Recent service calls – June

Recently an old customer of ours called in and requested service for 20 year old Bosch washing machine that was not completing cycle. After arriving on site and talking to customer it was confirmed that washing machine would complete some cycles but usually stops mid cycle or towards the end of cycle and shows an error message 13. Customer also advised that when washer stops, water is not drained or not drained completely. After a quick search of the error it was determined that error 13 pertains to washer not being able to drain water in appropriate time. First thing in this situation was to drain the washer manually to access coin trap of the washer to check for obstructions. After quickly removing water using shop vacuum coin trap was removed to find no obstructions or debris. While coin trap removed, technician checked drain pump impeller for excessive play and confirmed that impeller is in fact loose which causes intermittent drain issue. After receiving confirmation from customer, new drain pumps was ordered and installed the following day.

This customer called in regarding their compact Samsung dryer not heating. Customer advised that dryer turns on and rotates but does not heat up. When technician arrived on site the dryer was found stacked on top of washer and away in a closet. This type of dryer has resettable thermostat located on heating element housing. Once washer and dryer was pulled out, technician removed the cover and confirmed that resettable thermostat in fact open. After resetting the thermostat heating started working but reason for it to trip is not what you might think. The usual reason for this thermostat tripping is blocked exhaust vent which makes dryer run too hot. In this particular case the reason was faulty idler pulley. Pulley seized up and was not rotating causing the belt to drag and in turn slow down the drum which caused poor venting. Pulley was replaced with newer version of the part containing ballbearing to prevent future issues.

If you are experiencing any issues with any of your appliances, do not hesitate to contact Tricity Appliances Quality Service and we will be glad to set up an appointment to repair your appliance as soon as possible. 

You can reach us by phone at 778-488-0397 or fill out online service request form on our web site www.tricityquality.com

Recent service calls.

Recently a return customer of our called in regarding a Samsung washer in tenant’s suite that was working on wash cycle but when it got to spin cycle the washer would display 8C error code and would not spin clothes dry. When technician arrived on site he found dryer stacked on top of washer which makes service a little harder in case access is required to top of washer, which it was in this case. First things first, technician confirmed the error code and it was in fact 8C error code. 8C error code on Samsung washer indicates a problem with MEMS sensor or other name for it is Vibration sensor. On front load washers this sensor is usually located on top of the tub and connected directly to control board for the machine to monitor movement of the tub and adjust the load accordingly to minimize vibrations to allow fastest spin possible.

These sensors do not fail often and prior to replacing the sensor itself, it is important to make sure wiring harness of the sensor is in tact. After gaining access and removing control panel of the washer technician found that MEMS sensor wiring harness was pinched between control panel and metal front panel of the washer causing damage to wires. After removing the harness and repairing the wires, continuity of each wire was confirmed with multimeter and installed back into the machine. Finally machine was tested with a load to confirm successful repair.

Another return customer called in and asked us to repair a microwave. When technician arrived on site, customer advised that his Kitchen Aid microwave was showing message that the door was not closed and after customer slammed the door hard in attempt to remedy the issue, door is not latching at all now. After removing power from microwave by unplugging it, control panel was removed. After quick visual check it was determined that door cams came apart after the door was slammed hard. Cams were put back together, luckily the parts were not damaged. One of the micro switches was also replaced to remedy original problem of door not being detected closed.

Microwaves require this switches to be closed or opened in certain order to allow microwave to operate safely and properly. Micro switches are usually inexpensive and relatively simple to replace.

If you are experiencing any issues with your Samsung, Kitchen Aid or any other brand of appliances, do not hesitate to contact Tricity Appliances Quality Service and we will be glad to set up an appointment to repair your appliance as soon as possible. 

 

You can reach us by phone at 778-488-0397 or fill out online service request form on our web site www.tricityquality.com

F for Family Day Weekend, not faulty washer.

This Family Day Long Weekend, everyone here at Tricity Appliances would like to wish you and your family many more days spent together, enjoying each other’s company, doing things you like together and just have a good time as a family. And in order to spend more time together you need to make sure your appliances work properly and chores are not taking precious time away from having a good time with your family. If you have appliance troubles, we are here to help! At Tricity Appliances our customers are our big extended family and we treat you as such.

 

Speaking of faulty washers, our old customer called in regarding her LG washer that was not washing the laundry detergent from soap dispenser. While she managed by putting detergent into the drum directly, it was an inconvenience non the less. When our technician arrived to customer’s home, first thing to check was inlet valve filters, fine mesh filter get clogged with sediment in the water and create low pressure. Filters were checked and they were indeed clogged. Once cleaned with brush the filters were installed back but pressure was still low and not enough water was getting to soap dispenser to wash soap away. Just in case soap dispenser was taken apart for cleaning as it sometimes too can get clogged with sediment and limescale build up. Once all other options were exhausted, triple solenoid valve (cold water valve) was replaced and water pressure retuned to normal indicating that one of the solenoids was faulty and did not open all the way. Washer was tested to confirm other functions work well and customer was left with a smile and relief that she has one less inconvenience in her busy life.

Another return customer called in and asked us to repair a fridge that was not defrosting properly, the fridge is not new but has been in the family for a long time and customer is not ready to say good bye yet. Once on site, technician confirmed that freezer in fact not defrosting automatically by removing evaporator cover and inspecting frost pattern. Evaporator was found frozen solid and after manual defrost it was confirmed that culprit is a faulty defrost thermostat which “popped” and was no longer performing duties of controlling temperature inside freezer during defrost cycle. Thermostat was replaced along with defrost timer.

 

Customer was appreciative of reviving the fridge that was trouble free for many years prior.

If you are experiencing any issues with your Whirlpool, LG or any other brand of appliances, do not hesitate to contact Tricity Appliances Quality Service and we will be glad to set up an appointment to repair your appliance as soon as possible.

 

You can reach us by phone at 778-488-0397 or fill out online service request form on our web site www.tricityquality.com

Whirlpool Duet Washer, many errors-one solution.

At Tricity Appliances we work on most major brands of appliances. Whirlpool appliances definitely are some of more common ones we run into on our routes.

 

Customer called in with complaint that Whirlpool Duet washing machine is not completing cycle. Once technician arrived on site, customer advised that washer starts cycle but will not finish and water stays inside washer but sometimes will drain after some time. Modern appliances luckily have diagnostic modes that help to understand what is happening with the machine. This particular machine showed few different error codes. F3E1 indicating machine not able to determine proper water level, F9E1 indicating long drain and F8E3 indicating internal overflow. In case of multiple error codes it is important to understand that one error could be the cause of other errors. After a quick test it was determined that drain pump works intermittently. At this point decision was made to replace drain pump. After drain pump replacement, another diagnostic test was performed and confirmed no more errors.

   

Another customer sent a request complaining of a Maytag washer that became noisy on agitate cycle. Once technician arrived on site load of laundry was started to confirm the problem. Washer indeed made grinding noise on agitate cycle but worked normally on spin cycle. Technician then tilted washing machine back to gain access to motor and transmission. After quick inspection it was confirmed that drive pulley became damaged and was rubbing on motor cover causing the noise. Drive pulley comes as part of the kit called cam or splutch. Replacement is relatively simple and was performed right away. Another load was started to confirm successful repair. Once again, it is important to understand operation of the appliance to perform correct diagnostic of it. 

 

If you are experiencing any issues with your Whirlpool, Maytag or any other brand of appliances, do not hesitate to contact Tricity Appliances Quality Service and we will be glad to set up an appointment to repair your appliance as soon as possible. 

You can reach us by phone at 778-488-0397 or fill out online service request form on our web site www.tricityquality.com

Recent service calls.

First off, from everyone at Tricity Appliances, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May this upcoming year will be prosperous and healthy and may all your plans become a reality.

 

Pre Christmas and New Year season is always busy as every one tries to tie up loose ends before year’s end and we are not an exclusion. Here’s a couple of recent service calls out technicians attended to finish off the year strong.

 

An old customer of ours gave us a call complaining of her Kenmore dishwasher’s door falling down and not staying up. Once technician arrived on site it was determined that dishwasher is Kenmore by Bosch and therefore requires Bosch parts. After quick assessment technician found that both links and springs that hold the door up were broken (links snapped). Bosch dishwashers use different kits to solve this problem depending whether dishwasher comes with stainless door panel or has a wooden door panel installed to match kitchen cabinetry. Repair kits come with different sets of springs rated for different weight, it is important to choose correct part for proper operation of the door after the repair. Every dishwasher uses some sort of spring and link system to make sure door stays up. Usually this repair is very straight forward and parts relatively inexpensive.   

 

Another customer sent a request complaining of a Kenmore washing machine that would not spin clothes dry on some cycles, according to customer washer seems to be working ok on Normal cycle. Once again as soon as technician arrived on site, first order of business is to determine the manufacturer of this particular machine, in this case washing machine was Kenmore that was manufactured by Frigidaire. First thing that technician checked if there are any error messages stores in the memory. Only error message stored in history was E41. On this Frigidaire washer E41 error stands for “Control detecting door not closed”. Door lock issues on front loading washing machines are common and this was one of them. After replacing the door lock mechanism washer was tested on multiple cycles and no more issues was found.

 

f you are experiencing any issues with your Kenmore, Frigidaire, Bosch or any other brand of appliances, do not hesitate to contact Tricity Appliances Quality Service and we will be glad to set up an appointment to repair your appliance as soon as possible.

You can reach us by phone at 778-488-0397 or fill out online service request form on our web site www.tricityquality.com

Electrolux dryer becomes noisy every 6 month.

One of the recent calls that we have received was a complaint from customer that their dryer becomes noisy every 6 month and requires cleaning.

As per customer another company came in to diagnose a noisy Electrolux dryer and found that blower wheel became clogged with lint. After cleaning the dryer worked well but noise came back about 6 month later. At this point our technician came in to diagnose a dryer to determine if anything can be done. After removing the front panel technician found that blower wheel is once again clogged with lint causing blower to become unbalanced leading to vibration and poor drying performance.

After cleaning and inspection it was determined that blower wheel is not damaged but due to design of the part (closely positioned wings) cause lint to accumulate on the blower rather than going out through the vent. After quick research it was determined that replacement part for this particular blower is made with further spaced apart wings eliminating the problem of clogging blower wheel. Part was successfully replaced and customer will no longer need to call service for the dryer.

         

Cause and effect

A return customer got in touch with us requesting to check the fridge in one of the rental properties of his. Tenant complained of fridge not being cold and freezer working intermittently but freezing poorly. At first glance it may seem like a sealed system where compressor is failing or system lacking refrigerant but problem turned out to be simpler and much cheaper to repair.

The fridge in question is older model GE refrigerator with freezer compartment on top and flat evaporator located between freezer and fresh food section. After quick inspection, condensation could be seen on the fresh food sealing indicating that cooling system is operational. Once evaporator cover was removed it became clear that evaporator fan blade is frozen in ice preventing air circulation causing poor performance. In case of this model drain hole is located in the centre of the freezer, right under the evaporator. Plugged drain hole caused water after defrost cycle to accumulate and refreeze blocking the fan blade. Once all the ice was melted fridge was returned to operation and all components were working properly once again.

 

 

 

If you are experiencing any issues with your appliances, do not hesitate to contact Tricity Appliances Quality Service and we will be glad to set up an appointment to repair your appliance as soon as possible. You can reach us by phone at 778-488-0397 or fill out online service request form on our web site www.tricityquality.com

Unusual symptom, usual problem.

At Tricity Appliances we work on many different brands and types of appliances and run into all sorts of issues and problems. Not every problem is what it seams at first. Today we are going to talk about couple recent service calls our technicians attended.

 

A return customer of ours called in complaining of problem with their washing machine. Customer stated that when washer was filling up, water hose started to pulsate and washer showed an error message E1. The machine in question is Whirlpool laundry centre with top load washer and dryer on top. Once technician arrived on site, first step was to confirm the issue. During diagnostic technician found that washer on warm water setting would fill half way when water would stop and water hose would pulsate followed by error message. E1 error message indicates low water flow or long fill. Technician pulled laundry centre out to access back of the machine where water supply hoses connect. After turning the water supply off and removing hoses it was revealed that internal filters on the water inlet valves are dirty with sediment and debris. Quick rinse under the sink with a nylon brush cleared the filters to their factory condition. It is important to make sure that inner filters are clean as well to avoid future problems. Once water was reconnected diagnostic cycle was performed to confirm proper operation and to check for leaks.

  

Another customer sent a request complaining of their Bosch dishwasher that had no power. Once on site technician talked to customer who advise that dishwasher was recently removed and re installed to accommodate new floor installation. After a quick inspection technician found that one of the wires inside terminal box was loose and was not secured properly causing loss of power. This issue once again underlines the importance of proper installation by a professional installer.

One more service request came in from a return customer for their Bosch dishwasher. Customer advised that burning smell is present whenever dishwasher is in use. A lot of Bosch dishwasher, especially newer ones, use a Bosch electrical junction box which allows household supply cord to be plugged into the dishwasher directly. Once again improper installation of this component can cause arching and possibly fire. Luckily this customer called in the problem in time and the junction box was replaced before any major issues occurred.

        

If you are experiencing any issues with your Whirlpool, Bosch or other brand of appliances, do not hesitate to contact Tricity Appliances Quality Service and we will be glad to set up an appointment to repair your appliance as soon as possible. You can reach us by phone at 778-488-0397 or fill out online service request form on our web site www.tricityquality.com

Recent service calls

At Tricity Appliances we work on many different brands and types of appliances and run into all sorts of issues and problems. Today we are going to go over some recent service calls our technicians attended with problems that are not so common.

 

Customer called in with the problem with their dryer. Customer stated that dryer turns on but will not start the cycle. Our technician attended the call and was able to determine the issue but not until some component were checked. Firstly the technician removed the bottom panel to gain access to some component.

After removing the cover 2 important component were checked, the drive belt and thermal fuse. Both broken belt and open fuse can cause dryer to not start but both checked out ok. Next item on the list was the control board, on Whirlpool dryers it is especially common for motor relay to short out and prevent dryer from starting. In this particular case motor relay was in fact shorted out. Control board replacement was advised and customer will decide wether to repair or replace the unit. 

 

Another customer sent a request complaining of their LG refrigerator not cooling. Customer advised that third party technician checked the fridge and could not determine exact issue and suggested couple of possibilities. After arriving to customer’s home our technician proceeded to check the fridge. First it was confirmed that temperature is out of range. Next, technician checked for evaporator and condenser fan operation, both were working normally.

While in the back of the fridge it was confirmed that compressor is running. If compressor is running but the fridge is still not cooling it could mean a number of issues from low refrigerant level to insufficient compressor. After removing the evaporator cover, evaporator coil was revealed and showed only partial frost pattern indicating restricted system condition, caused by oil blocking refrigerant supply to evaporator. Due to young age of the fridge customer was referred to warranty company for sealed system repair.

 

If you are experiencing any issues with your Whirlpool, LG or other brand of appliances, do not hesitate to contact Tricity Appliances Quality Service and we will be glad to set up an appointment to repair your appliance as soon as possible. You can reach us by phone at 778-488-0397 or fill out online service request form on our web site www.tricityquality.com

Kitchen Aid range issues

Kitchen Aid range issues. (Gas and Electric)

Kitchen Aid is a Whirlpool Corporation owned brand making a range of appliances from mixers to fridges and ovens and everything in between. Kitchen Aid known for its great design and abundance of functions to bring your cooking to next level. However, like any other brand, even hi end ones, errors and malfunctions can occur.

 

One of the recent service requests our technician attended was for a Kitchen Aid electric range that according to customer did not cook food all the way through and showed an error related to overheating. During inspection technician completed a series of diagnostic procedures to determine the cause for such error. Firstly all components such as elements and other loads were checked for continuity and shorts. Both bake and broil elements showed proper resistance, temperature sensor was also checked and showed correct reading within specifications. Last step was to check electronic control for shorted relays. Luckily Kitchen Aid products come with built in diagnostic function and allow technician to quickly check individual relays to confirm proper operation. Unfortunately this particular control had faulty bake relay causing bake element to stay on at all times causing overheating issue. Main control board was replaced the following day restoring proper function of the range.

 

Another customer sent a request complaining of their Kitchen Aid gas range displaying error code F8E0 intermittently while using the oven. This error code is rather common and indicates a problem with cooling fan not reaching proper rotation speed causing inadequate cooling of internal oven components which could lead to damage of controls. This issue is present with both electric and gas ranges by Kitchen Aid. While the part is the same for both gas and electric range, the installation procedure is vastly different between the two. On electric ranges fan replacement is pretty straight forward and requires the removal of control panel to access the fan assembly. Gas ranges on the other hand require more disassembly due to positioning of the fan in relation to gas valves and manifold. In order to replace the cooling an on gas range, the entire cook top has to be removed followed by disconnection of all 5 burners from gas manifold to allow access to the fan. Once fan is replaced, steps are reversed. It is extremely important to check all connections for gas leaks after reinstallation. If all connections leak free, control panel can be reinstalled to finish the job. 

 

If you are experiencing any issues with your Kitchen Aid or any other brand of range or oven, do not hesitate to contact Tricity Appliances Quality Service and we will be glad to set up an appointment to repair your appliance as soon as possible. 

 

You can reach us by phone at 778-488-0397 or fill out online service request form on our web site www.tricityquality.com

Condensing dryers. Are they worth it?

Condensing dryers are great invention and great alternative to traditional dryers. Condensing dryers use a heat and airflow like a regular dryer but instead of exhausting hot air to the outside, they use a condenser to extract moisture and turn it into water to be drained later by user or directly to drain. Condensing dryer is a great option for someone who wants to save energy as condensing dryers use smaller heating elements and for those who don’t have an existing dryer vent to the outside such as older buildings and retrofit installations.

 

Last couple of weeks our technicians ran into a couple of condensing dryers with similar problems. In both cases customers complained of dryer stopping soon into the cycle or clothes not being completely dry after the cycle is finished.

 

First customer had a LG condensing dryer stacked on top of washer. First thing to check is to make sure customer emptied the water container if dryer is not plumbed directly to drain. Full water container will prevent dryer from working properly because dryer not able to extract moisture from clothes and will stop before finishing the cycle. If the container is empty but there’s still a problem, next item to check is the condenser.

Condenser needs to be clean of lint in order to perform its function correctly. Condenser’s generally need to be taken out and cleaned every 3-4 loads to prevent lint build up.

 

Another customer had Bosch condensing dryer that was also stopping before finishing the cycle. Customer advised that condenser is cleaned every few loads. Behind condenser, under a plastic cover, an area called sump is located. Water collects in sump area from condensation process and awaits to be pumped to a container or drain by a small pump. Often times this area gets clogged up with lint mixed with water clogging the pump preventing it from removing water. This issue usually resolved by cleaning the sump area but in some cases drain pump will need to be replaced.

 

If you are experiencing any issues with your LG, Bosch or any other brand of dryer, do not hesitate to contact Tricity Appliances Quality Service and we will be glad to set up an appointment to repair your appliance as soon as possible.

You can reach us by phone at 778-488-0397 or fill out online service request form on our web site www.tricityquality.com