Frequently Asked Questions

Why were appliances easier to work on in the past?

In the 20th century, appliances that performed multiple actions had an electro-mechanical brain that controlled everything. Most breakdowns were caused by parts that experienced heavy wear and tear. So, a service technician could rely on sight and sound to do most of the troubleshooting.

Why are appliances more compicated now?

In the 21st century, major household appliance manufacturing went through a major transition. The changes were necessary for a few reasons.

• Energy efficiency to reduce the carbon footprint became necessary.
• Manufacturing costs needed to come down.
• Consumer demand for more features prevailed.

How does the added complexity impact the repair process?

Now, the electro-mechanical brains have been replaced by electronic circuits and microprocessors that run sophisticated programs. This has changed the methods that service technicians must use to diagnose problems. Sight and sound alone are not enough. Now a service technician needs to also understand electronics as they troubleshoot more sophisticated systems.

Why is understanding electronics so important?

Just because something like a motor does not spin, it may not be the problem. If the signal to turn on the motor is not present, then further investigation is necessary. The signal must be traced through the electronic circuit path back to the microprocessor board until the defect is found.Failure to perform this step will lead to repeated trips and more expense.

What information is needed prior to the service call?

Since each appliance model is unique, the technician must have access to it's technical service manual. It will provide the steps needed to enter the diagnostic mode, part numbers, and detailed specifications. So, after the initial phone call, please be prepared to provide a picture of the label showing the manufacturer and model number.