Appliance Parts and Repair

Universal dishwasher motor and pump kit

2009-07-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

Before taking apart your dishwasher, always keep in mind safety first.

Before working on your dishwasher, unplug the appliance from its electrical receptacle or shut off the circuit that powers it.
Turn off the hot water supply valve beneath the sink before disconnecting or working on the dishwasher’s supply valve or hose.
Don’t work inside the dishwasher immediately following a wash cycle; various parts, especially the electric dryer element at the bottom, may still be hot.

This dishwasher motor and pump kit is used with the following appliance models:

36315161790, 36315161791, 36315161792, 36315165790, 36315165791, 36315165792, 36315165793, 36315452990, 36315459990, 36315461790, 36315461791, 36315461792, 36315465790, 36315465791, 36315465792, 36315465793, GSC3200Z01BL, GSC3200Z02BL, GSC3200ZZ0BL, GSC3230Z01WW, GSC3230Z02WW, GSC3230ZZ0WW, GSC3400Z01BL, GSC3400Z02BL, GSC3400ZZ0BL, GSC3430Z01WW, GSC3430Z02WW, GSC3430ZZ0WW, GSD1920C02BB, GSD1920C04BB, GSD2000Z00AD, GSD2000Z00WH, GSD2000Z01AD, GSD2000Z01WH, GSD2000Z02AD, GSD2000Z02WH, GSD2000Z04AD, GSD2000Z04WH, GSD2020Z00BB, GSD2020Z01BB, GSD2020Z02BB, GSD2020Z04BB, GSD2030Z00WW, GSD2030Z01WW, GSD2030Z02WW, GSD2030Z04WW, GSD2110C02AA, GSD2110C04AA, GSD2120C02BB, GSD2120C04BB, and more

New and improved dishwasher pump and motor kit. Replaces all previous versions. Fits GE-made dishwashers including GE, Hotpoint, Magic Chef (GE design), RCA and Kenmore (model prefix 363). Complete pre-assembled kit. This kit may not look like your old pump/motor assembly. Recently redesigned by GE, it replaces all previous versions since 1970. Complete instructions are included.

Energy Start Air Purifiers, Filters and Accessories

2009-06-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

Why Alen air purifiers are a good choice.

Alen Air Purifiers are great for pet danderAll Alen air purifies have HEPA filtration which removes up to 99% of airborne contaminants like pet dander and pet hair which often aggravate those with pet allergies.

All Alen air purifies have HEPA filtration which removes up to 99% of airborne contaminants including MOLD SPORES.

An estimated 20 million Americans have asthma. Asthma a chronic illness of the respiratory system that involves inflammation and constriction of airways as well as increased mucus production.

Asthma is usually the result of hypersensitivity to certain triggers such as allergens, air temperatures, exercise or stress. Although scientists do not have a clear picture of the disease, doctors have been able to treat symptoms as they occur.

Alen Air purifiers can control and help eliminate Asthma attacks.

Got Lung Disease?
Indoor air environments where pollutants such as tobacco smoke were present, significantly worsened symptoms of COPD patients.

In terms of improving the quality of life and especially for the COPD patients it is critical to breathe indoor air that is as clean as possible.

Source control is the best method to improve the air and for this case study simply not allowing any smoking inside should improve the results. In addition, an effective air filtration system that removes the smallest particles is important as those are the particles that travel to the lungs.

GE Water Filters and Filter Parts

2009-06-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

General Electric Smart Water Reverse Osmosis Filter (package of two) - (pictured to the right)

Two filters for use in GE premium filtration reverse osmosis drinking water systems. The GE FX12P reverse osmosis filter set fits many GE Smartwater reverse osmosis drinking water systems.

Visit Water Softeners and Filters

This FX12P filter set includes one 9 3/4 inch long pre-filter and one 9 3/4 inch long post-filter.

Fits the following GE 12 gallon per day reverse osmosis drinking water systems:

PNRV12Z, PNRV12ZBL, PNRV12, and GXRV10
Should be replaced every 6 months

General Electric Smart Water Heavy-Duty Filter

Fits heavy-duty sediment filtration systems.

Replacement water filter fits GE heavy duty sediment and whole house water filtration system models GXWH30C. Also fits most Culligan and Omni water filtration systems. Reduces sand, sediment, and rust.

riginal GE General Electric part number FXHSC. Approximate filter capacity 24,000 gallons.

Approximate filter life of 3 months.

Replacing a Door Gasket on your Oven

2009-05-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

If the oven won't heat to the proper temperature or heats the food unevenly, the problem could be a bad oven door gasket. The easiest test to determine if your oven needs a new door gasket is to slowly wave your hand around the door, being careful not to touch it, while the oven is turned on. If you can feel heat on your hand, the gasket probably needs replacement.

Replace it with a new gasket made for the brand of range that you own. It is easy to find the correct gasket by using our handy search on top or clicking here.

On most brand ovens, the door gasket is located on the frame of the oven, and the door closes against it. This door gasket is generally friction-fit in a channel and can be replaced even by a novice. In other oven units, the oven door has two sections, and the gasket is not mounted on the door frame, but is installed between the front and back sections of the oven door.

Don't try to replace this type of gasket without the help or advice of a professional service repairman.

Replacing a frame-mounted door gasket on your oven:

Pull the old oven door gasket out of the channel. On some oven door frames the gasket is held in place with screws. To get at the screws, bend back the exposed edge of the gasket.
Clean the channel and the door frame with a solution of mild household detergent and water.
To install the new gasket, start the replacement at the top of the door frame and work down the sides, easing the gasket around corners. Finish the installation along the bottom, butting the ends of the gasket firmly together.

TIPS FOR SAFETY

If you smell gas, leave the house immediately.
Do not try to turn off the gas from inside the house, or turn any lights on or off.
Find and turn off the master gas valve outside the house.
Go to a telephone and call the gas company or the fire department immediately to report a leak.
Do not re-enter your home.

Whirlpool Replacement Ice Maker - 4317943

2009-05-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

Whirlpool Replacement Ice Maker is a replacement ice maker to replace factory installed ice makers in a wide-range of Whirlpool and Roper, Kitchenaid, Amana, and most Kenmore refrigerators.

Item model number: RIM943
ASIN: B00067YLK2

Whirlpool 4317943 replaces Whirlpool part numbers 4211173 and 978556. Compatible with the following models:

ED25DQXAN00
2ET18GMXJW00
2ET18GMXJW01
2ET18NMXJW00
2ET18NMXJW

Whirlpool Refrigerator Part - Compressor Start Device Kit for Side-by-Side Refrigerators 8201799

Genuine Whirlpool FSP Compressor Start Kit for use on 20, 22, 25, and 27 Cubic foot Side-by-Side Refrigerators
INCLUDES:

Instruction Sheet
PTC Start Device
2 Overloads
Wire Jumper
Terminal Cover
Electrical Cover

The following tools are needed for installation 1/4" Nut Driver Standard Screwdriver
Whirlpool FSP Part Number: 8201799

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 8171413, WF-1, NL200, KDW5 & Kenmore 9002 Ice and Water Filter

Interior Ice and Water Filter fits side-by-side Whirlpool refrigerator models

ED22TEXH,
ED25TEXH,
ED22PEXH,
ED25PEXH,
TS22AEXH, and
TS25AEXH with filter access inside the refrigerator.

Replacement cartridge for the WFI-NL200 system. This replaces the old filter, number 2204326, that may be listed in your Use and Care Guide.

or best results, replace every 6 months.

Replaces Sears Part numbers 46-9002, 9002

Original Part Number: 8171413

GE Announces Program to Partner with Utilities to Reshape Energy Usage

2009-05-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

Use the link below to read the entire press release by GE.

GE Press Release

Louisville, Kentucky – GE Consumer & Industrial announced today that it is introducing a program that will provide the next step in home energy cost savings for consumers while helping utility companies better manage the demand for energy during peak energy usage times.

''Now that ENERGY STAR® appliances are recognized by 75 percent of American consumers, the next step is to reshape when energy is being used,'' said Kevin Nolan, Vice President Technology for GE Consumer & Industrial. .............

http://www.geconsumer...._smartappliances.htm/

This particular press release caught our eye because of one statement - 75% of Americans now recognize the phrase Energy Star. This is a far cry from a few years ago and really highlights the awareness that not only the major appliance companies have worked to achieve - but also the media and small little blogs like this one!

The more we cumulatively talk about ways that we can save money while helping conserve energy, the more people will pass along the word. This has been proven time and time again. As a matter of fact, it is the American public that pushes major companies to rethink the way they manufacturer, market and build products.

Hurray to GE and the Utility companies and Hurray to the American consumer. Each day we get one step closer to a greener, more energy efficient America!

Help! My Dishwasher is Taking Forever!

2009-05-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Everything seems to be going well - when all of a sudden, it seems that your dishwasher is taking forever to wash the disshes. If your dishwasher's cycle times are too long - there are three things to look at:

Water pre-heating
Your dishwasher may be the type of dishwasher that pre-heats the water. If so, and if the water entering the dishwasher is cool or icy-cold, the heater may take up to half an hour to heat the water.

To avoid the wait time on these types of dishwashers, increase the incoming water temperature before turning on the dishwasher. Do that by running the kitchen sink faucet until the water runs hot. Or increase the temperature of the hot water at the hot water heater. (this will increase the temperature throughout the house)

Warning! To lessen the risk of scalding, don't set the hot water heater temperature higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check the Dishwasher Timer
Dishwasher timers don't often fail. But if every other part of the dishwasher seems to be working properly and the timer knob seems to be stuck in one place--doing one function continuously--the dishwasher timer may be at fault. Dishwasher timers can't be repaired. If yours is defective, replace it.

Water-heating cycle
Many dishwashers heat the wash and/or rinse water to a higher temperature, as the cycle calls for it. In these cycles, the dishwasher pauses after it has filled with water, waiting for the water to reach the pre-set temperature. What happens next, depends, as follows:

On some units, the pause is timed and the unit continues after the allotted time.

On others, the cycle can't continue until the water reaches the higher temperature.

If you have this type of dishwasher and the water isn't being heated (say, because of a problem with the heating element or thermostat), after the unit stops at the heating cycle, it never
continues. When you repair the heating-system problem, the "cycle problem" is fixed too.

Appliance Gadgets and Useful Appliance Parts

2009-04-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

For the Appliance Nut that has everything - these neat gadgets, tools and fun appliance parts will put a smile on someone's face bigger than the ApplianceLife.com Logo :)

Washing Machine Floodstop - Gotta love this gadget. How many times did something get stuck in the drain and the washing machine flooded leaving a big mess (at least) and sometimes even water damage.

he floodstop automatically shuts off the water supply to the washing machine and sounds an alarm when a few drops of water make contact with the water sensor. Whether caused by a burst hose, or an overflowing washing machine the Floodstop will automatically close the valves and shut off the water supply.

Vegetable Bin Liner for Refrigerators - A plush layer of cushioned foam lines your crisper bins to prevent bruising and spoilage. Allows air to circulate freely to help keep fruits and vegetables fresher longer. Cut to fit your specific bin and model.

Not really a gadget - but a great garbage disposer. 1/3 HP Continuous Feed Disposer with Cord (Magic Chef) - Magic Chef Food Waster Disposer - one of our favorites - features a 1/3 HP induction motor. Quick-lock mounting collar speeds installation. Two stainless steel swivel impellers. Attached power cord included. One-year limited manufacturer's warranty.

High Temperature Appliance Wire
25 feet of 14 gauge high temperature wire, 3 separate conductors - white - red - black. Sil-a-blend system includes a plated copper conductor, silicone high temperature insulation and an embedded glass braided covering all jacketed in another layer of silicone insulation. Replaces plastic, rubber and glass braid wire. Rated to 600 volts, 36 amps and 392 degrees F.

Nickel Safe Ice Machine Cleaner by Nu-calgon
A specially formulated product for removing scale deposits from ice machines having nickel-plated or tin-plated evaporators. Acceptable for use on Manitowoc and other manufacturers using nickel plated evaporators. It is available in pints an d gallons, and it mixes to form a green cleaning solution which makes rinsing easier. Specially formulated food-grade product, removes scale deposits from ice machines with nickel or tin-plated evaporators.
Meets Manitowoc specification #GES-6 and is approved by other manufacturers using nickel
2-3 fl. oz. of cleaner per gallon of water in ice machine
16 oz.

Dishwashers Can Reduce Water Usage by More Than 80 Percent

2009-04-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

The United States could save as much as 245 billion gallons of fresh water annually if everyone used a dishwasher instead of doing the dishes by hand. That's enough to provide drinking and cooking water for every household in America each year.

These facts are some of the findings in the Electrolux WaterSavings Web site (www.electrolux.com/watersavings_us) presented by Electrolux - a global leader in home appliances.

The Web site is based on findings by the U.S. Department of Energy's ENERGY STAR program, as well as consumer research by Electrolux, which have determined that it takes less than five gallons of water to do a load of dishes in an Electrolux ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher, while handwashing an equivalent number of dishes requires 27 gallons of water.

This means a household in the United States could save 4,730 gallons annually by using a water-efficient dishwasher, such as the Electrolux.

If all households in the U.S. today that are doing dishes by hand switched to a modern dishwasher, a total of 245 billion gallons would be saved each year. The amount of water saved by one household making the switch would be enough to provide the drinking and cooking water for 2.5 other households.

By making the switch to a dishwasher, residents of the New York City metropolitan area could save 13,863,402,851 gallons each year, enough to fill more than 35,400 Olympic-size swimming pools. The people of the state of New York could conserve enough water annually to fill 67 stadiums the size of the Pasadena Rose Bowl. That's in addition to the estimated 229 hours each year saved by a household using a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand.

Even switching from a 10-year-old dishwasher to a new one would save the household nearly 30% of the water used.

"Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource in many parts of the world, including the United States, and we all have a responsibility to use this precious resource more carefully," said Henrik Sundström, head of sustainability affairs at the Electrolux Group.

"Everyone can play a role in solving the challenge of water scarcity: consumers, by adopting new technologies and making smart choices in their daily life; policymakers, by encouraging consumers to do so, for instance with legislation and incentive programs that speed up the replacement of inefficient appliances; and industry, by reducing water use and emissions, and equally importantly, developing and offering products that are continuously more efficient and climate smart," Sundström concluded.

Today, 1.1 billion people in the world do not have access to adequate clean water to meet their basic daily needs, and 2.6 billion do not have proper sanitation facilities, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) within the UN. The UN warns that by the year 2025, between 2.6 and 3.1 billion people could be living in either water-scarce or water-stressed conditions. This already poses a serious threat to health and welfare, and also to agriculture and industry.

To see how much water could be saved in major cities and countries around the world, visit www.electrolux.com/watersavings.

To learn more about Electrolux appliances, visit www.electroluxappliances.com. To find an Electrolux Repair part, click here.

Electrolux is a global leader in home appliances and appliances for professional use, selling more than 40 million products to customers in 150 countries every year. The company focuses on innovations that are thoughtfully designed, based on extensive consumer insight, to meet the real needs of consumers and professionals. Electrolux products include refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and cookers sold under esteemed brands such as Electrolux, AEG-Electrolux, Zanussi, Eureka and Frigidaire. In 2008, Electrolux had net sales of US $15.9 billion and 55,000 employees.

For more information, visit http://www.electrolux.com/press

Canton appliance repair Web site extends charity program

2009-04-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

On March 19, RepairClinic.com sponsored a corporate table to benefit Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels at the annual “Spring Fling” Benefit Dinner at the Marriott Eagle Crest Resort in Ypsilanti.

For the past 12 years, the nonprofit organization has held the dinner to raise money for their program which delivers meals to needy seniors and disabled individuals in the community.
Local celebrities, including faculty members from Eastern Michigan University along with community and government officials, posed as servers.

Patrons happily contributed generous tips in return for the excellent service provided at the hands of local VIP’s. The event was well-attended by many in the local area, including a group of Repairclinic.com employees, representing the recently established RepairClinic.com Outreach program.

Outreach is a company-wide effort established to encourage volunteerism and community involvement among RepairClinic employees throughout southeast Michigan -- where the company headquarters is located -- a region where the economy has presented many challenges to families and charitable organizations. The internal Outreach program is made up of RepairClinic.com employee volunteers who combine their hard work with company resources to do their part in the community.

This charitable initiative is very near and dear to the hearts of those on the RepairClinic.com management team. Said CEO Larry Beach: "Several on the team have served on the boards of local charities and believe it is important to reach out to the needy in the community. "
As a result, the company‘s Outreach program has supported several local charities, such as: Hope Clinic, Make a Wish Foundation, Canton Make a Difference Day, Earth Day Spring Cleanup, and the Belleville Eagles Charity.

Other upcoming events where Outreach participants will be involved include: Canton Christmas in Action Program on April 25 -- a program where volunteers assist income-qualified seniors and individuals with disabilities with home cleanup and/or fix-up projects; The American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Canton, at Heritage Park, May 16-17, a 24- hour event that includes a continuous walk to raise money for cancer research, a festival setup, and ceremonies to honor cancer survivors and those lost to the disease.

Outreach has also been involved in several projects with Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti where RepairClinic.com’s CEO, Larry Beach, is a board member. Hope Clinic is an organization that provides many services to local families including: free medical care, free dental care, and hot meals and groceries for individuals and their families.

The Outreach program has made a special effort to provide funding to smaller projects at local schools in addition to family-focused projects, such as providing money, supplies, and holiday gifts to local food banks.

Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, RepairClinic.com was founded in Canton in 1999 and is the most comprehensive online resource for home appliance parts, do-it-yourself repair help and information. The site features more than 80 appliance brands, including Kenmore, Whirlpool Appliance Parts, Maytag Parts, GE, Frigidaire, and LG—across 16 appliance types (e.g., washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, ovens, and dishwashers).

Do-it-yourselfers use the intuitive PartDetective to find the part they need or the leading-edge service, RepairGuru, for customized, free repair help online. Appliance parts are stocked in a 72,000-square-foot office and warehouse and shipped the same business day.

Happy Easter from the Appliance Repair Folks at www.ApplianceLife.com

2009-04-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter - Enjoy the Spring Rebirth

We'll all get back to work tomorrow.

Today .. we have a number of coupons and deals we would like to share with you:

Monster Appliance Coupons MonsterAppliance.com is the source for small appliance at monster prices. Our team of IT experts continuously monitors and updates our website. In addition, we monitor the market on a daily basis for new products and price fluctuations to provide our customers with the newest products at the possible prices.

Amana Appliance Coupon Codes
BBQ Deals and Coupons
Bissell Appliance Coupons
Cuisinart Appliance Coupons
Dacor Appliance Coupons
Delonghi Appliance Coupons
Dishwasher Coupons (all brands)
Dyson Vacuum Machine Coupons
Electrolux Appliance Coupons
Frigidaire Appliance Coupons
Hamilton Beach Coupons
Jenn-Air Appliance Coupons
Kenmore (Sears) Coupons
Kitchenaid Appliance Coupons
Manitowoc Appliance Coupons
Maytag Appliance Coupons
Roomba Robot Vacuum Cleaner Coupons
Singer Sewing Machine Coupons
Thermador Range Coupons
Toaster (Kitchen Toaster) Coupons
Vacuum Cleaner Coupons
Whirlpool - our favorite brand - Coupons

Please give us feedback on how successful these coupons were for you. We want to only offer great appliance deals and coupons from reputable stores.

Sears Parts Direct Appliance Parts

2009-04-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

ApplianceLife has worked with a number of part supply stores like Repair Clinic Appliance Parts - and we are proud to announce a new relationship with Sears Parts Direct.

Currently, you can save 10% on all parts until the end of May - CLICK HERE to activate the coupon. Use the code: 90055 when checking out.

Sears PartsDirect has over 7 million appliance and tool parts for all major brand appliances, power tools and more. No matter where you purchased the product. Parts are available from more than 500 manufacturers. On the Sears Parts Direct website, there are more than 760,000 schematic diagrams of major brand appliances to ensure you find the right repair part every time.

Appliance repair parts are available for large and small appliances, floor care products, washer parts , dryers, lawn care products, power tools, garage door openers, heating and cooling systems, electronics, sewing machines and much more.

Sears PartsDirect also offers a wide selection of accessories to extend the life of your products, enhance their performance and enhance your enjoyment of them.

Brands include: GE, Whirlpool, Briggs & Stratton, Husqvarna, Maytag, Craftsman, Kenmore, Bosch, Sony, Panasonic, Singer, ProForm, and many more.

In many cases, your part may be substituted because the original is no longer made. The manufacturer has authorized a substitution of the original part with an original equipment manufacturer part.

While the substituted part may be different in appearance, it has been authorized by the manufacturer and is guaranteed to work with your product. Sears Parts Direct will clearly indicate if this is the case for the part you are looking for.

Dude, I fixed the Dishwasher

2009-03-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

If your Kenmore dishwasher or Sears Dishwasher is inoperable or blinking the "Clean Light" - fixing it is just a few button pushes away!

I just fixed my 655.16042400 unit. Several days ago this dishwasher failed and my husband decided that it was time to buy a new one. I didn't think that we could afford it in this economy. We had the dreaded blinking clean light!!

After an undue amount of research, I found the combination of key pushes that reset the dishwasher and it has been working fine since then!

There are a number of different sequences depending on your model - try:

'normal wash' followed by 'heated dry' cycle five times -OR-
heated dry, followed by heated wash five times -OR-
"Hi Temp Scrub - Air Dry - Hi Temp Scrub - Air Dry" -OR-
Water Heat / No Heat Dry / What Heat / No Heat Dry.
THEN .... wait for all lights to go on and then go out. This worked like a charm for our dishwasher!

After the lights go off.. your dishwasher will run a partial cycle and then be back to normal.

No service call, no dishwasher parts to buy ... just a few buttons to push!

Spring Cleaning your Home Appliances

2009-03-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining beautifully in the Ohio Valley this afternoon and I can't help but think about spring cleaning. Driving through the suburbs, I see the streaks of dirt on windows caused by the final melting of snow and it makes me think about what a mess my windows must be in!

Speaking of spring cleaning - many people do not realize that this is a great time to do some appliance checking and cleaning. Cleaning your dishwasher can keep parts moving properly without obstacles like that little piece of steak bone that was stuck all winter in the silverware container. Make sure you check that each of the following are cleaned and working properly:

Cleaning out the clothes washer and scrubbing down the lint collector in your dryer - even having the vents cleaned. Not only are these little things important to make sure your clothes are cleaned and dryed properly - but they save energy. Saving energy saves money and who's not looking to save a few bucks these days.

Clean out the stove and microwave now too! Make sure you scrub down the grills on the microwave and make sure that the crud on the bottom of your stove is cleared out also.

Finally, use a degreaser and remove all the grease that accumulated on the inside of the stove vent.

... and everytime you tell yourself that you'd rather be outside enjoying the beautiful sunshine, just remember the money you will be saving on energy and in the long run by properly maintaining your home appliances!

Dishwasher Maintenance - Long Live your Dishwasher

2009-03-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yearly Maintenance for Home Dishwashers

If your dishes are not getting as clean as they used to years ago, there is probably a shortage of water getting into the machine. This is usually caused by a broken or worn out water inlet valve. These valves are located behind the lower kick panel and need replacing every 3-7 years, depending on water conditions. Many do-it-yourselfers can make this repair. It just requires a few common hand tools:

an adjustable wrench,
a Phillips head screwdriver, and
adjustable pliers

To find the right water inlet valve for your dishwasher, make sure that you have your model number.

Inspect and clean your dishwasher.
You don't need to clean the interior of your dishwasher if you use it regularly. If it goes un-used for a week or more and begins to mold or smell bad, you can clean it using Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer.
Repair broken and rusted dishwasher racks.
If the plastic coating wears off the dish rack tines in your dishwasher, they will corrode and rust. The rust particles will then get into the pump and cause much more serious problems. Repair kits are available by clicking here. Prior to making the repair, be sure to clean up the rusted spots on the dishwasher rack with household sandpaper to make the repair last much longer.
Clean your dishwasher filter.
On many basic and/or European dishwashers, there's a filter near the bottom, or under the lower spray arm, that needs cleaning regularly. If you have this sort of filter, consult your owner's manual for how to remove and clean it. If the filter is damaged, replace it to protect the dishwasher's pump and motor seals.
Clean your dishwasher spray arms.
Over time, small holes in the spray arm(s) of your dishwasher may become clogged with bits of paper, toothpicks, glass, etc. Take a moment to clean out these holes to ensure you're getting the best cleaning ability from your dishwasher.
If you find glass in the spray arm, there are probably glass pieces in the pump housing as well. You may want to disassemble the pump to check and clean it. Also, the glass may have damaged the motor spin seal. If this has happened, you will often see a water leak at the main pump motor. Replace the motor spin seal if necessary.

Whirlpool Corporation Ranks Among Fortune's 'Most Admired Companies' in the Electronics Industry

2009-03-13T05:19:00.001-07:00

There is a ton of news these days on how Michigan is struggling - but we saw a ray of hope in this press release that Whirlpool, a major appliance manufacturer recently released:

Whirlpool Corporation Ranks Among Fortune's 'Most Admired Companies' in
the Electronics Industry

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., March 12, 2009 ( http://www.michiganpr.net/ )

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) has been named one of FORTUNE magazine's "Most Admired Companies" in the electronics industry. Whirlpool ranked sixth overall in the electronics industry and saw its industry rank rise from 11 the previous year.
The company's highest scores in the survey came in the Use of Corporate Assets, Corporate Social Responsibility and Quality of Management categories.

The rankings, which are published every year, reflect the observations and opinions of appliance and electronic executives who rate their peers and rivals on nine attributes: innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, corporate social responsibility, quality of management, long-term investment value, financial soundness, and quality of products and services, and global competitiveness. The voting took place in late 2008.

About Whirlpool Corporation
In addition to being included in FORTUNE's "Most Admired Companies" list, Whirlpool recently was named one of the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" by Chief Responsibility Officer magazine, one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere magazine, one of the "Top 50 Most Respected U.S. Companies" by the Reputation Institute and one of the "Best Places to Launch a Career" by BusinessWeek.
Additionally, the company's Whirlpool brand was named one of the 10 top greenest brands by U.S. consumers, according to a BrandWeek magazine survey. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion, 70,000 employees, and 69 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be
found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.
SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation

http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/

Whirlpool's headquarters in in Benton Harbor Michigan, which is on the west side of the state. The automotive headquarters are all on the east side of the state near Detroit. Nonetheless, Whirlpool seems to be surviving amidst a state crisis.

Clother Dryer Vent (Exhaust) Cleaning

2009-03-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

The MOST important periodic maintenance for any dryer is a clear exhaust.

Many clothes dryer failures can be traced back to an improperly maintained vent system. This causes premature failure of the dryer bearings, dryer elements, dryer ignitors and other critical dryer parts.

For best drying results and safety, clean the lint filter before each load.
When drying only one or two items, toss in a few items of varying size to promote good tumbling action and improve drying results. Many times, I will through in clean damp towels to keep things tumbling well.
Dryers with an Auto-Dry cycle will not dry properly with a very small load in the tumbler.
Never use white plastic exhaust duct on any dryer!! This material is not only flammable, but it increases drying time tremendously!
Do not use the foil-looking stuff, either! Use only flexible metal duct or rigid duct. The new periscope vent kits also work well for dryers in tight spaces and will eliminate any chance of hose kinking.
Improper venting or a clogged vent will give the following results:
Long drying times
Clothes are too hot at end of cycle
Dryer is noisier than it is supposed to be
Clothes still hot and damp after cycle ends
Automatic sensors fail to shut off
Premature failure of heating element, motor or bearings

If your vent runs vertically, such as thru a wall to the roof, expect extended drying times (not to mention premature failure of the motor, drum rollers and heater).

Fortunately, we carry the best products for any homeowner to use to maintain a safe and efficient dryer!

Michigan-based Business, RepairClinic.com, Thrives Amidst Economic Crisis

2009-02-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

RepairClinic.com continues to grow, even in the midst of a struggling Michigan economy, and was recently accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This is a significant achievement for the online retailer of major appliance parts, as the company gears up to celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2009.

Companies who receive the BBB seal are able to utilize the BBB trustmark seal which provides consumers assurance and confidence in businesses. Based upon the public’s trust of the Better Business Bureau, many consumers ultimately choose to shop only on websites that display the BBB seal. RepairClinic is proud to have received this accreditation, symbolizing trust and integrity, invaluable characteristics of a successful business.Businesses must apply and are pre-screened to be eligible for this accreditation.

There are strict criteria which must be met, areas where businesses must “pass the test” -- known as the “BBB Standards for Trust”— a portion of which are listed below. As you can see, the standards are very high, and RepairClinic.com is pleased to have fulfilled them. Customers may view the BBB Reliability Report for Repairclinic.com at www.bbb.org.

Build Trust Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.

Advertise Honestly Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling. Tell the Truth Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.

Be Transparent Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy.

Honor Promises Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations. Be Responsive Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.

Safeguard Privacy Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information.

Embody Integrity Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and commitments with integrity.

About the Better Business Bureau
BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accredited business status contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business Reliability Reports and charity Wise Giving Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities.

About RepairClinic.com
Founded in Canton, Michigan, in 1999, RepairClinic.com® is the most comprehensive online resource for do-it-yourself home appliance repair help, including online appliance parts sales and detailed appliance repair information. The site features more than 80 appliance brands—including Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, and LG—across 16 appliance types (e.g., washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, ovens, and dishwashers). Do-it-yourselfers use the helpful database, PartDetective®, to find the part they need or the leading-edge service, RepairGuru®, for free, customized repair help. Appliance parts are stocked in a 72,000 sq. ft. facility and shipped the same business day. Visit http://www.repairclinic.com for more information.

For media inquiries, contact:
Luanne Berk , Public Relations
RepairClinic.com
48600 Michigan Avenue
Canton, MI 48188-2240
734-495-3079
ext. 303
lberk@repairclinic.com

Microwave Longevity Tips from ApplianceLife.com

2009-02-19T14:42:00.000-08:00

Microwaves have average lifetime expectancies. Maintaining your microwave properly can extend it's lifetime indefinitely.

If you have to do any kind of repair or maintenance on the microwave, make sure to unplug it from the power supply.
Use a properly grounded outlet.
Use a surge protector to protect the microwave from power surges as a surge can damage sensitive internal equipment.
Some newer microwaves have built in surge protection, and you should take advantage of these appliances whenever you can.
Clean the interior often to help ensure good microwave oven performance. Those food particles left inside still absorb the microwave energy and can cause interior burns to your microwave. Mild soap and water works well. We also carry microwave specific cleaners in the cleaning section of our parts finder.
Wipe down the outside touch panels with a damp, soapy cloth. Rinse the cloth with fresh water and re-wipe to remove leftover soap.
Do not heat food with foil wrapping. You may use paper towels or microwave safe lids to cover foods.
Never use metal containers to heat foods in the microwave.
Never run the microwave empty. You run the risk of damaging the magnetron and other components from feedback.

Microwave ovens are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

They set and enforce rules of performance to assure radiation emissions do not pose a hazard to public health.

Proper use and maintenance, as recommended by the user manual, is an important part of microwave oven safety.

Oven and Stove Problems that are EASY to fix!

2009-02-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

MOST COMMON OVEN PROBLEMS

INCORRECT OVEN TEMPERATURE
If your oven temperature is off, the most likely cause is a bad oven sensor. The sensor is mounted to the back wall inside the oven cavity and looks like a metal rod about 3-6 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. Replacing the sensor is easy. Two screws hold it to the back wall and there is a quick disconnect harness plug on the other side. Make sure not to lose the other end of the harness behind the wall. Another possible cause is the oven control board – a simple but somewhat more expensive repair.

BAKING TAKES TOO LONG (GAS OVENS)
This typically happens due to a weak oven igniter. The igniter comes on several times during the baking cycle to fire up the oven burner. If the igniter is too weak, it won’t start up every time. Replacing an oven igniter is simple and inexpensive. A new oven igniter typically costs around $40-$50 and usually takes about 15-30 minutes to replace.

UNEVEN COOKING
This is not so much a technical problem and usually occurs when people fail to properly preheat the oven prior to baking. Check your oven use and care manual for instructions on how to preheat your oven.

TIP: After your oven tells you it is done preheating, let it preheat for another 5 to 7 minutes. Here’s why: The oven sensor heats up and signals the oven to shut off the preheat cycle. The oven inner walls however are still not hot enough and will keep on absorbing the heat, thus lowering the temperature inside the oven. By preheating the oven for an extra 5 minutes you will help keep the heat inside the oven nice and even.

OVEN IS FLASHING AN ERROR CODE
Error codes help identify the problem, which of course makes the repair easier. The F3 code, for example, usually means the oven sensor is bad.

BRAND SPECIFIC PROBLEMS
Most Whirlpool and KitchenAid oven models made within the past ten years or so incorporate a thermal fuse, located on the back wall of the oven. When the fuse fails, the oven control board will continue to function and will even let you turn on the bake cycle. Of course, the oven itself won’t function at all. The fuse is inexpensive; however this repair usually requires removing the oven from the cabinet which is not a simple task.

TIP: Do not use the self cleaning cycle on or before a major holiday like Easter. The oven may overheat and damage a key component such as the fuse or the main control board.

If you have a GE oven displaying an F7 code, this usually indicates that the touch pad, also called membrane switch, is bad and needs to be replaced. Replacing the touch pad is pretty straight forward and normally takes about 30 minutes or less.

Cleaning the Dryer Vent: Yes, No or Maybe?

2009-02-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

Before we get started, the answer is yes - get your dryer vent cleaned!

Getting your dryer vent cleaned (or even cleaning it yourself is of the upmost important to possibly saving your own life) - or at the least .. extending the life of your clothes dryer.

Even a cleaned lint screen traps only 75% of the lint produced inside a dryer. The rest of the lint builds up over time inside the dryer vent, becoming a fire hazard. Dryer lint is highly flammable and has the potential to ignite at any time.

Cleaning your Dryer Vents serves a number of purposes:

It protects your home & its contents from fires, smoke and pollutants
Significantly reduces energy operating costs
Dryers run more efficiently
Dryers will last longer
Clothes will dry faster

For DIY type people - here is a general step-by-step to clean your dryer vent:

Unplug the clothes dryer (from both gas & electric). If you have a gas clothes dryer, shut off the gas.
Pull the dryer out, just to the extension of your dryer vent, (usually about 2 feet).
Using a screwdriver or nut driver, loosen the 4" clamp (dryer vent clamp) on the back of the dryer.
Slide the vent off the dryer.
Reach into the hole on the back of the dryer, and pull out any lint and buildup. A shop or house vacuum cleaner can help reach inside and usually does a good job of removing the lint.
Reach into the dryer vent tubing you just took off and pull out lint from there, as well. The vacuum works well here also.
Look at the ends. Most of the lint will build at the ends (within a foot), and not so much in the middle of the vents. If you do find a large buildup in the middle, you can use a plumbing snake to pull it out. Try the flexible hose on your vacuum cleaner to reach inside, whether it is running or not.
Slide the dryer vent clamp back over the vent, reattach the dryer vent, tighten the clamp, and slide dryer back into place.
Remove the dryer vent on the outside of the house as well. This one may have caulking around the cover, as well as screws. Use a razor knife to cut away the caulk. It may have a sleeve about a foot long. If this is the case, slide it straight out.
Reach in and clean out the lint or insert your vacuum cleaner tubing into the dryer exhaust tubing. You can reach as far as your arm will go or use the vacuum tubing.
Look into the vent to see if you missed anything. If it's out of reach use a plumber's snake or other tool (vacuum cleaner tubing).
Turn on gas and plug unit back in.
Run dryer on air fluff for 10 minutes. Debris you just loosened may fly out, so don't stand right outside.
Recheck the outside vent for obstructions and reattach the outside vent.

Be safe - Clean your vent or have a professional do it for you.

LG Appliance Parts - Hard to find Replacement Parts

2009-01-24T19:25:00.000-08:00

A post sent to our editors by a satisfied visitor:

Extend the life of your home appliance at www.ApplianceLife.com

Recently I had some problems with my LG Side by Side Refrigerator and did a search for LG parts and found it practically impossible to find what I was looking for to fix my fridge. I found out that many appliance part stores still call the brand Goldstar.

Goldstar actually merged with a company called Lucky and thus the acronym LG came to be.

In any case, I found the search on this site: LG Appliance Parts to be very helpful in my quest to fix my own refrigerator without having to call an expensive handyman in.

Don’t laugh but basically, my refrigerator light bulb burned out. Changing out a refrigerator lightbulb is not a difficult process for most people .. but I had a bit of trouble finding the light bulb until I found Appliance Life - www.appliancelife.com.

In some cases, if the light bulb burns out often, you may have a problem with the door switch. Depending on the refrigerator model, there should be a button or sensor in the refrigerator door which can turn the light bulb on and off. If this button or switch is not working properly, the light may stay on or off permanently. Once you’ve located the mechanism, try to manipulate it to the on and off positions.

If the light still does not respond, then you’ll need to have a qualified serviceman investigate the switch and the internal wiring.

Make sure you do not exceed the recommended wattage of a refrigerator lightbulb - thus always buy a light bulb that is specifically made for your refrigerator ie.. Refrigerator Replacement Parts. Using standard room lighting bulbs rated over 40 watts is not energy efficient and probably dangerous. Bulbs designed especially for refrigerators are made to withstand changes in temperature and moisture condensation. Other bulbs may be too thin or have hot spots which may cause shattering when wet.

You can find many other LG appliance parts at Appliance Life. They also have instructions on finding model numbers and even links to diagrams that will help you.

The Motto they boast is that the will save you money by “Extending the Life of your Home Appliances” and we do agree!

Reminder: Whirpool Over The Range Microwave Hood Combination

2009-01-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while, an old recall will surface and cause a problem. ApplianceLife.com is committed to sharing safety issues and concerns with our readers. Recently, this Whirlpool Microwave recall came back to haunt us and we wanted to get the word out again:

Important Safety Notice -- Fire hazard, do not use microwave.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 1,800,000 Whirlpool, KitchenAid and Kenmore brand "over the range" microwave-hood combinations. The recall does not include countertop microwaves. Use of the microwave-hood unit poses a risk of fire, which could cause personal injury or property damage.

This recall involves Whirlpool, KitchenAid and Kenmore brand microwave-hood units with serial numbers that begin with XC. The serial numbers, as well as the model number, can be found on a label on the bottom edge of the food cavity, inside the microwave door.

Department, mass merchandise and appliance stores, as well as builders and re-modelers sold the microwave-hood units nationwide from January 1998 through September 2001 for between $249 and $749.

Consumers with recalled microwave-hood units must immediately stop using the unit and disconnect the unit by unplugging it. Every potential user of the unit should be informed of the risk of fire and told not to use the microwave.

Appliance Life has gone social with Google's Friend Connect

2009-01-08T04:58:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that there isn't anything much better than a good handyman or handywoman friend when you are trying to repair an appliance. If we look back at the last 2 years of suggestions and comments from our loyal visitors, the number one suggestion that we receive is to have immediate access to a community of people that "know" about appliances.

With that prelude, we at http://www.appliancelife.com/ are proud to announce the integration of Google's Friend connect on each page of our main site! Give it a try, join and ask a question or answer a question!

Creating a Friend Connect account (or using an existing Google profile and joining our site) is much more than just interacting on the Appliance Life website, it also allows you to interact on many other websites on the Internet. Google opened it's new technology to all developers about a month ago, and hundreds if not thousands jumped on the band wagon.

Kudos to Google for promoting an open technology that helps eliminate the
incessant logging in everywhere with different usernames and passwords!

Let's say that you are a guru that knows alot about repairing appliances of all types. Why would you visit our site and offer solutions and advice for our users?

Marketing of course! The Google Friend Connect and Appliance Life combination allows users to add links to thier websites, post information about why they are the utmost appliance repair guy or gal and post contact information. A great way to get exposure, branding and marketing for free for all size appliance repair individuals and companies.

So jump on the band wagon and join our community!

Happy New Year from Appliance Life - Keep your Humidifier Functioning

2009-01-01T12:22:00.001-08:00

Celebrating the New Year means that it is winter.

... which means "heating season" in most parts of the country.

Heating season means that your humidifier should be in tip-top shape - so make sure that you stock up on humidifier maintenance items and humidifier parts. Whether you use gas or electric heat, the air from your home furnace not only keeps you warm, it will dry out the air in your home.

Humidifiers, by sending small molecules of moisture into the air, can help keep you healthier but also extend the life of your furniture and other household items.

The benefits of humidifiers during the heating season are many. The most common are listed below.

1. Humidifiers can help relieve cold and flu symptoms by making the air you breath moist, which helps keep your lungs more elastic and ready to fight off intruding viruses.

2. Humidifiers reduce susceptibility to infections by keeping the mucus membranes of your throat and nose soft moist allowing the tiny hairs (cilia) to work at getting rid of things like mold, pet dander and bacteria.

3. Humidifiers will relieve and prevent annoying dry, scratchy skin.

4. Humidifiers will help avoid valuable wood furniture from drying out and cracking.

5. Humidifiers will reduce static electricity, thus reducing the tiny shocks received from touching certain objects and other people.

Humidifiers help you save money in doctor expenses and furniture repairs.

The optimum humidity level in a house is generally 35 - 40 percent, anything above that can induce mold and may make your home feel more like a swamp. An easy way to tell if you have too much humidity in your home is to look at your windows. If there is moisture on the glass, cut back on your humidifier use.

Humidifier Parts by Brand
Choose your brand to find your parts
Aprilaire Humidifier Parts
Autoflow Humidifier Parts
Bemis Humidifier Parts
General Humidifier Parts
Kenmore Humidifier Parts
Lobb Humidifier Parts
Sears Humidifier Parts
Skuttle Humidifier Parts

Float assembly
If you have a reservoir-type humidifier, the float assembly may get stuck while sitting unused all summer. To avoid this problem, remove the float assembly after each heating season and thoroughly clean and inspect it. For cleaning, try vinegar, or the humidifier cleaner