The Virtual Repairman's Appliance Help

VIKING RANGE RECALLS DISHWASHERS DUE TO FIRE HAZARD!

Virtual Repairman — Wed Apr 18, 2012 4:33 pm

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 4:33 pm

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Communications Washington, D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2012
Release #12-147 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 241-7239
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Viking Range Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Viking dishwashers
Units: About 2,000
Manufacturer: Viking Range Corporation of Greenwood, Miss.
Hazard: An electrical component in the dishwasher can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Viking has received 21 reports of incidents, including five reports of property damage from fires. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The recall includes Viking 24" Professional, Designer and Custom Panel dishwashers manufactured between May and September 2010. They were sold in black, white and 24 other custom colors, stainless steel and with custom wood panels. The name "Viking" appears on the control panel at the top of the door. The model and serial number are located on the identification plate mounted on the inside on the left side of the dishwasher door opening. The first six numbers in the serial number are the manufacture date in mmddyy format, e.g., serial number 052610 was manufactured on May 26, 2010. Model and manufacture dates included on this recall are:
Model Numbers
Starting With*: Date Codes - first six digits
of serial number:
DDB325
DFB450
VDB325
VDB450 052610 through 091510
* Model numbers ending with an E are not included on the recall.
Sold at: Appliance and specialty retail stores nationwide from June 2010 through March 2012 for between $1,425 and $2,000.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers and contact Viking's hotline for a free in-home repair.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Viking toll-free at (800) 241-7239 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or visit Viking's website at www.vikingrange.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: SaferProducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing and speech impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

GE Appliances has new leader-

Virtual Repairman — Sat Dec 17, 2011 9:00 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 9:00 am

Campbell to Retire, Blankenship To Head GE Appliances

Dec 16, 2011

GE Home & Business Solutions named Charles (Chip) Blankenship to be president and CEO of GE Appliances. He takes over from James P. Campbell, will retire on Dec. 31, 2011, after 30 years with GE.

�It is with immense gratitude that we�d like to recognize Jim for his dedicated service to GE,� said GE Home & Business Solutions President and CEO Charlene Begley. �In his three decades of service to our company, Jim has distinguished himself as a leader known for his passionate focus on the customer and his employee development and advocacy.�

Chip Blankenship (pictured) will report to Begley. �Chip brings a wealth of business leadership and program and product management expertise to this role,� said Begley. �We see tremendous opportunity to leverage his background and look forward to growth under his leadership.�

Blankenship joined Appliances from his most recent role as vice president and general manager for the Commercial Engines Operation for GE Aviation. Prior to GE Aviation, Chip was the general manager for Aero Energy, a division of GE Energy. Blankenship began his GE career in 1992 as a staff scientist at the Global Research Center. He joined Aviation in 1996 and held several product and program management positions before taking on the business leadership role in Aero Energy. Blankenship earned a bachelor's of science degree in materials engineering from Virginia Tech and a doctorate in materials science and engineering from the University of Virginia.

Fisher-Paykel unveils the next generation dish drawer

Virtual Repairman — Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:55 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:55 am

Dec 13, 2011

Fisher & Paykel Appliances unveiled the next generation version of its iconic DishDrawer dishwasher line, with remote controls to eliminate external interface and other design features to allow for seamless cabinetry integration.

All integrated models have a wireless remote, to eliminate the need for an external interface and create clean lines in the kitchen design. Single integrated models' seamless cabinetry integration is facilitated with rear venting and an adjustable door option. 24-inch models now have the capacity to accommodate seven place settings per drawer instead of six, as in previous models. The new DishDrawer will be available in the United States and Canada in December 2011 under both the Fisher & Paykel brand name and the DCS by Fisher & Paykel brand name. The drawer dishwasher concept was conceived by F&P in 1986 and was unveiled at Domotechnica, the German event that was then the premiere global appliance trade show. It was released in North America in 1998

Electrolux breaks new ground in Tennessee

Virtual Repairman — Wed Oct 26, 2011 5:32 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 5:32 am

Oct 6, 2011

Electrolux leaders and state, county and city officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday at the site of a new North American Cooking Products manufacturing center in Memphis. The October 5th groundbreaking appears to end the uncertainty that manifested early in 2011 over government incentives and unexpectedly high construction bids.

"With the addition of this facility, Tennessee will become the North American Center of Excellence for Electrolux cooking product development and manufacturing,� said Jack Truong, president and CEO of Electrolux Major Appliances, North America. �We are very excited to see the hard work of the past 10 months come to fruition and thank the city, county, and state for their support of Electrolux Company.�

Electrolux announced last December that it had chosen Memphis for its new North American Cooking Products manufacturing center. Electrolux detailed its reasons for choosing the site:
� Synergies with other Electrolux plants, which will allow the company to better leverage existing resources, especially those at its cooking plant in Springfield, TN.
� Memphis�s resources and location advantages, including the skilled labor pool, the area�s central location, and logistics, which will improve access to key markets, customers and suppliers.

Incentives, however, were also a factor, with the Memphis Commercial Appeal media outlet estimating that state, county, and local governments subsidized the plant to the tune of $188 million. In fact, the State of Tennessee promised $97 million in incentives to help convince Electrolux to build the plant in Memphis, but couldn't get the firm money commitments that it promised Electrolux would have by Jan. 31, 2011. The incentive commitments issue was solved, but new problems cropped up in August and September when construction bids started coming in at $30 million more than expected.

The Memphis plant is expected to employ 1,200 workers to build the company�s Electrolux, Electrolux ICON brand, and Frigidaire brand built-in and specialty cooking appliances. The plant is expected to be fully operational in 2014. "The state of Tennessee has been very supportive of Electrolux over the years and we appreciate their continued support as we realize our vision of making Tennessee the North American Center of Excellence for Electrolux Cooking Products,� said Truong.

Home Fires Prompt Dehumidifier Recall Reannouncement from LG

Virtual Repairman — Wed Sep 21, 2011 5:03 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 5:03 am

September 14, 2011
Release #11-324

More Than One Million Dollars in Property Damage Linked to Goldstar and Comfort-Aire Dehumidifiers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is urging consumers to check if they have recalled Goldstar or Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers. The firm is re-announcing the recall of about 98,000 of the dangerous dehumidifiers that pose a serious fire and burn hazard, and are believed to be responsible for more than one million dollars in property damage.

The power connector for the dehumidifier�s compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers and their property.

The dehumidifiers were first recalled in December 2009 following eleven incidents, including four significant fires. Since that time, the company has received sixteen additional incident reports of arcing, smoke and fire associated with the dehumidifiers, including nine significant fires. No injuries have been reported. Fires are reported to have caused more than $1 million in property damage including:

$500,000 in damage to a home in Gibsonia, Pa.
$200,000 in damage to a home in New Brighton, Minn.
$183,000 in damage to a home in Hudson, Mass.
$192,000 in damage to a home in Valparaiso, Ind.
$139,000 in damage to a home in Salem, Ohio
$129,000 in damage to a home in Brielle, N.J.
$ 95,000 in damage to a home in Philadelphia, Pa.

Because of the severity of the risks, CPSC and LG Electronics are concerned with the lack of consumer response to the recall. Only two percent of the 98,000 consumers who purchased these units have received a free repair, which means that consumers and their property remain at serious risk. Anyone who has the recalled dehumidifiers is strongly encouraged to immediately stop using them, unplug them, and contact LG Electronics for the free repair.

The recall involves the 30 pint portable dehumidifiers sold under the Goldstar and Comfort-Aire brands. The dehumidifiers are white with a red shut-off button, controls for fan speed and humidity control, and a front-loading water bucket. �Goldstar� or �Comfort-Aire� is printed on the front. Model and serial number ranges included in this recall are listed in the table below. The model and serial numbers are located on the interior of the dehumidifier, and can be seen when the water bucket is removed.

Model No. * Serial Number Range * Sold at
Goldstar GHD30Y7 611TAxx00001 through 08400
611TAxx08401 through 40600
612TAxx00001 through 20400
612TAxx21001 through 30600 Home Depot
Goldstar DH305Y7 612TAxx00001 through 00600
701TAxx00001 through 16800
702TAxx00001 through 03000 Walmart
Comfort-Aire BHD-301-C 611TA000001 through 001697
612TA000001 through 004200
701TA000001 through 000578
710TA000001 through 000599 Various retailers, including Ace
Hardware, Do It Best and Orgill Inc

For additional information about the recall and for the location of an authorized service center for the repair, contact LG toll free at (877) 220-0479 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, or visit the firm�s website at www.30pintdehumidifierrecall.com

New American Home 2012 under construction-

Virtual Repairman — Mon Sep 12, 2011 5:20 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 5:20 am

The New American Home (TNAH) 2012 is now being erected in Florida to be ready in time for the International Builders� Show, to be held Feb, 8-11, 2012. TNAH, now in its 29th year, is used to showcase the latest building products and construction technologies. Green building products are used in the home�s design with the intention of achieving "Emerald" status under the green building certification program administered by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center and based on principles set forth in the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard. "Emerald" is the top tier of the four levels a home can earn.

Appliances in the home come from several companies, including:

� Whirlpool Corp. will provide Jenn-Air kitchen appliances, including a wine cabinet as well as Maytag front load laundry appliances.
� Broan � NuTone, LLC, supplying whole house ventilation, kitchen range hoods in the carriage house suite and outdoor kitchen, a central vacuum system, and an iron board station.
� CMHC International will provide a Napoleon � Bellagio Patio Heater.
� Eaton Corporation / Cutler Hammer will provide wiring and electrical components as well as an energy management system, and vehicle charging station.
� The Hearth Patio & Barbeque Association will supply R H Peterson Company fireplaces and Town and Country fireplaces.
� InSinkErator will provide garbage disposals, hot water dispensers, and a water chiller.
� Lennox Industries will provide HVAC equipment, including solar panels.
� Rinnai will supply tankless hot water systems.
� Schneider Electric will provide photovoltaic inverters.

TNAH 2012 is designed to qualify for a number of certifications:

� National Green Building Standard "Emerald Status"
� U.S. DOE Energy Star
� FGBC (Florida Green Building Coalition) Platinum certification
� Florida Yards and Neighborhoods designation
� Florida Water Star designation Progress
� Energy Home Advantage Program
� U.S. DOE Builders Challenge
� USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council)

TNAH 2012 is designed to be a re-interpretation of the Classic White Box of the 1960s and �70s, popularized by architects like Le Corbusier and Richard Meier. Phil Kean of Winter Park, FL, is architect and builder of the 2012 home, and designed it to focus on functional and transitional spaces and attention to detail rather than square footage. The home will take advantage of the Florida climate. Walls of movable glass panels and motorized screens allow for flow from indoor to outdoor spaces.

Avoid purchasing extended warranties!

Virtual Repairman — Mon Sep 05, 2011 8:21 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 8:21 am

Almost every major retailer, including box stores like Sears, Lowes, Best Buy, et. al, will try and convince you to buy "extended warranties" for your appliances. They are taking advantage of the fact that there is a 1-year warranty on appliances now, and also because they are made more cheaply than ever before. They are also cashing in on a major market, the appliance service field., only they are contracting the cheapest and least paid people to do the contract repairs. Hence, you get a plethora of questionable companies out trying to make money from third-party providers.

Here's what I think after all my 38 years of customer service repairs in the field:

1. Avoid extended warranties

2. When repairs are needed, it is best to simply pay for them as needed. Most modern stuff has a lifespan of about 7-10 years anyway depending on how hard it is used. 3. The warranty gimmick is cleverly presented by sales people, only pointing out the possible savings over the life of the appliance (remember, 7-10 years). Mostly, it's because they get a commission on the sale, plus the post-warranty company doing the repair is making a cut on every one of them, further encouraging this practice.

4. You will end up paying a co-pay on most of these programs, plust the company decides when to stop repairs in the 'lifespan clause' written in the fine print of your contract. It pays to read those things, trust me.

Here's an excerpt from a column written by an affiliate of mine in Oregon who has been in the business of repairs for for several years:

Regarding extended warranties-

"I think it has more to do with what the customer thinks they are hearing. We lose work to places like Sears because the customer will be looking around for the best deal and on the Sears site, they are able to put in what is wrong with there appliance and an estimated repair cost comes back so the customer considers that a quote. Or the customer will read the service call fee from the website but ignore the fine print stating additional labor and parts will be quoted by the tech and you pay the trip charge regardless. We even had one last month where the customer was calling around looking for installing a specific part, found the part on the Sears parts site and then proceeded to give that to us as a quote from Sears. Unfortunately, trying to explain reality to many of these customers doesn't work because people tend to believe what they read or hear if it agrees with their expectation. Many service providers out there be it Sears, or some one man operation all use marketing ploys of one form or another to get the phone to ring. It is difficult for the average consumer to read between the lines on things like "free service call with repair" because it reads one way to one person and another to someone else. I find it best to ask as many questions of the customers when they call, because when I find people simply shopping or attempting to manipulate my fees by providing details of others charges, I usually suggest they go with the place that offered them such a great deal. I am sure it works out many times for those customers, but the Internet is also full of reviews from customers that felt they were robbed, most likely because they expected the price to be this, when in actuality it was not. As for the "free service call with repair", I spoke with two potential customers in the same week insistent that this other place didn't charge for estimate because of that statement. I politely suggested they go with that service provider because attempting to explain the reality would only be a waste of my time."

All in all, my message is to just buy the appliance and pay to have it repaired by a factory-recommended source instead of the "come-on" guys in the phone book. The best way to do this is to go directly to the manufacturer's website and look up the companies in your area. This way, you are assured of getting someone familiar with your brand, not some do-it-all company that is paid lower wages to come to your house. Repairs are expensive enough, but if done wrong, can cost you more later.

How to Use This Section!

Virtual Repairman — Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:49 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:49 am

This is a READ-ONLY forum. No direct posting of questions is allowed any longer due to my time constraints. I have spent many years taking sample questions from the public and now have a wealth of information with over 8,000 posts! All of this was done for your benefit. This is a knowledge base that can be used to find your answers quickly in most cases if you follow these short instructions..

Make Use of the Search Button!

The unique thing about this forum is that I've already covered most every appliance problem you are likely to run into. The fastest way to find a solution is to use the Search button up near the top of the page to quickly locate your product and related topics on the forum. Just type your model or appliance problem into the search box and click the 2nd button that says "Search for all Terms". It will show you all posts related to your machine. You can also locate specific parts by typing your part number in the blank as well.

Search examples: "Kenmore top load washer won't spin" or "Maytag dryer won't heat" , etc.

If you simply cannot find your solution after searching thru the forum, you may use the "Ask the Repairman" link under each of my posts for personal help. There is a small fee for each consultation per event and your issue will be given my utmost attention.

Return Any Part from my affiliates!

Unlike most parts dealers, any part purchased thru my recommended links can be returned without question if the part does not solve the problem so there is no reason to shop elsewhere simply to save a day or two waiting. You will find that our parts prices are generally much cheaper than paying retail at a local store and my parts arrive very quickly, within 2-3 days for functional items. The Virtual Repairman provides this forum for free and is supported in this effort by your parts puchases.

NEW BONUS: You can now get parts for vacuums, lawn mowers and other small engines at the RepairClinic links on the bottom of every page!

Limitations and Exclusions-
Basic hand tools and a volt/ohm meter are the minimal requirements to test your appliances. Keep this in mind if asking a technical question.

Your safety is our #1 concern! Always unplug any appliance from the electrical source before attempting any repair! Advice received on this forum is given free of charge and no liability is assumed by the site administrator or any authorized agent thereof. This includes advice given by outside moderators who have professional experience to provide free of charge on this forum. If the repairs suggested are beyond your level of expertise, then you should call in a local professional to assure a proper repair.

Anti-Spam Measures are in place here-
Click the icon below for Terms of Use of this site-

To get started, go to the Jump To: box below on the right and select your category .

How To Use This Section

Virtual Repairman — Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:48 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:48 am

This is a READ-ONLY forum. No direct posting of questions is allowed any longer due to my time constraints. I have spent many years taking sample questions from the public and now have a wealth of information with over 8,000 posts! All of this was done for your benefit. This is a knowledge base that can be used to find your answers quickly in most cases if you follow these short instructions..

Make Use of the Search Button!

The unique thing about this forum is that I've already covered most every appliance problem you are likely to run into. The fastest way to find a solution is to use the Search button up near the top of the page to quickly locate your product and related topics on the forum. Just type your model or appliance problem into the search box and click the 2nd button that says "Search for all Terms". It will show you all posts related to your machine. You can also locate specific parts by typing your part number in the blank as well.

Search examples: "Kenmore top load washer won't spin" or "Maytag dryer won't heat" , etc.

If you simply cannot find your solution after searching thru the forum, you may use the "Ask the Repairman" link under each of my posts for personal help. There is a small fee for each consultation per event and your issue will be given my utmost attention.

Return Any Part from my affiliates!

Unlike most parts dealers, any part purchased thru my recommended links can be returned without question if the part does not solve the problem so there is no reason to shop elsewhere simply to save a day or two waiting. You will find that our parts prices are generally much cheaper than paying retail at a local store and my parts arrive very quickly, within 2-3 days for functional items. The Virtual Repairman provides this forum for free and is supported in this effort by your parts puchases.

NEW BONUS: You can now get parts for vacuums, lawn mowers and other small engines at the RepairClinic links on the bottom of every page!

Limitations and Exclusions-
Basic hand tools and a volt/ohm meter are the minimal requirements to test your appliances. Keep this in mind if asking a technical question.

Your safety is our #1 concern! Always unplug any appliance from the electrical source before attempting any repair! Advice received on this forum is given free of charge and no liability is assumed by the site administrator or any authorized agent thereof. This includes advice given by outside moderators who have professional experience to provide free of charge on this forum. If the repairs suggested are beyond your level of expertise, then you should call in a local professional to assure a proper repair.

Anti-Spam Measures are in place here-
Click the icon below for Terms of Use of this site-

To get started, go to the Jump To: box below on the right and select your category .

READ THIS FIRST!

Virtual Repairman — Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:34 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:34 am

This is a READ-ONLY forum. No direct posting of questions is allowed any longer due to my time constraints. I have spent many years taking sample questions from the public and now have a wealth of information with over 8,000 posts! All of this was done for your benefit. This is a knowledge base that can be used to find your answers quickly in most cases if you follow these short instructions..

Make Use of the Search Button!

The unique thing about this forum is that I've already covered most every appliance problem you are likely to run into. The fastest way to find a solution is to use the Search button up near the top of the page to quickly locate your product and related topics on the forum. Just type your model or appliance problem into the search box and click the 2nd button that says "Search for all Terms". It will show you all posts related to your machine. You can also locate specific parts by typing your part number in the blank as well.

Search examples: "Kenmore top load washer won't spin" or "Maytag dryer won't heat" , etc.

If you simply cannot find your solution after searching thru the forum, you may use the "Ask the Repairman" link under each of my posts for personal help. There is a small fee for each consultation per event.

Return Any Part from my affiliates!

Unlike most parts dealers, any part purchased thru my recommended links can be returned without question if the part does not solve the problem so there is no reason to shop elsewhere simply to save a day or two waiting. You will find that our parts prices are generally much cheaper than paying retail at a local store and my parts arrive very quickly, within 2-3 days for functional items. The Virtual Repairman provides this forum for free and is supported in this effort by your parts puchases.

NEW BONUS: You can now get parts for vacuums, lawn mowers and other small engines at the RepairClinic links on the bottom of every page!

Limitations and Exclusions-
Basic hand tools and a volt/ohm meter are the minimal requirements to test your appliances. Keep this in mind if asking a technical question.

Your safety is our #1 concern! Always unplug any appliance from the electrical source before attempting any repair! Advice received on this forum is given free of charge and no liability is assumed by the site administrator or any authorized agent thereof. This includes advice given by outside moderators who have professional experience to provide free of charge on this forum. If the repairs suggested are beyond your level of expertise, then you should call in a local professional to assure a proper repair.

Anti-Spam Measures are in place here-
Click the icon below for Terms of Use of this site-

To get started, go to the Jump To: box below on the right and select your category .

READ FIRST! How To Use This Forum

Virtual Repairman — Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:32 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:32 am

This is a READ-ONLY forum. No direct posting of questions is allowed any longer due to my time constraints. I have spent many years taking sample questions from the public and now have a wealth of information with over 8,000 posts! All of this was done for your benefit. This is a knowledge base that can be used to find your answers quickly in most cases if you follow these short instructions..

Make Use of the Search Button!

The unique thing about this forum is that I've already covered most every appliance problem you are likely to run into. The fastest way to find a solution is to use the Search button up near the top of the page to quickly locate your product and related topics on the forum. Just type your model or appliance problem into the search box and click the 2nd button that says "Search for all Terms". It will show you all posts related to your machine. You can also locate specific parts by typing your part number in the blank as well.

Search examples: "Kenmore top load washer won't spin" or "Maytag dryer won't heat" , etc.

If you simply cannot find your solution after searching thru the forum, you may use the "Ask the Repairman" link under each of my posts for personal help. There is a small fee for each consultation per event.

Return Any Part from my affiliates!

Unlike most parts dealers, any part purchased thru my recommended links can be returned without question if the part does not solve the problem so there is no reason to shop elsewhere simply to save a day or two waiting. You will find that our parts prices are generally much cheaper than paying retail at a local store and my parts arrive very quickly, within 2-3 days for functional items. The Virtual Repairman provides this forum for free and is supported in this effort by your parts puchases.

NEW BONUS: You can now get parts for vacuums, lawn mowers and other small engines at the RepairClinic links on the bottom of every page!

Limitations and Exclusions-
Basic hand tools and a volt/ohm meter are the minimal requirements to test your appliances. Keep this in mind if asking a technical question.

Your safety is our #1 concern! Always unplug any appliance from the electrical source before attempting any repair! Advice received on this forum is given free of charge and no liability is assumed by the site administrator or any authorized agent thereof. This includes advice given by outside moderators who have professional experience to provide free of charge on this forum. If the repairs suggested are beyond your level of expertise, then you should call in a local professional to assure a proper repair.

Anti-Spam Measures are in place here-
Click the icon below for Terms of Use of this site-

To get started, go to the Jump To: box below on the right and select your category .

New Dishwashers Designed to Address Phosphate Phase-Out

Virtual Repairman — Tue Jul 12, 2011 6:27 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 6:27 am

KitchenAid brand designed the sound levels of its new dishwashers to address those consumers who find that the sound of a running dishwasher is reassuring that the appliance is working and as well as the consumer who find that any �non-human� sound in the kitchen is unwelcome. Some models are designed with a built-in water softener, which can make a big difference under some use circumstances, according to Deb O'Connor, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid.

"Built-in water softening is particularly timely given that detergent manufacturers are removing phosphates that optimize hard water's ability to clean dishes, and cities are increasingly cutting back on water softening in their water supplies," noted O'Connor. "And as those living with hard water know, unsoftened water can stain and leave mineral deposits on dishes and glassware."

New Superba Series EQ dishwashers have advanced sound dampening technology and operate at 40 decibels in the normal cycle. "Anything quieter than that would be hard for the human ear to even notice,� O�Connor said.

Half of Americans Languish While More Affluent Flourish-

Virtual Repairman — Tue Jul 12, 2011 6:21 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 6:21 am

July 7, 2011

Consumer Reports said two years of data from its Consumer Reports Index shows that the economic recovery has been quite different for lower-income American households than for more affluent consumers. The report tracks more-affluent households (annual income of $100,000 or more; represent 18% of Americans) and lower-income households ($50,000 or less; represent 50% of Americans).

The Sentiment Index is one component of the CR Index. It shows that:
� More-affluent households: The recovery began in February 2010, when the Sentiment Index for this group went from negative to positive (above 50). Sentiment continued climbing and reached a two-year high of 54.8 in June 2011.
� Lower-income households: Sentiment reached bottom in October 2009 and has risen slightly since then, but is still in negative territory.

The Trouble Tracker Index shows that, over the course of the recession, financial suffering among lower-income Americans has been three to five times the level of those earning $100,000 or more. This index measures eight financial troubles such as the ability to afford health care and missed mortgage payments.

Medical coverage and prescription medication affordability has been one of the biggest areas of disparity between the two groups in the past two years, CR said.
� The more-affluent: CR called affordability a "minor issue," with just 5% of this group reporting that they have had difficulty paying these expenses.
� Lower-income households: affordability of medical coverage has been a key problem in the recessions, affecting one in four households at one point; the impact of this issue on this group has been lessening in recent months.

The CR index shows continued suffering by lower-income households in terms of housing (missed mortgage payments still climbing to almost 9%, compared to less than 2% and falling among more-affluents) and employment (fewer job opportunities in 23 of the last 24 months, while more-affluents "hardly experienced a decline."

Court Expands Whirlpool Patent Win Against LG

Virtual Repairman — Tue Jul 12, 2011 6:16 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 6:16 am

July 8, 2011

Whirlpool Corp. (Benton Harbor, MI, U.S.) was handed another win in its ongoing legal battle with LG over refrigerator patents. The United States District Court of Delaware ruled in favor of Whirlpool, affirming and expanding a March 2010 jury decision that certain LG refrigerators infringe Whirlpool Corporation's patented technology.

The court's July 1, 2011 decision affirmed the March 2010 ruling that LG side-by-side refrigerators infringe Whirlpool's patented In-Door-Ice refrigerator technology. The court also expanded this ruling in favor of Whirlpool by finding that LG French door models also infringe Whirlpool's In-Door-Ice technology. The court also ruled that certain LG refrigerators infringe a second Whirlpool patent on strengthened refrigerator cabinets. The court ordered a new trial to assess monetary damages against LG related to the July 1 expanded infringement findings and issues related to enforceability of the patents.

Whirlpool said that, after the March 2010 trial, LG modified its refrigerators with the technology. A separate lawsuit is pending in the United States District Court of Delaware in which Whirlpool asserts that the modified LG refrigerators, which remain on the market, also infringe Whirlpool patents. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

"Today's decision helps protect fair competition by ensuring that competitors do not unlawfully copy our winning consumer solutions," said Marc Bitzer, president of Whirlpool North America Region.

whirlpool wall oven RBS245PDQ11

Virtual Repairman — Mon Jul 11, 2011 4:43 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 4:43 am

What was going on that you had to replace the touchpad?
The keypad does NOT have to be programmed unless the control itself is changed. Keypads do not cause breakers to trip, either. So did you change the electronic control or just the keypad ?

I need to knowthe following:

1. What was the oven doing before you tinkered with it?
2. What parts did you change and why?
3. I need the part number of any part you replaced so I can verify it against your model number.

I believe you had a consultation question, but you never mentioned the whole story. I need it now, please.

Thanks!

From the manual:

"Programming the Cavity Size
When replacing the electronic control, be sure to program
the cavity size:
1. For Self-Clean models, within 60 seconds of power
up, press the following touchpads:
STOP TIME, TEMP UP,COOK TIME, BAKE,
BROIL, CLOCK, CANCEL, OVEN LIGHT.
For Standard-Clean models, within 60 seconds of
power up, press the following touchpads:
TEMP UP, BAKE, BROIL, CLOCK, CANCEL,
OVEN LIGHT.
2. Size is shown in display - �id 24�.
3. Press CLOCK pad until correct size is displayed.
4. Press CANCEL.
5. To verify programming:
Press and hold CANCEL pad for 5 seconds, then
press and hold START pad for 5 seconds."