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Troubleshooting Wizard in Middletown, DE

Answer a few yes-or-no questions to narrow down why your refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven or microwave stopped working.

Which appliance needs help?

Refrigerator troubleshooting steps

Is the interior light on when you open the door?
With the freezer door open and the door switch pressed, can you hear a fan running?
Is there heavy frost on the back wall of the freezer?
Are the condenser coils (bottom or back) covered in dust?
Does the fridge click every few minutes without running?
No power reaching the fridge. Check the plug, the outlet with another device, and the breaker. If the outlet works, the control board or main wiring may be at fault.
Likely a defrost failure: the evaporator has iced over and blocks airflow. The defrost heater, thermostat or control needs testing. Unplugging for 24 hours (with food moved) melts the ice temporarily.
The evaporator fan may have failed. It is a common, moderately priced repair.
Clean the coils with a vacuum and brush, then give it 24 hours. Dirty coils are a very common cause of poor cooling.
The compressor start relay or overload is likely failing. A technician can test it; it is usually an inexpensive part.
With power, fans and clean coils, the cause may be the compressor, a control or a refrigerant leak. This needs a technician's diagnosis.

Washing Machine troubleshooting steps

Does the washer turn on and start a cycle?
Does the door or lid close and lock (lock light or click)?
Does it fill with water?
Does it drain at the end of the wash?
Does it spin fast without heavy shaking?
The lock works but the cycle will not start: likely a control board or user interface issue. Note any error code.
The door lock or lid switch is likely faulty, or something is stopping the door closing fully.
Check both water valves are open and the inlet hose screens are clean. If water reaches the washer, the inlet valve may have failed.
Clean the drain pump filter and check the drain hose for kinks. If it still will not drain, the drain pump may have failed.
Try a smaller, balanced load and level the washer. Constant shaking points to worn shocks or springs; no spin can be a belt, motor or lock issue.
The main functions work. If you still have a problem (leak, noise, smell), use the symptom checker or call us.

Dryer troubleshooting steps

Does the drum turn when you start the dryer?
Do you hear a hum or motor sound?
Does it produce heat?
Is it a gas dryer?
Does a normal load take more than one cycle to dry?
The drive belt may be broken or the motor is struggling. Stop running it and call for service.
Check the door switch, the start button and the thermal fuse. A blown thermal fuse often means the vent is clogged.
Check the gas valve is open. Watch through the burner window: if the igniter glows but no flame, the gas valve coils are likely bad; if it does not glow, the igniter has failed.
Check both breakers: an electric dryer can spin on one. Otherwise the heating element or thermal fuse has likely failed.
The vent is probably restricted. Clean the lint screen, duct and the full vent run to the outside. Also wipe the moisture sensor bars.
The dryer is turning, heating and drying normally. For noises or odd smells, call us.

Dishwasher troubleshooting steps

Does the dishwasher start when you press start and close the door?
Do you hear water filling in the first minute or two?
Is there standing water in the bottom after a cycle?
Are dishes coming out dirty or gritty?
Check the door latches fully and child lock is off. The door latch or control board may need replacing.
Check the water supply valve under the sink. If it is open, the inlet valve or float switch may be faulty.
Clean the filter, run the garbage disposal and check the drain hose. If water still stands, the drain pump may have failed.
Clean the filter and spray arms, run the hot tap first and use rinse aid. If it persists, the circulation pump may be weak.
The basic cycle is working. For leaks or noises, use the symptom checker or call us.

Oven troubleshooting steps

Does the display or clock work?
Is it a gas oven?
Looking through the broiler or bottom, does the igniter glow?
Does the bake element at the bottom glow red when baking?
Is the temperature off by more than 25°F?
Check the breaker (electric ranges use two) or the plug on gas ranges. If power is present, the control board may have failed.
The igniter glows but the burner may not light: the igniter is likely weak and not drawing enough current to open the gas valve. It is the most common gas oven repair.
The igniter, its wiring or the control is faulty. Have it tested.
The bake element has likely burned out. Look for breaks or blisters on it.
The temperature sensor may be faulty, or the oven needs recalibration (most can be adjusted from the control panel).
Heating appears normal. For uneven baking or noises, call us.

Microwave troubleshooting steps

Does the display light up?
Does it run (light, fan, turntable) when you press start?
Does it heat a cup of water?
Do you see sparks inside?
Check the outlet and breaker. If power is fine, the internal fuse has likely blown, often because of a failed door switch.
The door switches may not be closing. Check the door latches firmly.
Likely a magnetron, diode or capacitor failure. These hold dangerous voltage: do not open the cabinet. Call a technician or consider replacement for small countertop units.
Check for metal inside and for food burns on the waveguide cover. Stop using it until the cover is cleaned or replaced.
The microwave works normally.

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