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Mr. Lee Fix
Scholar of Advanced Appliantological Studies
| Joined: | Sun Jan 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Betwil, Vanuatu |
| Posts: | 28 |
| Flavorite Brew: | A-D Haze & Iron Cruellar |
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Posted: Mon Apr 28th, 2008 13:43 |
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Maytag Plus w/top freezer is not cooling. I vacuumed the 4 lbs. of dust out from all the neat gizmos but nothing at all. The fan started for a 5 to 8 second run but then it stopped (it was not being pulled along by the vacuum). Freezer seems to be holding at 30*F. No noticeable sound or noises. The ice cream has run it's course and the BEER is threatening to go ENGLISH. Kunichiwa, oh fermented ones. It is 7 years old.
Problem began at the same time my boiler died and the house was only 51*F. It was perceived to be the old thermostat out of operating range condition, but since then the same problem has resurfaced numerous times and I'm at a solid 70*F now. It did restart and work but, only intermittently. After working for several weeks it stopped running. A GOOD slap on the back, 45" up from the floor and 14 " in from the left side (as viewed from the rear) would restart it. Sometimes for 20 minutes, or 1 day or 1 week. It has held temperatures of -10*F/-20*F in freezer and 38*F in fridge at #8 and #8 settings of the slide controls for over 1 month but, this week it dies about twice a day. The slap or two or three restarts it and it runs until we notice that it's not running and the temperature is climbing up to 10*F/20*F in the freezer and the ice cream is mush.. I don't want to lower (but I will) the controls as this thing has an undetermined, as yet, malady that is beyond my faculties to diagnose - but not repair! WHAT'S UP? Defrost cycle problem? I need to fix yesterday or buy a new one by this Wednesday (really good sale at DOMO Depot). Anyone have a good idea and really good directions or whatever?
And now the legally required disclaimers: Maytag Plus Model: MTB2456DEW Serial # 11244461YD Refrigerant 134A
OHM meter in hand, I am ready to pursue the path to colder brewskis. All suggestions, especially good ones, are appreciated. Thank you.
I originally posted this back in the first week of February 2008 when it first became an issue. Now it has resurfaced! I need help to sink it fast!
Mr. Lee Fix
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certified tech group 51
Scholar of Advanced Appliantological Studies
| Joined: | Mon Mar 10th, 2008 |
| Location: | Tidewater, Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 183 |
| Flavorite Brew: | natural ice |
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Posted: Mon Apr 28th, 2008 14:16 |
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When you say the unit dies, the whole refer quits or just the sealed system quits? Check all of the wire connections, just do not wiggle them, unplug connectoins and look at terminals....any signs of arcing or terminals pushed in to "Molinx" plastic housing, farther than the rest of the terminals? Give each wire a light pull to see if wire in crimped terminal is o.k.... what you are looking for is an intermitten disconnection in the wiring harness...slapping the unit reconnects the loose connection... keep us posted.....
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Mr. Lee Fix
Scholar of Advanced Appliantological Studies
| Joined: | Sun Jan 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Betwil, Vanuatu |
| Posts: | 28 |
| Flavorite Brew: | A-D Haze & Iron Cruellar |
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Posted: Mon Apr 28th, 2008 14:26 |
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Thanks for the rapid response. The cooling effect is what dies, along with the fan and compressor not running. The lights continue to work. Where should I test for these loose/bad wires? I have checked the connections at the bottom of the unit (with the cardboard shroud off)and gained nothing. I checked the connections at the compressor but felt that I couldn't adequately test them as my knowledge is somewhat/definitely lacking. This is where I need real assistance or directives. I have not dis-assembled the unit to go in thru the inside.
Thank you
Mr. Lee Fix
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Samurai Appliance Repair Man
Fermented Grand Master of Appliantology
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Posted: Mon Apr 28th, 2008 14:37 |
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| Does the compressor run? It may feel hot to the touch but not actually be running. This condition would be caused by a bad start relay and repeated failed start attempts. Pull the relay off the compressor and shake it. If it rattles, it's toast. More about this on this page.
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Mr. Lee Fix
Scholar of Advanced Appliantological Studies
| Joined: | Sun Jan 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Betwil, Vanuatu |
| Posts: | 28 |
| Flavorite Brew: | A-D Haze & Iron Cruellar |
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Posted: Mon Apr 28th, 2008 15:13 |
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Yes, Oh Fermented One, it runs! Sometimes, but it does run. As it has been over two months since I tried to test the relay ( I think I could not remove the plug or something like that) I will test and report.
5月のためにいま、会いにゆきます
Mr. Lee Fix
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RegUS_PatOff
Fellow, Academy of Sublime Masters of Appliantology
| Joined: | Sat Sep 24th, 2005 |
| Location: | Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 2186 |
| Flavorite Brew: | A & W |
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Posted: Mon Apr 28th, 2008 15:34 |
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Have you tried "slapping" the unit in other places ?
How about the Temperature control (and the defrost timer behind it) ?
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my “Easter Seals Walk With Me” video production http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EBiLyYXMiA
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Mr. Lee Fix
Scholar of Advanced Appliantological Studies
| Joined: | Sun Jan 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Betwil, Vanuatu |
| Posts: | 28 |
| Flavorite Brew: | A-D Haze & Iron Cruellar |
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Posted: Mon Apr 28th, 2008 17:24 |
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Yes, I tried other areas. The "unscientific" report is that this area "works". The next time it stops, I'll slap other areas starting at the furthest spot away to see if it will restart as well. I actually use a fist and strike with the outer edge of the hand ( the pinky area), not the thumb side as that would surely result in some broken body parts. I just get the feeling that there is something in this area (inside of course) that is loose or similar and the vibration jars it enough to make a connection but, what it is, I don't have a clue. I don't actually see the defrost timer and I don't see a great area to slap, but I'll give it a try, if and when it stops again. Right now it's at a -8*F freezer and 35*F in the fridge.
Thank you
Mr. Lee Fix
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Budget Appliance Repair
Fellow, Academy of Sublime Masters of Appliantology
| Joined: | Sat Apr 2nd, 2005 |
| Location: | Eureka, California USA |
| Posts: | 1791 |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 10:39 |
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I would suspect you have a bad cold control(thermostat).
Next time when you find it not running and things are to warm, (so you know it's not just in a defrost), instead of just banging where you have found it to normal make it start, go directly to the source.
Tap the thermostat knob directly, just a good solid tap with the fist. If it dosen't start on the first tap, try it again in the same spot just a little harder.
I'm pretty sure you will find that the t-stat is failing, the points get burnt up so when it calls for cooling the points close but are to burnt up to carry the current thru them until you give the tap to make the points contact and fry a little more each time.
If you pull the control panel area down you may even see black powdery stuff around the t-stat from the electrical arching and burning of the points.
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William Burk (Willie)
Willie's Budget Appliance Repair
Eureka, CA 95501
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Mr. Lee Fix
Scholar of Advanced Appliantological Studies
| Joined: | Sun Jan 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Betwil, Vanuatu |
| Posts: | 28 |
| Flavorite Brew: | A-D Haze & Iron Cruellar |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 11:34 |
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The last two times that the unit has failed, I tapped the front panel where the slide controls are located and, EUREKA it worked. This was much easier than "banging 'round back". It sounds as though you and Reg_US PatOff are correct. I will pull the unit tonight and report back.
Mr. Lee Fix
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Mr. Lee Fix
Scholar of Advanced Appliantological Studies
| Joined: | Sun Jan 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Betwil, Vanuatu |
| Posts: | 28 |
| Flavorite Brew: | A-D Haze & Iron Cruellar |
| Status: |
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Posted: Thu May 1st, 2008 17:47 |
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Budget Appliance Repair says to check the cold control (thermostat). With downloaded manual in hand, I can't determine, for sure, which item it is. My manual, complements of the Sake-San has 90 pages and if you could just point me to the right place to start, I'll end this Global warming thing with an enforced HariKiri of the offending part.
Thank you
Mr. Lee Fix
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RegUS_PatOff
Fellow, Academy of Sublime Masters of Appliantology
| Joined: | Sat Sep 24th, 2005 |
| Location: | Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 2186 |
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Posted: Thu May 1st, 2008 18:09 |
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Cold Control # 10 in diagram
click on picture
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RegUS_PatOff http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPAY2LsKVEw
my “Easter Seals Walk With Me” video production http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EBiLyYXMiA
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Mr. Lee Fix
Scholar of Advanced Appliantological Studies
| Joined: | Sun Jan 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Betwil, Vanuatu |
| Posts: | 28 |
| Flavorite Brew: | A-D Haze & Iron Cruellar |
| Status: |
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Posted: Fri May 16th, 2008 13:16 |
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Thanks are in order for the help that I received on this project. Once I got the part the repair was 20 minutes and the fridge is now making things cold again, so cold in fact that I'm thinking about calling it HILLARY. Mucho domo arrigatos and now on to the newest project, the clothes dryer (or wetter).
Thank you!
Mr. Lee Fix
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Samurai Appliance Repair Man
Fermented Grand Master of Appliantology
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Posted: Fri May 16th, 2008 14:46 |
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Congrats on a job well done!
  
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