Troubleshooting Articles
60 step-by-step troubleshooting guides for the most common home appliance failures, organized by category. Each article walks through symptoms, likely causes in the order a service technician would investigate them, do-it-yourself fixes you can attempt safely, and the point at which you should call in a pro.
Most appliance complaints come down to a small set of root causes that are well documented and inexpensive to fix. The articles below are written in the order of investigation a competent service technician would follow — start at the top, work down, and stop as soon as one of the suggested fixes resolves the issue. We do not recommend opening sealed refrigeration systems, gas valves, or live electrical components without the right tools and training, and each article calls out where the DIY line ends.
Washing Machine
- Washer Won't DrainWashing Machine fix
- Washer Won't SpinWashing Machine fix
- Washer Leaks From the FrontWashing Machine fix
- Excessive Vibration During SpinWashing Machine fix
- Washer Door Won't UnlockWashing Machine fix
- Foul Smell From the DrumWashing Machine fix
- Detergent Dispenser CloggedWashing Machine fix
- Cycle Times Keep Getting LongerWashing Machine fix
- Error Code F21 or Drain ErrorWashing Machine fix
- Washer Stops Mid-CycleWashing Machine fix
Clothes Dryer
- Dryer Takes Too Long to DryClothes Dryer fix
- Dryer Runs but Produces No HeatClothes Dryer fix
- Dryer Drum Won't TurnClothes Dryer fix
- Loud Squeaking or Thumping NoiseClothes Dryer fix
- Burning Smell During OperationClothes Dryer fix
- Dryer Won't StartClothes Dryer fix
- Dryer Stops After Just a Few MinutesClothes Dryer fix
- Lint Screen Always Full After Each LoadClothes Dryer fix
- Damp Air or Backflow From the VentClothes Dryer fix
- Sensor Dry Cycle Ends Too Soon or Too LateClothes Dryer fix
Refrigerator
- Refrigerator Not CoolingRefrigerator fix
- Freezer Cold but Fridge WarmRefrigerator fix
- Ice Maker Not Producing IceRefrigerator fix
- Water Dispenser Not WorkingRefrigerator fix
- Loud Humming or Buzzing NoiseRefrigerator fix
- Frost Buildup in the FreezerRefrigerator fix
- Water on the Floor Around the RefrigeratorRefrigerator fix
- Door Won't Seal ProperlyRefrigerator fix
- Crisper Drawer Has Standing WaterRefrigerator fix
- Interior Lights Flickering or OutRefrigerator fix
Dishwasher
- Standing Water at the BottomDishwasher fix
- Dishes Coming Out DirtyDishwasher fix
- Spots and White Film on DishesDishwasher fix
- Door Won't Latch or Cycle Won't StartDishwasher fix
- Detergent Door Won't OpenDishwasher fix
- Pump Hums But Won't DrainDishwasher fix
- Foul Odor from the TubDishwasher fix
- Dishwasher Won't StartDishwasher fix
- Heated Dry Not Drying DishesDishwasher fix
- Dishwasher Leaking from the DoorDishwasher fix
Range & Cooktop
- Burner Won't IgniteRange & Cooktop fix
- Oven Won't HeatRange & Cooktop fix
- Uneven Cooking in the OvenRange & Cooktop fix
- Self-Clean Cycle Won't End or Door Won't UnlockRange & Cooktop fix
- F-Code Error on DisplayRange & Cooktop fix
- Convection Fan Loud or RattlingRange & Cooktop fix
- Glasstop Scratched or MarkedRange & Cooktop fix
- Induction Cooktop Doesn't Recognize PanRange & Cooktop fix
- Gas Smell When Range Is OffRange & Cooktop fix
- Clock or Settings Keep ResettingRange & Cooktop fix
HVAC Unit
- Mini-Split or AC Not CoolingHVAC Unit fix
- Heat Pump Not HeatingHVAC Unit fix
- Indoor Unit Leaking WaterHVAC Unit fix
- Loud Outdoor UnitHVAC Unit fix
- Remote Not Responding to Indoor UnitHVAC Unit fix
- HVAC Won't Turn On at AllHVAC Unit fix
- System Cycles On and Off FrequentlyHVAC Unit fix
- Ice on the Outdoor CoilHVAC Unit fix
- Foul Odor From the VentsHVAC Unit fix
- Error Code E1 or E2 on DisplayHVAC Unit fix