bad. I’m glad it isn’t near our bedrooms, tho. I made sure to be in the room when the spin started. I was surprised by the long duration of the spin compared to traditional washers, but their slower spin speed (750 rpm?) probably explains this. It does, as others have noted, sound like a plane taking off. I
didn’t time the dryer duration for this load, but the clothes did come out ‘feeling’ dryer than our old 10 Y.O. maytag POS’s spin.

I guess I’ll reserve judgement on cleaning ability until I wash one of our heavily soiled, kid’s clothes loads with detergent. Some of their pant’s knees and socks have mud stains that are still obvious after a dozen washings in the maytag.

So, I guess I’d say, ‘So far, so good’ at this point. I’m more hopeful now that I’ve interacted with it a little. I felt like we took a gamble buying it without actually being able to inspect it like one could in a bricks and mortar. A suggestion: why not use quicktime to create an image of one which you can inspect online?

Thanks again,

John

Good suggestion on the movie! I’ll find one and add it to this post as an addendum. Also, if John has any followup reports on washability and usage issues, I’ll post those here as well. Or John can post it as a follow-up comment. 😉

UPDATE 12/13/2005: Here, now, by popular demand is the long-awaited Staber video. Be forewarned: it’s a 139 mb mpg file, could take a couple minutes to download on broadband, couple more if you’re on dial-up connection.

UPDATE 12/22/2005: I’m getting killed on bandwidth so the link in the previous update no longer works. But, never fear: The Samurai has come up with a mo’ bettah solution. If you want the video, just email me and I’ll send you the access link: samurai AT Fixitnow.com.

Gookus on a Gas Connection

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Renee wrote:

The gas line connection to my dryer has what appears to be some sort of mineral deposits growing on the ouside of the coupling. It looks like off-white, delicate crystals. The connection is only a year old and was professionally installed. Is this dangerous?

_______________________________
Message sent from IP: 70.228.123.214

Could just be residue from when the connection was leak tested after installation… assuming that it was, in fact, leak tested. These days, you just never know. I’ve seen so much freaky shi’ite out there that I don’t assume anything anymore.

Post a photo of what you’re looking at and I might be able to comment further.

Get Ready to Pay More for New Appliances

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Looks like all the big US appliance manufacturers will be raising their prices for new appliances this year. With the prices for new appliances increasing, appliances will become less disposable and the repair vs. replace decision will be skewed in favor of doing the repair. This bodes well for the appliance repair trade. If people have to pay more for appliances, repair companies will be able to charge more for their services. We’re going to have to charge more anyway because of increasing gas prices, so it’ll probably end up being a wash at the bottom line. But this also means that more people will be fixing their own appliances so I predict steady growth in traffic, parts sales, and live help subscriptions here at Fixitnow.com Samurai Appliance Repair Man. 😀

When consumers buy a refrigerator, dishwasher or washing machine made by Whirlpool this year, they will be paying up to 10 per cent more than last year.

Whirlpool, the biggest US manufacturer of home appliances, decided to raise prices to compensate for sharply higher raw material and transport costs.

“I don’t think this industry has ever seen the order of magnitude of cost increases and shortage issues with both materials and transports that we’re seeing,” Jeff Fettig, Whirlpool’s president and chief executive, told analysts recently.

Maytag, another home appliance manufacturer, also increased prices after being hurt by higher steel costs.

Analysts say that attempts by appliance makers to raise prices have failed before because companies would undercut one another, bringing prices back down.

But higher materials costs mean all appliance makers are in the same boat. “We are seeing no sign that any of the suppliers are breaking ranks on pricing,” analysts at FTN Midwest Securities say in a research note.

[Read full article…]