Appliance Symptom Checker

Likely causes

• Dirty condenser coils
• Failed condenser or evaporator fan
• Frosted evaporator from a defrost failure
• Faulty start relay or compressor

Safe checks you can do

• Make sure the thermostat is set to about 37 F and the fridge is not in demo mode
• Clean the condenser coils with the fridge unplugged
• Check that vents inside are not blocked by food
• Listen for the fans running

When to call: Call if the fridge is still warm 24 hours after cleaning the coils, or the compressor clicks but does not run. Refrigerator repair

Likely causes

• Defrost system failure blocking airflow
• Evaporator fan not running
• Stuck air damper between compartments

Safe checks you can do

• Look for frost buildup on the freezer back wall
• Make sure the vent between freezer and fridge is not blocked
• Listen for the fan when the freezer door switch is pressed

When to call: Call if frost is building up on the back wall, since the defrost heater, sensor or control needs testing. Refrigerator repair

Likely causes

• Clogged defrost drain
• Cracked or loose water supply line
• Drain pan out of place
• Water filter not seated

Safe checks you can do

• Check the water filter is locked in place
• Look for ice in the bottom of the freezer (clogged drain)
• Check the supply line behind the fridge for drips

When to call: Call if the leak continues after reseating the filter, or the supply line valve is leaking. Refrigerator repair

Likely causes

• Condenser or evaporator fan blade hitting ice or debris
• Worn fan motor bearings
• Compressor noise
• Fridge not level

Safe checks you can do

• Note where the noise comes from (freezer, back bottom, or inside)
• Make sure the fridge is level and not touching the wall
• Clear debris around the condenser fan at the back

When to call: Call if you hear grinding, squealing or loud clicking that does not stop. Refrigerator repair

Likely causes

• Dirty condenser coils
• Worn door gaskets
• Defrost problem
• Low refrigerant from a leak

Safe checks you can do

• Close the door on a dollar bill; if it slides out easily the gasket may be leaking
• Clean the condenser coils
• Keep the fridge away from heat sources like ovens or direct sun

When to call: Call if it runs constantly and still does not hold temperature. Refrigerator repair

Likely causes

• Dirty condenser coils
• Failed evaporator fan
• Defrost system failure
• Door not sealing

Safe checks you can do

• Set the freezer to 0 F
• Check the door closes fully and the gasket is not torn
• Do not overpack; leave space for airflow

When to call: Call if food is softening and the temperature stays above 10 F. Freezer repair

Likely causes

• Door gasket leaking
• Door left ajar
• Defrost heater, thermostat or timer failure (frost-free models)

Safe checks you can do

• Check the gasket seals all the way around
• Make sure the freezer is level so the door swings closed

When to call: Call if a frost-free freezer keeps frosting up, which points to a defrost failure. Freezer repair

Likely causes

• Fan blade hitting ice
• Worn fan motor
• Compressor or start relay problems

Safe checks you can do

• Open the door and listen; if noise stops, it may be the evaporator fan
• Check that nothing is touching the back of the unit

When to call: Call if the noise is constant or the freezer stops cooling. Freezer repair

Likely causes

• Clogged drain pump filter
• Kinked or clogged drain hose
• Failed drain pump
• Clogged house standpipe

Safe checks you can do

• Clean the drain pump filter (front-loaders, behind a bottom panel)
• Straighten the drain hose
• Check that the standpipe drains when you pour water into it

When to call: Call if the pump hums but no water moves, or the filter is clean and it still will not drain. Washing Machine repair

Likely causes

• Unbalanced load
• Lid switch or door lock failure
• Worn drive belt or motor coupler
• Drain problem leaving water in the tub

Safe checks you can do

• Redistribute the load and run a spin-only cycle
• Make sure the lid or door is fully closed
• Check that water drains first, since many washers will not spin until it does

When to call: Call if it still will not spin with a small, balanced load. Washing Machine repair

Likely causes

• Loose or worn inlet hoses
• Torn door boot seal (front-loaders)
• Too much detergent causing suds overflow
• Cracked tub or pump

Safe checks you can do

• Tighten the inlet hoses and replace any bulging hoses
• Check the door seal for tears and trapped items
• Use HE detergent and the right amount

When to call: Call if water appears from under the washer during the cycle. Washing Machine repair

Likely causes

• Unbalanced load
• Washer not level
• Worn shock absorbers, springs or suspension rods
• Shipping bolts left in (new washers)

Safe checks you can do

• Level the washer and lock the leveling feet
• Wash bulky items with a few other items to balance
• Remove shipping bolts on a newly installed washer

When to call: Call if it bangs violently even with balanced loads. Washing Machine repair

Likely causes

• Faucets closed or hoses kinked
• Clogged inlet screens
• Failed water inlet valve
• Lid switch or door lock failure

Safe checks you can do

• Open both faucets fully
• Clean the screens where hoses connect to the washer
• Make sure the door or lid is fully closed

When to call: Call if you hear the valve buzz but no water comes in. Washing Machine repair

Likely causes

• Mildew in the door seal
• Too much detergent or fabric softener buildup
• Clogged drain pump filter

Safe checks you can do

• Wipe the door seal and leave the door open between loads
• Run a cleaning cycle with washer cleaner
• Clean the drain pump filter

When to call: Call if the odor returns quickly after cleaning, which can mean a drain problem. Washing Machine repair

Likely causes

• Blown thermal fuse from a clogged vent
• Failed heating element (electric)
• Failed igniter or gas valve coils (gas)
• Tripped half of a double breaker (electric)

Safe checks you can do

• Check both breakers for an electric dryer
• Make sure the gas valve is open on a gas dryer
• Clean the lint screen and vent

When to call: Call if it tumbles but stays cold after checking breakers and the vent. Dryer repair

Likely causes

• Clogged or crushed exhaust vent
• Lint buildup inside the dryer
• Failing heating element or cycling thermostat
• Overloaded drum

Safe checks you can do

• Clean the lint screen with warm soapy water if it looks coated
• Feel the outside vent airflow while running; it should be strong
• Dry smaller loads

When to call: Call if airflow is strong but clothes still need multiple cycles. Dryer repair

Likely causes

• Door switch failure
• Blown thermal fuse
• Failed start switch or control
• No power at the outlet

Safe checks you can do

• Check the breaker and that the plug is fully seated
• Make sure the door closes firmly and clicks the switch
• Check whether a control lock is on

When to call: Call if it has power (lights work) but will not start. Dryer repair

Likely causes

• Worn drum rollers or idler pulley
• Worn drum glides or felt seals
• Object stuck in the drum

Safe checks you can do

• Check the drum for coins, buttons or underwire
• Note whether the noise is squealing (pulley or rollers) or thumping (rollers)

When to call: Call if noise continues with an empty drum. Dryer repair

Likely causes

• Blocked exhaust vent
• Lint buildup near the heater
• Failed cycling or high-limit thermostat

Safe checks you can do

• Stop the dryer and unplug it
• Clean the lint screen and the vent

When to call: Call right away and do not use the dryer if you smell burning; this is a fire risk. Dryer repair

Likely causes

• Clogged filter
• Clogged spray arm holes
• Water not hot enough
• Low water fill from a valve problem

Safe checks you can do

• Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub
• Rinse the spray arms and clear the holes
• Run the kitchen tap until hot before starting

When to call: Call if dishes stay dirty after cleaning the filter and spray arms. Dishwasher repair

Likely causes

• Clogged filter
• Kinked drain hose
• Disposal knockout plug not removed after install
• Failed drain pump

Safe checks you can do

• Clean the filter
• Run the garbage disposal, then run a drain cycle
• Check the drain hose under the sink

When to call: Call if water still sits in the tub after these checks. Dishwasher repair

Likely causes

• Worn door gasket
• Hand dish soap causing suds
• Loose or failed water inlet connection
• Dishwasher not level

Safe checks you can do

• Use only automatic dishwasher detergent
• Check the door gasket for food or damage
• Make sure the dishwasher is level

When to call: Call if leaking comes from under the unit rather than the door. Dishwasher repair

Likely causes

• Rinse aid empty
• Heating element failure (on models that use one)
• Vent or fan failure

Safe checks you can do

• Fill the rinse aid dispenser
• Use the heated dry option if available
• Unload the bottom rack first

When to call: Call if dishes are wet and the tub is cold at the end of the cycle. Dishwasher repair

Likely causes

• Door latch not engaging
• Control lock turned on
• Delay start set
• Tripped breaker or GFCI

Safe checks you can do

• Close the door firmly until it latches
• Check for control lock or delay start
• Check the breaker

When to call: Call if the display has power but no cycle will start. Dishwasher repair

Likely causes

• Failed bake or broil element (electric)
• Weak igniter (gas)
• Failed temperature sensor
• Control board problem

Safe checks you can do

• Look for breaks or blisters on the bake element
• On gas, watch whether the igniter glows; a weak igniter glows but the gas does not light within 90 seconds
• Check the breaker

When to call: Call if the element looks fine or the gas will not ignite. Never try to light a gas oven by hand. Oven repair

Likely causes

• Faulty temperature sensor
• Calibration drift
• Worn door gasket letting heat out

Safe checks you can do

• Use an oven thermometer to measure actual temperature
• Check the door gasket
• Use the calibration setting in the manual if it is off by a little

When to call: Call if it is more than 25 to 35 F off or swings widely. Oven repair

Likely causes

• Oven still too hot to unlock
• Failed door lock motor or switch
• Control board fault

Safe checks you can do

• Let the oven cool fully (an hour or more)
• Turn off the breaker for one minute to reset

When to call: Call if the door is still locked after cooling and a reset. Do not force it. Oven repair

Likely causes

• Food or moisture in the burner ports
• Burner cap misaligned
• Faulty spark igniter or spark module

Safe checks you can do

• Make sure the burner cap is seated correctly
• Clean the burner ports with a pin, not a toothpick
• Let the burner dry if it got wet

When to call: Call if it clicks but never lights, or clicks constantly. If you smell gas, leave and call the gas company. Range repair

Likely causes

• Moisture after spills or cleaning
• Burner cap off center
• Faulty igniter switch

Safe checks you can do

• Dry the burner and cap thoroughly
• Reseat the cap

When to call: Call if clicking continues with dry, seated burners. Range repair

Likely causes

• Loose coil element connection
• Failed element
• Failed infinite switch
• Burnt terminal block

Safe checks you can do

• Swap a coil element with one that works to see if the problem follows the element

When to call: Call for glass-top elements, burnt terminals, or switch replacement. Cooktop repair

Likely causes

• Cookware not induction compatible
• Pan too small for the zone
• Overheat protection or control fault

Safe checks you can do

• Check that a magnet sticks to the pan bottom
• Use a pan that covers most of the zone

When to call: Call if compatible cookware will not heat or an error code appears. Cooktop repair

Likely causes

• Failed magnetron
• Failed high-voltage diode or capacitor
• Door switch problem

Safe checks you can do

• Heat a cup of water for one minute to confirm
• Make sure the door closes firmly

When to call: Call for any repair inside the cabinet. Microwaves store dangerous high voltage even when unplugged. Microwave repair

Likely causes

• Tray not seated on the coupler
• Dirty roller ring
• Failed turntable motor

Safe checks you can do

• Reseat the tray and clean the roller ring

When to call: Call if the tray is seated and still will not turn. Microwave repair

Likely causes

• Metal in the cavity
• Damaged waveguide cover
• Damaged interior paint

Safe checks you can do

• Remove any metal or foil
• Look for a burned spot on the waveguide cover

When to call: Stop using it and call if sparking continues with nothing metal inside. Microwave repair

Likely causes

• Ice maker switched off
• Water supply valve closed or line frozen
• Clogged water filter
• Failed water inlet valve or ice maker module

Safe checks you can do

• Make sure the ice maker arm or switch is on
• Check the freezer is 0 to 5 F
• Replace an old water filter

When to call: Call if water reaches the fridge but the ice maker never fills. Ice Maker repair

Likely causes

• Low water pressure
• Clogged water filter
• Partially frozen fill tube

Safe checks you can do

• Replace the water filter
• Make sure the supply valve is fully open

When to call: Call if cubes stay small after changing the filter. Ice Maker repair

Likely causes

• Jammed by a hard object
• Seized motor

Safe checks you can do

• Turn off power, then use the hex key in the bottom of the unit to free it
• Remove the object with tongs, never your hand
• Press the red reset button

When to call: Call if it is still jammed after using the hex key. Garbage Disposal repair

Likely causes

• Tripped reset button
• Tripped breaker or GFCI
• Failed wall switch or motor

Safe checks you can do

• Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit
• Check the breaker and any GFCI outlet

When to call: Call if reset and breaker checks do not help. Garbage Disposal repair

Likely causes

• Loose sink flange
• Loose drain or dishwasher connection
• Cracked housing

Safe checks you can do

• Put a dry paper towel under each connection to find the leak

When to call: Call if the leak comes from the bottom of the unit, which usually means it needs replacing. Garbage Disposal repair

Likely causes

• Pilot out or failed thermocouple (gas)
• Tripped high-limit or failed element (electric)
• Gas supply or breaker off

Safe checks you can do

• Check the breaker (electric) or that the gas valve is on
• Relight the pilot following the label on the tank, if you are comfortable doing so

When to call: Call if the pilot will not stay lit, you smell gas, or the breaker trips again. Water Heater repair

Likely causes

• Failed lower element (electric)
• Sediment buildup
• Broken dip tube
• Thermostat set too low

Safe checks you can do

• Check the thermostat setting (about 120 F is common)
• Flush a few gallons from the drain valve to see if sediment comes out

When to call: Call if hot water runs out much faster than it used to. Water Heater repair

Likely causes

• Sediment buildup causing popping sounds
• Leaking relief valve
• Leaking tank

Safe checks you can do

• Check whether water comes from the relief valve pipe or the tank itself

When to call: Call right away if the tank is leaking; a leaking tank cannot be repaired and needs replacing. Water Heater repair

Likely causes

• Dirty air filter
• Dirty outdoor coil
• Failed capacitor or contactor
• Low refrigerant from a leak

Safe checks you can do

• Set the thermostat to cool and below room temperature
• Replace the air filter
• Check that the outdoor unit is running and clear of debris

When to call: Call if the outdoor fan or compressor is not running, or warm air continues with a clean filter. Air Conditioner repair

Likely causes

• Dirty filter restricting airflow
• Blower problem
• Low refrigerant

Safe checks you can do

• Turn the system to fan only to thaw it
• Replace the filter and open all supply vents

When to call: Call if it freezes again after thawing with a clean filter. Air Conditioner repair

Likely causes

• Clogged condensate drain line
• Full or cracked drain pan
• Failed condensate pump

Safe checks you can do

• Check the drain pan and safety float switch
• Clear the drain line opening if accessible

When to call: Call if the drain line stays clogged or the pump does not run. Air Conditioner repair

Likely causes

• Thermostat batteries or settings
• Tripped breaker
• Float switch shut off from a full drain pan
• Failed control board or capacitor

Safe checks you can do

• Replace thermostat batteries
• Check the breakers for indoor and outdoor units
• Check the outdoor disconnect switch

When to call: Call if power and thermostat are fine but the system will not start. Air Conditioner repair