| HOME | Troubleshooting | DIY Tips |
|
There are many different ways to diagnose a problem, but all of them basically use the same reasoning of deduction. • Where the consumer thinks the malfunction is located within the appliance. • Where the actual problem is located within the appliance. • Are there any related problems with the appliance? • Flow to solve the problem with the appliance. For example, the consumer states that the dryer does not dry the clothes, and believes that the heating element is bad. The actual problem might be a restricted exhaust vent, a clogged lint filter, bad heating elements, faulty operating thermostats or safety thermostat, or improper control settings. When checking the dryer, you notice that the control settings are set for air-drying, instead of heat-drying. Thus, the actual problem was the control settings not being positioned correctly. The related problem is “How did the control setting move to the air dry position?” And then, the question of “Does the consumer know how to operate the dryer?” To solve this problem, you will have to instruct the consumer in the proper operation of the dryer. All appliances go through a certain sequence of events. Understanding the proper operation, and this sequence as indicated in the use and care manual, is beneficial when diagnosing the appliance. PRODUCT FAILURE Given the information about the appliance’s problem, information and diagnostic charts from this book, and the information you have read in the use and care manual; as the servicer, you will be able to perform the following steps in sequence to diagnose and correct a malfunction. Listed below are the basic steps to follow when diagnosing an appliance problem. 1. Verify the complaint Ask the consumer what symptoms were caused by the problem with the appliance. 2. Check for external factors. For example: is the appliance installed properly; does the appliance have the correct voltage; etc.? 3. Physical damage. Check for internal and external physical damage. Any damage will prevent the appliance from functioning properly. Two examples are: broken parts at the base of the washing machine, or a damaged cabinet that will prevent the doors from closing properly. 4. Check the controls. The controls must be set to the proper settings. If the controls are not set correctly, the appliance might not complete its cycle. 5. Operate the appliance. Operate the appliance, and let it run through its cycle. Check the cycle operation against the operational sequence of events that is listed in the use and care manual. 6. The appliance is operating properly. If it is, then explain to the consumer how to operate the appliance according to the manufacturer’s specifications. 7. The appliance is not operating properly. If the appliance is not operating properly, then proceed to locate which component has failed. Check the diagnostic charts that are listed in this book to assist you in the correct direction to take. DIAGNOSIS AND CORRECTION PROCEDURE When diagnosing a problem with the appliance, use your five senses to determine the condition of the appliance. This will help in analyzing and defining the problem. • Example #1. When turning on the washing machine, there is a smell of something burning. You can track down the location of the burning smell, and therefore, discover which part has failed. • Example #2. When turning on a dishwasher, unusual noises are heard coming from underneath the machine. Stop the dishwasher, and attempt to track down from where the noises are coming. Along with your hand tools, there are a variety of test meters to assist in analyzing and defining the problem. Listed below are the sequence of events that should be taken when servicing an appliance. • Unplug the appliance. Change the range setting on the multimeter to voltage. Check the voltage from the appliance’s receptacle. If there is an uncertainty, check the name plate rating, which is located on the appliance, for the correct voltage rating. When diagnosing a component failure there are three types of circuit failure. The open circuit, the grounded circuit, and the short circuit, all of which are thoroughly explained in the next section. • Gain access. Only remove the panels and screws necessary to gain access to where the suspected component failure is located. • Isolate and/or remove the defective part. Using the multimeter, isolate and/or remove the part, set the range to Ohms, and check for component failure. This will be further explained in section five. • Install the new component. When finding a defective part, replace it with a new original part. Reconnect all the wires in their original places. • Reattach all panels and screws. Now close the appliance, and reattach all panels and screws. • Test the appliance for proper operation Plug in the appliance and test it.
Prev: Tools needed for installation and repair |