The Homeowner’s Appliance Repair Troubleshooting Guide

Plain, professional mobile edition

Safety First

• Unplug the appliance or turn off the breaker.
• For gas models, shut off the gas supply.
• Never bypass safety switches or wiring.
• Work in a dry area; wear shoes with rubber soles.
• If anything feels unsafe, stop and call Yoder’s.

Quick Reference: Problem → Cause → Fix

Problem	Likely Cause	Simple Fix
Refrigerator not cooling	Dirty coils / blocked vents	Clean coils; clear airflow
Washer won’t drain	Clogged pump filter	Remove debris from filter
Dryer not heating	Clogged vent / tripped breaker	Clean vent; check breaker
Oven not heating	Burned element	Inspect; replace if cracked
Dishwasher leaves residue	Hard water / low rinse aid	Add rinse aid; vinegar cycle
Freezer icing up	Poor door seal / warm air	Check & replace gasket
Range burner won’t ignite	Debris on igniter	Clean igniter; dry fully
Ice maker not making ice	Kinked line / old filter	Straighten line; replace/flush filter
Microwave runs, no heat	High-voltage part	Do not open—call a pro
Garbage disposal jammed	Impeller stuck	Hex key under base; press reset

Top 10 Troubleshooting Guides

1. Refrigerator Not Cooling

Set thermostat to 37–40°F. Clear vents. Vacuum condenser coils. Ensure doors seal tightly. Still warm? Compressor or fan may need service.

2. Washer Won’t Drain

Unplug. Open pump filter at front bottom panel; remove lint/coins. Check drain hose for kinks/clogs. If water remains, pump motor may need replacement.

3. Dryer Not Heating

Clean lint trap and exhaust vent end-to-end. Check double breaker. If it tumbles but never heats, the element or thermal fuse may be faulty.

4. Oven or Range Won’t Heat

Confirm outlet power. Inspect element for cracks/burn spots. For gas, igniter should glow bright orange. If still cold, likely element, igniter, or control board.

5. Dishwasher Won’t Drain

Remove bottom rack; clean filter & drain trap. Check hose under sink. Run a vinegar rinse. If you hear humming but no drain, impeller may be jammed.

6. Ice Maker Not Producing Ice

Freezer under 10°F. Inspect water line for kinks/ice. Replace or flush filter. If mold doesn’t fill, inlet valve may be bad.

7. Range Burner Not Igniting

Remove burner cap; clean debris with warm soapy water. Dry thoroughly. If there’s no clicking, spark module or switch may be defective.

8. Freezer Frosting Over

Check door gasket (dollar-bill test). Don’t overpack—air must circulate.

9. Microwave Not Heating

Test another outlet. Unplug 2 minutes to reset. Never open the case—high voltage inside. Call a professional.

10. Garbage Disposal Jammed

Unplug. Insert hex key into bottom socket; turn both directions to free impeller. Press red reset, run cold water, and test.

When to Call a Professional

DIY is great for small issues. Call Yoder’s if you notice sparks, smoke, leaks, persistent error codes, or loud grinding. If your appliance is under warranty or the repair cost exceeds half the price of a new one, replacement is usually smarter. We offer expert repairs and a wide variety of new appliances with local delivery and setup.

© Yoder’s Appliance Repair — Washington, IN