Appliance Troubleshooting Wizard for Guadalupe, CA

Troubleshooting Guides in Guadalupe, CA

Refrigerator

Refrigerator: Not cooling

1. Is the fridge getting power (light comes on)? If not, check the plug and the breaker. Try another device in the outlet.
2. Is the temperature set to about 37°F (fridge) and 0°F (freezer)? Settings are easy to bump. Set them correctly and wait 24 hours.
3. Are the condenser coils clean? Unplug the fridge and vacuum the coils at the back or behind the bottom grille.
4. Can you hear the fan inside the freezer when the fridge is running? If the fan is silent or you see heavy frost on the back panel, a fan or defrost part has likely failed.

Refrigerator: Leaking water

1. Is the water line behind the fridge dry and tight? Tighten the connection or replace a cracked line (turn the water off first).
2. Is the defrost drain clear? Flush the drain hole at the back of the fridge section with warm water.
3. Is the fridge level or tilted slightly back? Adjust the front feet so the doors swing closed on their own.

Refrigerator: Loud or unusual noise

1. Is the noise coming from inside the freezer? Ice around the evaporator fan often causes this. Check for frost buildup.
2. Is the noise coming from the bottom rear? Unplug and clean dust from the condenser fan area.
3. Does the noise happen when the ice maker fills or drops ice? These sounds are normal. Constant clicking or buzzing is not.

Washing Machine

Washing Machine: Won't start

1. Is the washer getting power (display lights up)? Check the plug, the breaker and any GFCI outlet reset button.
2. Is the lid or door closed firmly and child lock off? Washers will not start unless the door locks. Check the manual for how to turn off child lock.
3. Are the water taps behind the washer fully open? Some washers will not start or will error out without water pressure.

Washing Machine: Won't drain

1. Is the drain hose free of kinks? Pull the washer out and straighten the hose.
2. Is the drain pump filter clean? (front-loaders) Put towels down, open the small front panel and clean out the filter.
3. Can you hear the pump hum during the drain cycle? A humming pump that moves no water is jammed or failing.

Washing Machine: Shaking or moving

1. Is the load balanced? Spread heavy items evenly and avoid washing one heavy item alone.
2. Is the washer level on all four feet? Adjust the feet and tighten the lock nuts.
3. Is it a new washer? Were the shipping bolts removed? Shipping bolts on the back must be removed before use.

Dryer

Dryer: No heat

1. Is the breaker on? (electric dryers use a double breaker) Reset both halves. A dryer can tumble with one half on but will not heat.
2. Is the gas valve open? (gas dryers) The handle should be parallel with the gas pipe.
3. Is the lint screen and vent clear? Clean the screen and check that air blows strongly outside. Blocked vents blow the thermal fuse.

Dryer: Takes too long to dry

1. Is the lint screen clean? Clean it before every load.
2. Is the vent hose behind the dryer uncrushed? Straighten or replace a crushed foil hose with a rigid or semi-rigid one.
3. Is airflow strong at the outside vent? Weak airflow means the vent run needs cleaning, which also reduces fire risk.

Dryer: Drum won't turn

1. Does the dryer start when the door is closed firmly? A worn door switch can stop the dryer from starting.
2. Does the motor hum but the drum stays still? Stop using it. This usually means a broken belt or failed idler pulley.

Dishwasher

Dishwasher: Not cleaning well

1. Is the filter at the bottom clean? Twist out the filter, rinse it and put it back.
2. Do the spray arms turn freely with clear holes? Clear blocked holes with a toothpick.
3. Is the water hot when the cycle starts? Run the kitchen tap until hot before starting the dishwasher.

Dishwasher: Water left in the bottom

1. Is the filter clean? A clogged filter is the most common cause.
2. If connected to a garbage disposal, has it been run recently? Run the disposal. New disposals have a knockout plug that must be removed.
3. Is the drain hose under the sink free of kinks? Straighten the hose and check it is looped up high.

Dishwasher: Leaking

1. Are you using dishwasher detergent only? Dish soap causes suds that leak out of the door.
2. Is the door gasket clean and undamaged? Wipe the gasket and look for tears.
3. Is the dishwasher level? An unlevel dishwasher can leak from the door.

Oven / Range

Oven / Range: Oven not heating

1. Does the display light up and the clock work? If not, check the breaker. Electric ranges use a double breaker.
2. Electric: is the bake element intact (no breaks or blisters)? A damaged element must be replaced.
3. Gas: does the igniter glow for 60-90 seconds before the burner lights? A weak igniter glows but does not open the gas valve.

Oven / Range: Gas burner won't light

1. Do you smell gas? Turn off the burner, open windows, do not switch anything on or off, and call your gas company from outside.
2. Is the burner cap seated and dry? Clean and dry the cap and burner base, then reseat the cap.
3. Do you hear clicking when you turn the knob? Clicking with no flame points to a dirty or cracked igniter; no clicking points to the spark module.

Oven / Range: Wrong temperature

1. Have you checked the temperature with an oven thermometer? Preheat to 350°F and compare after 20 minutes.
2. Is the door sealing properly? Check the door gasket for gaps or damage.
3. Is it off by more than 25°F? Small differences can be adjusted in settings; larger ones usually mean a faulty sensor.

Microwave

Microwave: Runs but doesn't heat

1. Is the door closing fully? A misaligned door can stop heating. Do not use it if the door is damaged.
2. Have you tested with a cup of water for 1 minute? If the water stays cold, a high-voltage part has failed. Do not open the cabinet: it holds dangerous voltage.

Microwave: Completely dead

1. Is the outlet working? Test it with another device and check the breaker.
2. Did it stop after the door was slammed or it sparked? An internal fuse or door switch has likely failed. Call a technician.