Author Archives: Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Refrigerator water dispenser drips water after use

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Your Name: MICHAEL

Type of Appliance: Refrigerator

Brand: FRIGIDAIRE

Model Number: FLSC23F6DS2

Your Precious Words:
EACH TIME AFTER USING WATER DISPENSER, IT DRIPS ABOUT 6-7 DROPS. THE TRAY FILLS UP AFTER AWHILE AND WATER IS ON THE FLOOR. I CHANGED TO DISPENSER LEVR/ACTUATOR BUT THAT DID NOT STOP THE DRIPPING. WHAT’S UP?

Hi Michael,

This is a classic case of air trapped in the refrigerator’s water tubing. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including air bubbles in the incoming water supply to the refrigerator that travel in with the water. If the air bubble happens to be in a part of the tubing that is outside the refrigerated compartment (for example, the tubing in the door), it warms up and expands, pushing water out the dispenser in dribbles and drops like you’re seeing.

The cure is to simply run a bunch of water through the dispenser to purge the air from the system. Usually a gallon is sufficient.

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

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

Replacing the suspension shocks on the Whirlpool ThinTwin stackable washer

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Shock Absorber

All 24″ Thin Twin® Suspension Spring use this suspension shock kit ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Shock-Absorber/W10207783/1468985

It contains three shocks, three self tapping screws, blue Loctite® and an instruction sheet. Correct installation of these springs is crucial for their proper operation. Use all of the parts in the kit and follow the instructions.

Other tips:

  • If one suspension shock goes bad, the other two have been stressed.
  • Replace all three shocks at the same time.
  • Secure the shock to the base before securing it to the tub support.
  • Only turn the bell housing!
  • Use Loc-Tite® on the threads.
  • If the threads in the base are stripped, a 25×13 nut (same as the nut on top of the suspension shock) can be used to secure the shock to the base. It is recommended to use a locking washer, along with the nut.

Freezer isn’t blowing cold air into the refrigerator

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Your Name: Adam

Type of Appliance: Refrigerator

Brand: Kenmore

Model Number: 106.58726800

Your Precious Words:
My freezer is working just fine, but is not transfering the cold air to the refrigerator. Can you please advise how to troubleshoot what parts i will need? I have a Kenmore coldspot 2008 model #106.58726800.
Thanks,
Adam

Hi Adam,

This problem will be one of three things:

1. The evaporator coil (the one in the freezer, behind that back inside panel that makes all the cold air) is choked in with frost, which would indicate a defrost system failure. Remove the back panel inside the freezer after the compressor has been running a while and look a the frost on the evaporator coil; see this page for details ==> http://fixitnow.com/wp/2011/02/25/how-to-troubleshoot-warm-refrigerator-problems-by-reading-the-evaporator-frost-pattern/

If you have the indications of a failed defrost system, this is separate problem to troubleshoot. The problem will be either the either the defrost heater, defrost thermostat (or bimetal), defrost thermistor (if so equipped, your model isn’t), or the defrost timer or adaptive defrost control (ADC) board, which your model does have. We can help you troubleshoot this in the Appliantology Academy, start a new topic in the Kitchen Forum ==> www.Appliantology.org

2. The evaporator fan (again, in the freezer) isn’t working– the fan motor could be bad or not getting voltage, or the blade could be jammed by a piece of ice. If the blade spins freely, then you’ll need to do some voltage and continuity tests to check the fan motor and it’s voltage supply. We can help you do this in the Appliantology Academy, start a new topic in the Kitchen Forum ==> www.Appliantology.org

3. The damper is stuck closed. The damper is the port between the freezer and the fresh food section that lets cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator side to cool it down. If the damper is stuck closed, the fresh food section will warm up because it’s no longer getting cold air. Dampers can go bad from a failed damper motor (if so equipped– yours isn’t, it’s manually controlled), the damper vanes could be stuck by frost, or a bad fresh food compartment thermistor that controls the damper motor (again, on models so equipped, and yours isn’t).

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

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

Ice from the ice maker has a funny smell and aftertaste

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Your Name: David

Type of Appliance: Ice Maker

Brand: whirlpool

Model Number: 628370rev.a

Your Precious Words:
The ice from my ice maker has a funny smell and aftertaste. This ice maker replaced an older one of the same model. The previous one did not seem to have this problem. What do you think it could be?

Hi David,

It’s probably just the finish on the ice maker mold.

Like we learned in Navy Boot Camp: anything new is dirty. You don’t know what’s on the mold in the ice maker- could be residual oils, dusts from the factory, dirty fingers from workers… who knows?

When I install a new ice maker, I like to at least give the ice mold a good rinse with hot water. You don’t need to go Howard Hughes sterile, you’re just trying to get it reasonably clean.

Then I always tell the customer to dump the first three batches of ice. After that, they’re good to go.

Also, it’s always a good idea to make sure the water filter in your refrigerator is fresh and changed every six months, even if you’re on city water. Maybe I should say especially if you’re on city water! Some city water tastes like a dirty swimming pool. A filter that’s changed regularly will really help cut out the smells and garbage that can become amplified when the water is made into ice cubes. If your refrigerator isn’t equipped with a water filter, it’s easy to install an add-on filter.

We carry water filters for every brand and model of refrigerator, including universal add-on filters; come get one for your refrigerator here ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/Filter-Parts?s=t-refrigerator+water+filters-%3d%3dc43?RCAID=24038

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at www.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

Diagnosing and replacing the gas valve coils in a gas dryer [video]

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Your Name: david

Type of Appliance: Dryer

Brand: kenmore

Model Number: 110.76642500

Your Precious Words:
After doing the diagnostics it appears that I need new solenoids on the gas burner. Do you have these or do I need to buy the who burner assembly

Hi David,

If the coils (or solenoids) on the gas valve are bad, they can be replaced easily and inexpensively without having to replace the gas valve itself. In fact, to replace the coils, you don’t even need to shut off the gas!

These gas valve coils often fail intermittently, making diagnosis difficult. But here’s a quick n’ easy way to check the gas valve coils on the valve in a gas dryer. Watch the burner assembly while the dryer is heating. If the igniter glows for a while and then shuts off without the gas turning on, it usually means one of these coils is bad. Don’t bother trying to figure out which one is bad– just replace both as a set to avoid aggravation later on.

The gas valve coil set is inexpensive and easy to replace. You can buy the set here with a 365-day return policy ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Gas-Valve-Solenoid/279834/3479?RCAID=24038

That set will work with your model and with most common models of gas dryers out there today.

This video shows you how to replace the valve coils in a gas dryer…

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

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at www.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

Replace your window air conditioner filter to stay cool and healthy this summer!

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Air Conditioner Filter Parts

Winter has finally given way to Spring up here in northern Yankeeland but it’s still pretty chilly–nowhere near air conditioner weather. Most of the country is getting into the warm spring weather and lots of folks down in the Southland are already cranking up their air conditioners. Is it warming up where you are yet? Well, before you know it, the sweltering heat of summer will be squatting down on you like a sweaty sumo wrestler and you’ll need that air conditioner cranking out all the cold air you can get! Here’s a tip to make sure your window air conditioner is ready to keep that sumo wrestler off of you this summer!

Important: Replace/clean filter every month

Window air conditioners (or through-the-wall units) are outfitted with a simple electrostatic filter or framed mesh filter in the front grill area to filter the air that passes through them – you’ll need to clean this filter before hooking up the unit for the season, and then monthly during the cooling season.

This filter does two things: 1) it removes some of the particulates circulating around the room for better hygiene and health and 2) maybe more importantly, it protects the evaporator coil (the one that makes the cold air) inside the air conditioner and helps keep it from getting coated with an insulating layer of gookus, which reduces efficiency, costing you more money to run it, and keeps it from cooling as well.

If the filter is deteriorating or ripped, replace it! Air conditioner filters are inexpensive and easy to replace. You can buy a replacement filter for any type or brand of window air conditioner here, including electrostatic, cut-to-fit, and framed mesh filters ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/Air-Conditioner-Filter-Parts?RCAID=24038

For more air conditioner and other appliance tips, 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.

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at www.fixitnow.com. 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

Where is the high voltage board in a Maytag bottom-mount refrigerator?

2 Replies

Your Name: paul

Type of Appliance: Refrigerator

Brand: maytag

Model Number: mfd2561heb

Your Precious Words:
freezer works, fridge temp. stuck at 68, think it’s the high voltage board. Where is it and how do I change it?

Hi Paul,

This diagram shows you where the HV board is located:

High Voltage Board In A Maytag Bottom Mount Refrigerator

And you can buy the replacement board with a 365-day return policy here ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Main-Control-Board/12782036SP/1515036

Having said all that to give a direct answer to your question, let me just add that, based on your problem description– cold freezer, warm fridge– I doubt very much that HV board is bad. If it were, you’d have a warm freezer, too, because the HV board powers the compressor which does all the cooling.

I think it’s much more likely that you’ve had a defrost failure. Removing the back panel to inside the freezer to look at the evaporator coil frost pattern will tell the story. If it’s choked in with frost like this one, you can be sure that’s the problem:

Excessive Frosting on the Evaporator

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at www.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

Where is the operating thermostat in a Whirlpool dryer?

2 Replies

Your Name: keith

Type of Appliance: Dryer

Brand: kenmore

Model Number: 110.70982990

Your Precious Words:
I get no flame, no valves clicking open and no glow on my ignitor. I found my thermal fuse was open, so need to get a new one of those, but I have been looking for a part you mentioned called the operating thermostat. I don’t have a schematic but do have an assembly diagram and I can’t fine that part anywhere. Can you give me a clue where I might fine it and check continuity?? thanks man, love your website. I visit you about every 5-7 years when my washer/dryer break.

Hi Keith,

Good job getting this far! Your particular model, the Whirlpool-built 27″ dryer with the lint filter in the door, uses a thermistor instead of an operating thermostat. This is actually becoming the norm for modern dryers as electronic control boards are increasingly used to control the dryer.

A thermistor works as the operating thermostat because its resistance changes with temperature. This change in resistance in read by the control board which then makes decisions about cycle time, powering up the heating elements, etc.

On the older versions of this same dryer, which did have an operating thermostat, it was located in the same exact place where the thermistor is now located in the new models, like yours.

The thermistor for your dryer is located on the blower housing, in front, below the drum. Here’s the part link to the thermistor with a 365-day return policy ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Thermistor/8577274/1181075?RCAID=24038

This video shows you how to get to it and replace it:

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at www.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

Clearing an ice clump jamming the ice maker in a Samsung refrigerator [video]

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Sometimes, when an ice maker stops working, it’s something simple. In this case, it was an ice clump stuck between the ice maker and the compartment wall jamming the ice maker.

This particular Samsung refrigerator is model number RFG297HDWP/XAA. It’s a French Door / bottom freezer unit with the ice maker in the upper (fresh food) compartment in its own little cubby. Watch with amazement as the Samurai practices his art.

Sometimes, it’s not this simple. In fact, in this particular model group, it’s very common for the ice maker to fail; many professional servicers will even stock the ice maker as truck stock. If you’re not as lucky as the folks in this video, you’ll need to replace the ice maker. You can buy it here with a 365-day return policy ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Ice-Maker-Assembly/DA9707365A/2002456

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

Sub-Zero 550 refrigerator service manual; won’t freeze ice cream

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Your Name: Bill R

Type of Appliance: Refrigerator

Brand: Sub-Zero 550

Model Number: 550

Your Precious Words:
Would it be possible for you to send me the pdf of the Sub-zero service manual. I have one that may need some repairs. The freezer will freeze water but not ice cream. I’m thinking it might be the freon charge in the compressor. Thanks.

Hi Bill,

We have the Sub-Zero 500 series service manual in the Downloads section at our repair forums, here’s the link ==> http://appliantology.org/files/file/160-sub-zero-500-series-refrigerator-technical-service-manual/

You’ll need to be an Apprentice to download it; this page explains our Apprenticeship program ==> http://apprentice.appliantology.org/

As for the freezer warming up, troubleshoot this just like you would any other refrigerator– they all work the same way:

– Clean the condenser coil (the hot, dirty grill at the top by the compressor).

– Make sure the condenser fan is running and at full speed, should really be moving air through that coil.

– Make sure the door is closing all the way and the gaskets are making a good seal all the way around the perimeter and at the corners.

– Finally, if all the above checks good and the problem persists, it’s time to remove everything from the freezer, take out the inner back panel and get some eyeballs on the evaporator coil so you can see the frost pattern. If it looks like this, they’s big trouble in Little China:

Classic Sign of a Leaky Evaporator Coil in a Sub-Zero Refrigerator

If you need more help diagnosing or repairing your refrigerator, come start a new topic in our free appliance repair forums and we’ll get you fixed up ==> www.Appliantology.org

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at www.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 hums or whistles when running

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Your Name: Barry

Type of Appliance: Refrigerator

Brand: hotpoint

Model Number: hss25gfph

Your Precious Words:
Hi, the refrigerator homs or whistles when running

Hi Barry,

This is almost always caused by a bad evaporator (freezer) fan motor. Just replace it. All good.

Here’s the evaporator fan motor for your particular model, comes with a 365-day return policy ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Evaporator-Fan-Motor/WR60X10185/1170107?modelNumber=HSS25GFPHWW

For folks reading this who have other refrigerator brands or model numbers, same thing applies; you can buy your replacement evaporator fan motor here with a 365-day return policy ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/Refrigerator-Parts?RCAID=24038

If you need disassembly or installation help, come start a new topic in our free repair forums and we’ll show you how to do it ==> www.Appliantology.org

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at www.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

Dryer has something trapped in the motor

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Your Name: mary

Type of Appliance: Dryer

Brand: amana

Model Number: alg643raw

Your Precious Words:
My drier seems to have something trapped in the motor and is not working. How can I check it and remove it?

Hi Mary,

Your Amana dryer comes apart very similarly to the Maytag dryer which is is shown in the video below. Very common to find a sock or something caught in the blower wheel housing.

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

Schoolteacher disassembles, repairs, and reassembles her dryer

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Your Name: Elizabeth

Type of Appliance: Dryer

Brand: Kenmore

Model Number: 110.87980100

Your Precious Words:
They said it couldn’t be done! Sixty-three year old school teacher disassembled, repaired, and reassembled dryer. I am woman; hear me roar. Thank you for providing exactly the information I needed. You have brought me JOY.

Elizabeth, your email has brought this old Samurai great joy. I love hearing about my grasshoppers’ triumphs over their dysfunctional appliances. We are all applauding you here at Samurai International Headquarters on your victorious repair!

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at www.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

What’s that heavy plastic ring filled with liquid on top of the inner basket in a Whirlpool / Kenmore washer?

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Your Name: Joe

Type of Appliance: Washer

Brand: Kenmore

Model Number: 11082983100

Your Precious Words:
The Inner Tub or basket has a heavy plastic ring at the top of it that is filled with liquid. Is this there for counter balance of some sort or has a seal failed and alowed water to enter. Not sure if I should drill a hole to drain this out or not. Thanks for the help.

Don’t do it! That’s the balance ring and the fluid is intentionally put in there to help dampen the machine’s vibrations during spin.

Whirlpool Direct Drive Washer Inner Basket and Balance Ring

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

LG washer with LE code [video]

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Your Name: Tom

Type of Appliance: Washer

Brand: LG

Model Number: wm2077cw

Your Precious Words:
Dreaded LE code again Unplug and wait not working this time, what next?

Hi Tom,

LG washers throw this error code when they sense there’s a problem with the rotor position sensor (RPS). There may or may not actually be a problem with the RPS, but the machine computer is pointing us in that direction. So, we start there.

This page explains how to test the RPS ==> http://fixitnow.com/wp/2011/07/18/how-to-test-the-hall-sensor-in-an-lg-front-loading-washer/

If the sensor is, in fact, bad, you can buy the replacement here with a 365-day return policy ==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Rotor-Position-Sensor/6501KW2002A/1268238?RCAID=24038

And this video shows you how to install it:

It’s worth noting here that the single most common cause of LE error codes in LG washing machines is using non-HE detergent. Professor john63 in the Appliantology Academy explains ==> http://appliantology.org/blog/1/entry-319-the-consequences-of-using-non-he-detergent-in-an-lg-washer/

You can find whatever appliance part you need through the parts search box at www.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