Electric Range Too Hot!

Name: Dave

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

Hi, Joe,

Our 7 year old electric range has a problem.When we use the two large coils on top they go to the highest heat all the time even though we do not want them there. So it is either highest heat or turn them off - nothing in between. Any ideas what is wrong and how to fix it?

Thanks!

Hi Dave, 

Thanks for your note.
It sounds as if you need two new switches that control those burners. Usually it takes a couple of screws and reconnecting some wires. Give it a try. 
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Repairing Broken Glass-top Stove

Name: Becky

City: Ypsilanti, MI

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

Hi, Joe,

We have an electric glass top stove that is approximately 20 yrs old.  We have a crack in the glass and was wondering if it is still safe to cook on and if it is worth replacing the top or purchasing a new one?  Thank you 

Hi Becky, 

Thanks for your note.
I suggest you call my son Mark at 734-953-6991 and get a price on the stove top and the cost of repairs. I think you might find it too expensive to repair.
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Smart Meters

Name: Bruce

City: Plymouth, MI

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

Hi, Joe,

I don't know if you have had any callers call you regarding the topic of smart meters.What is your knowledge and point of view regarding these new-fangled radio transmitters?

Hi Bruce, 

Thanks for your note.
I have heard and read about this subject and can't get any interviews set up with the utilities. Apparently studies are being done by the Public Service Commission and no one wants to talk. It is so controversial with people saying they are getting sick etc. A big fuss is being made. 
I have had one on our home for quite some time and feel no affects at all. Time will tell. 
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Washing Machine Won't Agitate

Name: Darryl

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

Hi, Joe,

I have a Maytag MAV7700AWW Atlantis washer that spins and fills properly but will not agitate. It makes a horrible grinding noise when it should be agitiating. Is there any easy way to tell if this is a broken agitator or the transmission or something else?

Hi Darryl, 

Thanks for your note.
Tip the machine and look underneath. There is a pulley there. Grab that pulley and shake it. You may need a pulley and bearing kit.
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Thermostat for 1954 Stove

Name: Melanie

City: Grosse Pointe Park

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

Hi, Joe,

I have a 1954 Bakemaster stove. I absolutely love this stove, but I cannot bake things in the oven. For example, when I bake cookies and cakes, the items are still raw in the center and often don't brown when using the recommended baking time. When I leave items in longer to achieve brown-ness, often they become over baked. 

Also, it is impossible to melt cheese in this oven. Lasagna and pizza will continue to have cheese clumps. 

I would love to have this oven rebuilt, but I'd like to better understand what could be causing these issues. I have moved items to a higher shelf in the oven, but that only slightly improves the baking. The biggest issue is the large amount of time it takes to bake anything and the constant guessing as to when an item is done (although it's never truly baked/melted, I usually just give up and pull it out of the oven).

I'm wondering if you can offer any suggestions.

Hi Melanie, 

Thanks for your note.
I can imagine how beautiful that old stove is and can't blame you wanting to keep possession of it. You know that even temperatures are so important when baking and I believe the oven thermostat is failing in the range. I don't know if you can purchase a new thermostat for this unit. There are few technicians who would want to get involved with repairs for fear that they couldn't fix it or that it wouldn't stay fixed. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Bosch Dishwasher Keeps Running

Name: Ken

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

I have a Bosch Dishwasher #she44co24c/22 - it continues to run with 1 minute remaining and some water in the bottom. It won't shut off until you open the door.
Thanks for your help.

Hi Ken, 

Thanks for your note.
I suggest you call for service on this one. Bosch is a special product and before we consider the electronics on this problem, there may be a pressure switch associated with water removal. Make sure the drain hose is not kinked and there is no obstruction in the drain system. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Check the Dryer Door Switch

Name: Willie

City: Appling, GA

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

Hi, Joe,

I have a 2003 Whirlpool electric dryer. Model# LER5620KQ1      

The dryer was working fine and drying well but now it will not run.I have tried to troubleshoot and check these things:

1. I made sure it was getting good current and that the connection was good.

2. I replaced the power supply cord and receptacle

3. I checked the breakers - they were good.

I appreciate your help.

Hi Willie, 

Thanks for your note.
Have you checked the door switch? Remove the lint screen and remove the 2 screws in that area. Pop the top up from the front and you can see the door switch.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Dented Refrigerator Door

Name: Dave

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

Can I get a dent out of the front corner of my refrigerator?

Hi Dave, 

Thanks for your note.
The service industry orders a new outer door panel and goes from there. An old time trapper would use a toilet plunger or drill a hole and use a coat hanger to pull it out and use something decorative to plug the hole. You might load up the refrigerator and take it to Doug's Body Shop on Ford Rd. in Garden City. Hope these ideas help.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Dishwasher Running Too Long

Name: Tom

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

I have a Kenmore dishwasher that is 10 years old.

Model 665.1646, serial fr3410264. My question is that the wash cycle is running over 2 and a half hours. Do I have a problem here?

On another issue the owners guide says to not rinse dishes before loading. Really? Should we load soiled?

Thanks so much! 

Hi Bill, 

Thanks for your note.
It appears the timer is defective. 

As for the rinsing issue. They say you will have more soap action if there is dirt or whatever on the dishes. I still rinse my dishes.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Hot Water Tank Repair

Name: Bill

City: Ft. Wayne, IN

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

I have a Reliance 40 gallon hot water heater and think I need a thermocouple assembly I found two online that look like what I need but I'm not sure which one to buy - 9003531 or 9003488 - for my model - 640x0rt. It doesn't stay lit. We removed the assembly and cleaned it, but I still have to light each time with push button inboard lighter. Where can I find out number of part i need?

Thank you!

Hi Bill, 

Thanks for your note.
Your problem can be a very different problem than in the old days when you simply changed the thermocouple available at all hardware stores. Call a plumber with the model number and ask what has to be changed to correct the problem. I went through this 5 years ago and I had to buy a whole assembly.
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Lighting a Gas Stove

Name: Chuck

City: Lewiston

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

I have a natural gas Magic Chef cook stove. The oven takes 10+ min to light. It is not one with a 'glow bar' but a pilot light.

What do we need to do to make it light faster'?

Hi Chuck, 

Thanks for your note.
In an old system like yours you should clean the area where the flame strikes a thermocouple. Use some fine sandpaper to clean the surface. It is always possible that the oven safety valve needs to be replace. 
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Frost in Freezer

Name: John

City: Toledo

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

My GE side by side refrigerator freezer will not get cold enough and there is frost on back of freezer wall.

Hi John, 

Thanks for your note.
When you see frost on the back wall of a side by side it usually indicates a defrost problem. Timer, heater or terminator are parts in the defrost system and one of them needs replacing. You can remove the food, heat the back wall with a hair dryer and that will get you through for about 6 days. Newer models have a defrost system controlled by a mother board ( electronics ) . You may end up calling for a service technician. 
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Gas Odors

Name: Al

City: Plymouth

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

While doing laundry, after several loads of washing and drying (gas dryer) , we noticed a strong gas smell in the laundry room. We called Consumers Power who sent out a tech to look for a potential leak. Using the electronic sniffer leak detector, the tech found no leaks in the line, but indicated the equipment showed a small amount of gas in the dryer itself. She turned off the gas supply to the dryer and tagged the dryer, indicating it should not be used until it is repaired. Is this unusual? What is the likely cause? Any recommendations of an appliance repair service in our (Plymouth, MI ) area?  

Hi Al, 

Thanks for your note.
It has been known to happen. The gas valve assembly is not shutting off completely. It is something that a tech should check out. My son Mark covers your area. His number is 734-953-6991. Please let me know what problem is discovered.
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Replacement Washer

Name: Vickie

City: Ypsilanti

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

We need to purchase a new top load washer. Just for 2 adults - no need for all the extra's just clean clothes. We were looking at the Maytag Centennial 3.6 cu. ft. high efficiency (model # MVWC360AW) but we're finding mixed reviews. What brand & model would you suggest?

Hi Vickie, 

Thanks for your note.
I prefer the Speed Queen washer, available at Busen's Appliance in Lincoln Park or Heydlauffs in Chelsea. The best in the business today.
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Defective Water Valve

Name: Vito

City: Sterling Heights

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

I have an Ice Maker on a Maytag refrigerator that I can not get to work. I have replaced the ice maker and valve. The only thing I haven't replaced is the water filter valve. If I put 115 volts to the ice maker water valve, it flows water. The ice maker sends 120 volts to the valve when cycled. Could it be the second valve? Anything else I can check? I am at a loss.

Hi Vito, 

Thanks for your note.
There are times when the water valve will allow water to drip through. This slow drip can freeze in the fill tube behind the ice maker. You can melt that ice using a hair dryer but it also means replacing the defective water valve.
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Gas Stove Won't Stop Sparking

Name: Connie

City: West Bloomfield

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

The electric spark on my gas cooktop won't stop sparking. It's now unplugged. Is this something I can fix?As always I appreciate your expertise. 

Hi Connie, 

Thanks for your note.
High humidity conditions can cause this to happen. Check the switches behind the knobs for a loose wire. The modulator is a plastic piece with all the wires coming from it. That could be defective.
Regards,

Joe Gagnon