The components of a typical household refrigerator are described below:
The heart of the refrigerator system is the compressor. It is made up of a pump and an electric motor and is contained in a sealed dome through which the refrigerant travels.
The starting relayis an electromechanical switch used to start the compressor motor. As electricity flows, the starting relay energizes the start winding of the refrigerator compressor motor until the motor is almost up to speed. At this point, the relay breaks the electrical circuit to the start winding and the compressor motor continues to run on its run (or motor) winding. Read the rest of this entry »
If an appliance needs inspection, unplug it from the socket. No, don’t just turn off the switch — there may still be some current flowing.
When working on switches, sockets or, simply said, things that cannot be removed from the energy source, switch off the power at the main switch on the electrical switch board. To be on the even safer side, always wear rubber-soled shoes (only during the repair); it will reduce the shock should all your safety precautions fail (turning you into a fruitcake as opposed to a full-blown vegetable). Read the rest of this entry »
Turn OFF the electricity at the circuit breaker panelbefore servicing the dishwasher. Exercise care when moving the dishwasher from its space. The leveling legs can easily damage the floor.
Turn OFF the electricity at the circuit breaker panel. Remove the screws that secure the lower panel to the dishwasher cabinet. Disconnect the drive motor connector from the harness wiring. Remove the hose clamp from drain hose that is secured to drive motor base coupling. Remove drain hose from coupling. NOTE: When removing drain hose, place a small pan or towel under the motor base coupling. It is possible that when hose is removed water could spill onto the floor. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) Dishwasher has a full tub of water at the end of the cycle. 2) Dishwasher only partially drains and leaves water in tub at end of cycle.
Remove the lower panel. Locate the pump drain hose and see if a kink in the hose is evident. If so, remove the kink and check the dishwasher for proper operation. If the dishwasher now pumps the water out, you found the problem — a kinked drain hose. If little or no water is being pumped out, the problem is in the dishwasher pump assembly. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) Water on floor near dishwasher. 2) During dishwasher cycle, water accumulates on left or right side of dishwasher lower panel.
To locate the cause of the problem, remove lower panel and check for broken plumbing drain connections, water inlet valve, broken or cracked hoses (drain and inlet), or drive motor and pump assembly motor seal. If a hose or a faulty part is found, replace it. Check that door is closing properly. Read the rest of this entry »
The heater elementis located in the tub cavity. It serves two functions during the dishwasher cycle: 1) The heat generated by the high-wattage element heats the water to a temperature of 140 degrees F. The water in the dishwasher tub has to be kept at this temperature or higher, so the hot water can dissolve the detergent. The dishes are thereby assured of being clean when they are removed from the dishwasher. 2) The element generates heat after the water is removed from the dishwasher. This heat helps dry the excess water that has accumulated on the dishes during the wash cycle. Read the rest of this entry »
The automatic dishwasher starts the cycle once the homeowner has placed the dishes in the dishwasher and the timer is pushed in or pulled out to ON. With the unit ON, electricity flows through the timer contacts to the water inlet valve solenoid. As the solenoid opens, hot water flows through the inlet valve, the inlet hose, and then into the dishwasher tub cavity. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) The dishwasher won’t complete the dishwasher cycle. 2) The dishwasher has a burning smell during the cycle.
Check the dishwasher wiring for a possible loose connection where it connects to the house wiring.
Check for a circuit breaker in the circuit breaker panel that is defective.
Check the dishwasher timer assembly for erratic operation. If the dishwasher suddenly started when the timer dial is pushed to the ON-OFF position, the timer assembly ON-OFF contacts are defective internally. You will have to replace the timer assembly in order for the dishwasher to program through the cycle properly. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) When the dishwasher is turned ON, nothing happens. 2) When the dishwasher is turned ON a “buzzing” sound is heard.
To find the cause of this problem, first check to be sure the electricity is turned ON at the circuit breaker panel. Next, check to see that the dishwasher timer knob is pushed in or pulled out to the ON position when selecting a cycle. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) Dishwasher stops before the drying cycle. 2) The dishes are not dry when removed from the dishwasher.
When this problem is noticed, it is often not the fault of the dishwasher. The homeowner simply did not close the dishwasher door. A partially closed door will prevent the dishwasher from making electrical contact. When closing the door, make sure that the door shuts properly before starting the dishwasher. Read the rest of this entry »
