Troubleshooting Breakdowns
2-10 Maintenance Guide / Troubleshooting Breakdowns / Appliance Breakdowns
Troubleshooting Appliance Breakdowns
Use these recommendations, along with your manufacturer’s instruction manual, to perform maintenance and try to get it running right away!
If these tips don’t help and you have an active 2-10 Home Service Plan, we can help! Just log in to your Homeowner Portal account, check your service contract, and file a claim if you have refrigerator coverage!
Refrigerator Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Unit isn't plugged in
Plug in unit
Blown fuse
Check fuse box/circuit breaker
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The unit may not be level
Level the unit
The drain pan is rattling
Make sure the pan is not touching the sides or the compressor
The fan blades are hitting something
Make sure the fan blades are not bent or obstructed
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The condenser coils are dirty
Clean the coils with a vacuum
The condenser fan is malfunctioning
Check the fan and repair or replace as necessary
The thermostat is not set properly
Adjust the thermostat as necessary
The door gasket is defective
Replace the door gasket to eliminate cold air from escaping
The room temperature is very hot
The unit may be operating properly, try to cool the room
Heavy frost accumulation
Defrost the unit more frequently
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The drains are clogged
Clear the drains
The door gasket leaks or is damaged
Replace the door gasket
The drain hose is damaged or cracked
Replace the drain hose
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The drain line is clogged or the drain pan is full
Clear the drain line and empty the drain pan
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The drain pan is dirty
Clean and sanitize the drain pan
There is spoiled food in the unit
Remove any spoiled food. Keep an open container of baking soda in the unit until the odor is gone
Microwave Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
No power to the unit
Make sure the unit is plugged in. Check and reset the breaker s properly closed and latched
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The clock is not set
Reset the clock
A programming sequence was entered improperly
Press “Clear” on the touchpad and re-program
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
There is metal or metallic trim on an item in the unit
Remove metal or metal-trimmed items from inside the unit
The unit was turned on with nothing in the unit
Make sure you always have an item in the unit when you turn it on
Electric Oven, Range, or Cooktop Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
There is no power to the unit
Make sure the unit is plugged in. Check and reset the breaker
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The element is not properly "plugged in"
Remove the burner and replace to a fully secured position, ensuring it is properly “plugged in”
The burner is defective
Remove the burner and plug it in to another burner position, If it still does not work, replace the burner
The burner wiring, terminal block, or switch is defective
Test each part and replace as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The timer fuse is blown
Replace the fuse
There is a loose connection
Turn off the power to the oven and tighten all connections
The timer is bad
Replace the timer
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
An oven vent could be clogged
Clear the clog and replace the filter as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The door gasket is damaged and leaks
Replace the door gasket
The calibration of the thermostat is not correct
Contact the manufacturer for recalibration instructions
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The oven door is not locked
Shut and lock the oven door and restart the self-clean cycle
Gas Oven, Range, or Cooktop Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The pilot light has gone out
Open any windows and doors to create good ventilation and relight the pilot
The gas line is leaking
Leave the house an call the gas company immediately
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The pilot light is out
Relight the pilot
Gas is not turned on
Make sure the gas valve is turned on. Consult the gas company if necessary
The burner cap may not be set properly
Make sure the cap matches the burner size and is sealed properly
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The pilot port is clogged
Turn off the gas and clear the port
The pilot is getting blown out
Avoid drafts near the range
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The burner may be clogged
Clean the burner surface and port
The gas mixture is incorrect
Call your local gas company
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Circulation in the oven is not adequate
If you cover a shelf with aluminum foil, make sure you have at least 2 inches of clearance on the sides and back
The exhaust vent may be clogged
Clear the vent and replace the filter as necessary
The oven was not preheated
Preheat the oven before baking
The door seal leaks
Replace the door seal
Dishwasher Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The door is not closed properly
Be sure the door is properly closed and latched
No power to the unit
Be sure the unit is plugged in properly and reset the breaker
The door latch is defective
Inspect the door latch, repair or replace as necessary
The control selector is in the wrong position
Adjust the control to the correct “Start” position
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The water filter is clogged
If equipped, clean the intake water filter
The overflow switch is defective
If the switch sticks in the “full” position the unit will not fill with water, Replace the switch
The water valve is not on
Make sure the valve in the feed line is on, Track the feed line until you find the valve
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
A spray arm is hitting the dishes
Make sure the dishes do not obstruct the spray arm(s)
A knocking sound occurs from a defective water intake valve
Replace the water intake valve
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Soap buildup is interfering with proper operation
Remove soap buildup and clean with vinegar
The lid may be blocked
Make sure the lid is not obstructed
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
There may be a problem with the heating element
Make sure all the electrical connections around the element are secure and clean the element with vinegar
The timer is defective
Replace the timer
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The door seal has failed
Make sure the seal is clean and free of any soap buildup or waste, Clean or replace as necessary
The hose clamps are loose
Check and tighten clamps
The door hinges have failed
Replace the door hinges to regain a tight fit of the door
Excessive soapsuds caused from liquid soap
Switch to a powder detergent
Washer Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
No power to the unit
Make sure the unit is plugged in. Check and reset the breaker
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The water valves are turned off
Make sure the water valves are turned on
Water-line filters are clogged
Make sure the water-line filters are clear
There is a kink in a water hose
Check and straighten both water hoses
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The tub may be overfilled
Remove some laundry and redistribute the remaining laundry in the tub
The timer is defective
Wait 15 minutes to allow the machine to reset; Replace the timer
The lid is not closed properly
Make sure the lid is closed and the safety switch is working
The drive belt may be loose or broken
Tighten or replace the drive belt as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The hose connections are loose
Check and tighten the hose connections
Possible failed parts: gasket, mixing valve, hoses, overflow switch, or sensor
Check and replace the defective parts as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The laundry load is unbalanced
Distribute the clothes evenly
The machine may not be level
Level the machine
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The lid is not closed properly
Because the unit spins and drains at the same time, be sure the lid is closed
The drain hose may be kinked
Check and straighten the drain hose
The position of the drain hose may be too high
If the drain hose is more than 4 feet above floor level and it cannot be lowered easily, call a qualified service provider
Dryer Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The unit is not getting power
Make sure the unit is plugged in. Check and reset the breaker
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The belt drive is loose or broken
Tighten or replace the belt
The drum is stuck
Check the drum and remove any obstructions
The drum support mechanism is broken
Check and replace as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The lint trap or exhaust vent is clogged
Clear the trap or vent
There are too many clothes in the dryer
Remove some clothes
The door gasket leaks
Check and replace the door gasket
The heating element may not be operating properly
Check the heating element, thermostat, and timer, and replace as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The unit has a bad timer
Check and replace the timer
Refer to your Warranty Booklet or Home Service Plan for specific coverage details, as certain items and events are not covered.
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