Changing Dryer Cord

Changing a Dryer cord from a 3 prong to a 4 prong....Most machine will come with a 3 prong cord. I can look at the cord (98% of the time) I can tell 3 or 4 prong by the color of the cord. Grey cords are usually a 3 prong and 4 prong are usually Black and round. 

1. I recommend you click off the breaker to the dryer. I personally do not, because I know how to Not touch the prongs that go into the outlet. Disconnect (pull) the cord out from the outlet.
2. Some will need to disconnect dryer vent from Wall. .....I personally do not.  Me being experience, I can usually lean Dryer forward -gently . ........." T i p " only bad thing is -I have big hands, on occasion can loose the terminal screws inside the machine, sometime, short cuts are sometimes not a short cuts. You might want to pull  dryer out.
3. Pull Dryer out from wall, since it is now disconnected
4. Locate where the cord is coming out from, above the cord is usually a cover for the terminal block,  this is where the cord connects    
5. Remove cover some will have 1 - 2 screw if on top part of the unit - Some peoples units can be locate at the bottom half of a dryer and usually more screw to remove. Either way remove the screw. Covers will different with Brand and Models
   
 

Dryer Backside- Wiring (above)

Wire removed

Depends on the screw type and dryer cord wire ends, if you can short cut
With a Nut driver 3/8  losing up the screws  to remove wire -some cords wire ends are u shape where you can slide out screws when the screws are loose. Mainly you will not need to remove the screw all the way out. tips on tools to use to remove the terminal screw- some people can use a common phillips or screwdriver. I personally like the nut driver to hold the screw inside the nut driver, less likely to fall inside machine. I do not like taking the larger backside panel off to retrieve the lost screw. I will, but prefer not.

CAUTION
Remember I said, I can or will  drop screws inside the dryer, this is the part, If you
protect the screws from going inside or use a tool that is magnetic. Will Help Prevent them to fall inside the dryer

You will remove the 3 grey wires from terminal block and disconnect the green (picture is white wire on left) (by my index finger knuckle)

Next is to loosen both screws and remove 1,or both screws on the clamp

 Here in the picture the clamp off being take off.

7. Pull the cord out

8. Replace with New Cord

9. Put the black wire on the END of the terminal block, Does not matter which end you screw it to. 

A must with the neutral - white wire connect back to the middle- center of the terminal, connect wire removed from chassis screw and put on center terminal with white wire from new 4 prong cord.

Red wire goes back on one of the other end of terminal block.

Green wire coming from your new dryer 4 prong cord, connect it where you disconnected the green wire that stays in machine, chassis ground.  I will tuck the old green up in the machine,taped off or put it on center terminal since thats where it comes from with new cords white wire. You have the green wire now coming from your cord, that is your ground wire. If you do not connect you can get shocked touching the machine.

Some dryer motors will not run with the ground not connected. Connect the green to the machine. in the picture above it was the white wire by my hand. " remember" 

One of my other picture ( above ) shows the green wire being green. either picture is correct.

And now you go back to the steps to put clamp on cord - outside -back of the Dryer 

4 prong cord

 

Place the cover back on.  Now the fun part getting the vent back on dryer to place back how you found, if already in place. If not and just moving the dryer in, I ALWAYS place dryer in first and then install washer machine.  Go read my dryer tips and maintenance on how important it is to have your dryer vent placed correctly.

4 Prong outlet on your wall for power

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Washers Complaint and Review

I did not like the information of the Best washer reviews website,  I was reading. I thought maybe I am thinking and researching this incorrect. I should research Complaints from Real People. consumer affairs.com

Here is one of GE customer comment - click on the link above to view all 525 comments and review.
If you buy a GE Profile washer or dryer, then make sure you buy the extended warranty for it as you will need it! I have had nothing but trouble from this washer, and now the dryer, since the day I owned it. I have had it repaired 3 times in 3 years. Basically the same issue - just won't spin right. This washer is advertised as a high efficiency washer and that you will use less water. Well, it might use less water but it takes three times the electricity as a top load one would. If you want your clothes rolled into a ball, then this is the washer for you! If you want to have to take your clothes out and hand wring them out so it can spin, then this washer is for you! If you want to have it serviced once or twice a year, then this washer is for you! If you want to take 2 hours to wash a load of blankets, then this washer is for you!

Here is info on LG washer Machine has 1003 complaints and Reviews  Consumer affairs. com

This is one of LG Client complaint
Do NOT buy any NEW Washing machine with a "Load Sensor"! It senses the weight of the load and determines what amount of water to add to wash the clothes. Since the Government has to be involved with every aspect of our lives to save energy & conserve water, this device is crap! There is never enough water to wash the clothes and the clothes do NOT come clean. This mandate has sent us back to the early 1900's way of doing laundry with an old wash tub, scrub board & old soap that actually cleans the clothes!!! I can't afford to buy new clothes every month & refuse to wear dirty clothes!

I see alot of these complaints reading that client are upset with the washer machine not lasting over 2 years, mainly these are the digital or front loader machine.

This is exactly what I have been stating on the new type of washer machine....Its like antique cars are built better to last. Same with Top Load washer machine. Why do you think old people still have the olive green appliance or that mustard yellow color. Built to last.

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Review for 2013 Washers

I  feel you get more for your money, if you purchase a Top Load Washer machine ( No solid state preferred). I did some research, this is just my opinion. I will welcome any comment to differ or agree.
To Start, why do they make you believe a front loader washer machine is worth your money. I'm sorry, but I am not well endow with money to be spending on repairs or money for product to run the machine. how they call front loader efficiency. I'm not sold on that idea.

1. You have to clean the inside due to Mildrew ....eeewwww.....did anybody get that part. For that task you will  FILL with special cleaner ($$) and water (( for some$$)
2. Costly Repairs - front loaders are not cheap to repair
3. Replacing machine with in 2 years. I have not seen a front loader last longer. With My Clients. I welcome anyone's details. Leave comment here or FaceBook- LIKE us - Facebook.com/FredDiyGuru

I know everyone like the digital type of washer machine. Let me explain from the service side. A digital has a computer mother board, and if a spot / area on that board goes bad. For the control panel.  Well, How much money do you have? it's not cheap to replace.  I guess if you can afford to purchase a Front Loader washer machine, then you have the cash for repairs.
Some of these so call review sites, I do not know where they get their information source. I guess they are more a blogger than a real live service tech. One sites states How to pick  the best Washer machine is Know your Capacity = really, all machines are not real different on the size of control capacity- they all have small large exlarge - some will make you believe you can wash a comforter or rugs...NO NO NO.... sure you can, But, that will wear your machine's life down....I think we all pretty much use small and ex large size. Do we need any thing else? I strongly believe Comforters will  need to go to your local laundry mat. Who wants a comforter not really Clean on their bed or near their skin....( Not clean, because it was cramped in a machine to wash.)
In regards to Front Loaders,that brag about efficiency.  Why would you want to use  No water to wash your clothes. I do not agree no-low  water wash machine.  You can comment if you think different, The only way we will learn is for you to comment. REAL People
The next part this review site mentioned was digital panel is better than knobs. Wow, I guess, I look at it differently.  If a knob switch breaks it is cheaper than a mother board  by a few hundreds Dollars.
To sum it up, start with these

1. Brand of Whirlpool, Kenmore, Estate, Roper, Kitchenaid. is the brand I really have a personal liking to.
2. Simple - Basic is the best washer- less digital - no digital is the best.
3. my personal preference is having a Second Rinse - a must in my family.. Being a Service Tech, I like my clothes to be rinse twice. I do get dirty.
4. Prefer a fabric softener in the agitator 
5. Prefer a tall agitator - They are better for a cleaner clothes
6. prefer no bleach dispenser- Or do not use them- bleach likes to rust metal...
7. Metal type of wash tub, I like porcelain and stainless steel tub

Take this info down when you go to your store, Me I love to look online first, save time- time is money.  If you have the phone app- that will look up prices by the bar code you can compare while in store. I like play around in the store with that app. Scan bar code to compare local area for that product and their prices at competition  store. Good Idea

How to use Multimeter

Today my video is on how to use a multimeter - OHM meter.  I usually buy from Harbor Freight for $5.00. All have the same idea. Radio shack, Kmart, Sears, Home Depot, Lowe's, will have this available . Each store price will vary.  I am a real service tech, I break mine or most of the time I leave at my service account. I like the harbor freight price on multimeter tools.
This  tool is one of the most important tools for a person to have. I will teach you today how to use an ohm meter to tell if a part is bad or good. A multimeter is an instrument used to check for AC or DC voltages, resistance or continuity of electrical components and small amounts of current in circuits. This instrument will let you check to see if there is voltage present on a circuit, etc.

Lets first start with how to read a meter (multimeter).  The selector switch -center knob allows changing the function (volts, ohms, amps) and scale (x1, x10, etc.) of the meter.

Now you have an idea, of how to use a meter. Lets get started on testing some parts.
If you still need more information, you can ask questions from our comment button at the bottom of this session.

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Dryer Maintenance - Servicing your dryer

I have blogged on Tip for maintenance for your typical dryer brand like Whirlpool dryer, Kenmore dryer, Roper dryer, Estate dryer. if you read my blog for July 15th. You will find information on the do and don't. The air flow out of the dryer is very important. Do not let a simple machine go to waste, due to your lack of knowledge. I am giving that away. If you want your Machine last. Then Read the July 15th blog.  I have all my blogs by dates to the left side of my page.  Keep me as you will find more info as I grow. I do my best to update when I am not working, which is often lately. My employer is like the typical employer, lack of work.  I am far from a rich person. I am at the poverty level and want to share with others my experience as Service repair tech. I know there is people who is not rich and need advice before spending money, that you don't have. I understand and I do not charge you for this source of information. I do need more people following me and help me grow. It will be a win = win for all.

 Please take the time to read all of my blogs.

I need to buy a multimeter for my next blog. I want to teach you how to use a multimeter. I having major issues and have been distracted. I just lost my home to foreclosure 7-17-13 and dealing with that drama and my 1984 van is my only vehicle which is a piece of ----. I am always out there working on it, since it has left me stranded a few times, far from home.
Most of all my employer does not give me hours to have a decent paycheck. All of my life drama, causing my blog to lack.  I am working on getting a multimeter that is readable, mine is nasty dirty for I am a real live tech. I do use my tools alot. Everyone needs to learn, how to use a multimeter.
I am working on that very soon, please be patience with me.

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Dryer will not turn on

Fred Diy Guru 
Whirlpool brand, Kenmore brand, Kitchenaid brand, Roper brand, and Estate brand Dryer
Will not turn on
Possibly a few things can be the issue. Whirlpool and Kenmore are easy to repair, if your Whirlpool Dryer broke, before you call appliance repair tech.  Check a few things before replacing Dryer parts.
To check to see if you need a dryer parts or a new dryer. Then decide if you need appliance repair technician or if you can repair your broken dryer.
 1st check power to the dryer - should have 240 volt with 120v to ground / neutral. Check with a Multimeter.

• If you have power - unplug the dryer appliance from the wall outlet
•  

  

  Back of Dryer

• Remove the back screws of the dryer and place in a cup or a bag. Do not lose the parts for your dryer. Fred's  personal tips

Check the Thermal fuse.
It will be couple inches long and white.

Multimeter

Most Dryers units will have this in the backside of the dryer and some are in the front of dryer with a removable front panel.

• With your Multimeter you can check for resistance with OHM meter. Check to see if the thermal fuse is open or close ** I know not everyone knows how to work a multimeter. I will have video for that soon. If you need to comment on how to use. click on comment area at the bottom. I will help you ---my video should goes live in few days
• Careful if you have to remove wiring to check
• If reads open.....with your ohm meter- remove and replace
• If ohm meter is reading closed, then the thermal fuse is Good, 
• then it possible the timer is a problem. 
• it could be a burnt wire 
• it could be wire terminal not tight on the timer
• Start button can be an issue, that is my next most common part that will be bad
• If all other parts are good, then it might be the motor. I do not change motors to often. Time for a new Dryer. due to the cost of the motor and labor

Thermal fuse-  new part

 

Back of Whirlpool Dryer


 In the picture on the Left side of the picture is where you can see the Thermal fuse for the Whirlpool dryer

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