IT'S YOUR HOME. WE JUST WORK THERE.
Sears Home Services blogshs blog
Saturday Jun 26, 2010
The Weekender
As part of our effort to continually help you get more done at home, we want to introduce you to Manage My Home – and more specifically, the Project Center on the site. We know that as a homeowner, you are doing projects all the time – whether its a weekend update to paint the bedroom, replacing your kitchen disposer, or making that home stereo system work just a little bit better in the middle of football season.
The Project Center on Manage My Home has tons of projects that help you with the steps and materials, how to take care of the project when its done, talk to experts who can help you along the way or find the right help in case you just don’t want to do it yourself!
We know that for every project, you can often do it yourself or you can hire someone to help. We believe in helping you either way – so check out our Project Center on Manage My Home here and get started for the weekend!
- Jim Hilt, Chief Home Manager, Manage My Home
Posted at 10:57AM Jun 26, 2010 by Admin in General | Comments[36]
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Posted by Kevyn W. on December 30, 2009 at 12:49 PM CST #
I have a year old Craftsman electric start lawn mower. I am pleased with it but, about 2 weeks ago, the electric start would not work. Not even a click when turning the key. Connected the charger overnight and the same result. Borrowed my neighbors charger and no change. I am reluctant to try to open the battery case as it is closed firmly and I don't want to break the latch. I can see no part of the wire disconnected or broken.
What do you suggest I do to find the problem. Al Swenson alnans@juno.com
Posted by E. Alfred Swenson on June 27, 2010 at 02:47 PM CDT #
E. Alfred Swenson, this is Kevyn with the Sears Blue Service Crew. I had to force myself to mow my lawn yesterday. So, I know how inconvenient it can be to finally get the motivation to do it and then have the equipment not work! There might be a problem with the starter or the battery itself. Most mowers come with a two year manufacturer's warranty. I recommend taking advantage of it for this situation. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 1-800-424-2047.
Posted by Kevyn W. on June 27, 2010 at 03:05 PM CDT #
I have a Sears Kenmore Refrigerator model 363.9532781 from 1999. Ice maker is notorious for leaking and not working, #WR30X10061. I ordered a stripper for the ice maker, part #WR29X5177, a 7 inch piece, which was substituted for part number WR29X160 which is 9 inches when received from GE as Sears says GE makes their Kenmore Fridge ice makers. No one can help me make a 9 inch piece fit a 7 inch slot for the stripper on the ice maker. Sears says buy a new ice maker but they still offer and advertise the part number. what gives..anyone have a similar occurrence. thanks pijoho
Posted by 10.236.95.25 on July 07, 2010 at 03:12 PM CDT #
Hello Pijoho, this is Jon from the Sears Blue Service Crew. I see how much of an inconvenience this can be. The main cause for this type of problem is the updated part needs to connect to an updated part. The strange thing is that the part that you would need to be updated is no longer available from the manufacturer. My only suggestion is to call our parts department at 1-800-366-7278 do submit a part research on your model. I know this is an inconvenience but we would need to speak directly to you so that we can better assist with this issue.
Posted by Kevyn W. on July 07, 2010 at 05:59 PM CDT #
I have an electric cooktop that is 36" x 18". Only one of the four coils is functioning properly, so it is time to buy a new one. Most of the cooktops I have been finding measure 36" x 21.5". Would installation cover increasing the size of my cutout to accommodate the larger size, or do I need to find a carpenter to make the cut, or do I have to find an 18".
Posted by Dana on July 13, 2010 at 08:45 PM CDT #
Hi, Dana. My name is Cameron, and I am with the Sears Blue Service Crew. It can be hard to find an appliance to match unusual dimensions. When you're working with built in appliances, it's even harder, because industry standards change every few years.
For the 36in wide electric cooktops we currently carry, I could only find the minimum cut-out depth of 19 1/8 inches and that was on our Kenmore 4274 models. If you're counter doesn't have enough to support that depth, you're most likely going to be looking at a carpenter to build a new counter/cabinet. Sometimes our installers can do this, but it would be best to verify that with our Installation team directly at 1-888-366-2710. In some areas, they have installers that will come and take accurate measurements and find which of our items will work for you--plus, they can often let you know what the total charges for repairs. Understand, when you pay for installation, you are paying for "basic" installation only. There are many times when the installer will come out, see what they have to work with, and need to charge more to carry out the job.
If we do not have an installer available in your area that can make the necessary modifications to your cabinetry to fit a new cooktop, you can check out www.ServiceLive.com and find a local contractor.
Also, I would also recommend contact our Personal Shopper team. The Sears.com Personal Shopper team will look everywhere and anywhere to find the specific item you need. If they can't find it, it doesn't exist. You can get in touch with the Personal Shopper team at the following link--they have phone, email, and chat options:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/dap_10153_12605_DAP_Personal%20Shopper?adCell=W4&prop17=personal%20shopper
If we can help you any further, please let us know. You can reply here, email us at contactus@searshomeservices.com, or give us a call at 1-800-424-2047.
Posted by Cameron C. on July 13, 2010 at 10:40 PM CDT #
I have a Jenn-Air refrigerator, model JCD 2389GEW, it is not cold enough, may I need to make a appointment to have someone to come home to fix it or it is something I can fix by ourselves?
What are the possible problems?
Thanks
Posted by Lily Zhang on July 19, 2010 at 08:59 PM CDT #
This is Cameron with the Sears Blue Service Crew. Lilu Zhang, I want to help you with this problem. A refrigerator not being cold enough could be a lot of things. With the model number you provided, I was able to take a look at how this refrigerator is made. You can take a look, if you like as well. Just go to www.SearsPartsDirect.com and search for that model number.
It is a side-by-side refrigerator, and a nice model too. It doesn't seem like there would be anything too out of the ordinary to look for in terms of why it's not cooling well enough. The first thing we would always recommend would be to remove the toe gril from the front and clean off the coils there. You can get most of it with a vacuum and a nozzle attachment. A coil brush would be needed for deeper cleaning.
Other than that, it'd make a big difference as to whether the entire unit wasn't cooling properly or it was just one side or the other. If just the fridge isn't cooling, be sure there is no food or ice blocking the vents between the fridge and freezer on the back/side walls. Even if that's clear, the is a possibility the dampner between the vents has gone out--you'd probably want a technician for that one. If the fan isn't running, not running well, or not running enough--that could cause a failure of air circulation, which could make the fridge or both the fridge and freezer warm. Take a look at the temperature controls. Make sure these are set right, too. From there, it could be a temperature control, defrost system, thermostat, or even a sealed system issue--all of which I would certainly recommend a technician to diagnose and repair.
You can schedule a repair at http://www.searshomeservices.com/repair just follow the steps in the blue box to the right. You'll see the minimum charge and available dates on the second screen. The technician would go out, inspect the refrigerator, and provide you with the estimate for parts and labor. If you accept the estimate--that's what you pay. If you decline, the technician would charge that minimum charge for trip and diagnostics. In such an event where it makes more sense to replace than to repair, the technician would charge that minimum service charge, but can also provide you with a voucher worth up to $100 toward purchasing a new fridge at Sears. Sears also has a great option of the Service Smart Agreement. It's available on most major appliances that are under 10 years of age and not disassembled or damaged due to an act of nature. On a fridge, it runs around $250, lasts for a year, and covers repairs up to $500 per service call--definitely cheaper than buying a whole new fridge, and certainly worth it. To get that SSA, though, and find out more about it's great features, you'd need to speak with a representative via phone at 1-800-424-2047. The SSA does need to be purchased before the day of service.
I hope this gives you some good ideas, and I do hope it's something quick and easy to repair. Should you need any more help, though, please let us know. Just reply here, send us an email to contactus@searshomeservices.com, or give us a call.
Posted by Cameron C. on July 20, 2010 at 09:04 PM CDT #
Hello..........I have a Sears Scroll Saw Model # 113.236400.........the problem I am having is that when I pull the switch in the slow range of the varible control switch .....it goes SUPER fast .. breaking the blades......any suggestions?
Posted by Greg on July 21, 2010 at 04:44 PM CDT #
Hi, Greg. I'm Cameron with the Sears Blue Service Crew. Over the years, I've had my battles with power tools of all different variety doing some really weird things. Often, I end up replacing them. When it comes to a larger item like this, though, it's definitely worth looking into a fix. I remember one of these from when I was younger, and something similar happening, whenever we got to medium or higher, the speed was running at way too high an RPM--it simply wasn't safe. Now, I have to say--for safety reasons--this certainly isn't a repair I'd recommend to someone who is unfamiliar with it. The reason being, the only real way to know you've done it right is to test it--and if it's wrong, it could be a dangerous situation.
The control knob has a switch behind it. You can see it as item number 12 on the base assembly diagram over at www.SearsPartsDirect.com, if you do a search there for your model number. Due to the age, it admittedly isn't the greatest image, but you'll see a small dotted line running from part 12 to right behind the speed control know. Most likely, it is this part--the switch, part number 820774--that will need replaced. It looks like this part is still available from www.SearsPartsDirect.com. It probably doesn't come with any directions, but the diagram on the Parts Direct site should give you some guidance.
I would also suggest submitting this question to our experts over at www.ManageMyLife.com. They have some great information you can't find anywhere else, and some stellar experience. They would be able to confirm if this is most likely the issue, or they have another suggestion. They might also be able to dig up the info on how to change out that part.
If you need anything else, please let us know. You can reply here, send us an email to contactus@searshomeservices.com, or give us a call at 1-800-424-2047.
Posted by Cameron C. on July 21, 2010 at 08:47 PM CDT #
I can't budge the Filter Cup on my refrigerator water filter to change it. It says: Twist to remove on the
cup and in the directions but I can't get it to move. Any
ideas? I don't want to force it as this is a plastic part that
could break off easily and put me in a worse place than I'm in now. What do I do? Is there some kind of special
wrench that would loosen it and not hurt it? Please advise. Losing patience with this.
Posted by Steve Vagnino on July 23, 2010 at 02:15 PM CDT #
Steve, this is Kevyn with the Sears Blue Service Crew. I completely see how one can loose patience quickly with this issue. The cause might be hard water or maybe it has not been changed in a year or two. Try running the dispenser water or the kitchen sink water to relieve some water pressure and try. If it is still not budging, use more force and it should come off. Maybe tap the bottom area lightly with a tool of some sort to try to loosen it. Sometimes these filters and/or valves do end up breaking; they would just need to be replaced. If you have any other questions, please give us a call at 1-800-424-2047.
Posted by Kevyn W. on July 23, 2010 at 02:28 PM CDT #
I have a GE Refridgerator side by side combo
Serial No: GSS201EMB
A couple of times with in the past month the coils behind the back panel in the freezer have frozen over...solid. The first time it happened I melted off all of the ice then turned it back on. It seemed to work fine for a couple of weeks at the most, then this past Friday I noticed the overall temp wasn't cold and a few days prior all of the vegetables had froze in the bins.
I thawed out all the ice over the weekend, any suggestions.
Posted by Onnie Clem on July 25, 2010 at 07:38 PM CDT #
Hello, Onnie Clem. This is Cameron with the Sears Blue Service Crew. I understand what it's like to have a refrigerator intermittently cooling as you described. The serial number doesn't really give us much information other than the date and location of manufacturing. The model number will let us see how the particular fridge is made.
When the coils are icing over, it could be a problem with the refrigerant charge or the defrost timer. You could also be looking at an issue with ambient room temperature or humidity. You could also be looking at an issue with the fan motor, if it isn't moving the air properly over the evaporator coils.
This is really something we would recommend a technician to diagnose and repair. You can schedule service and see the minimum charge for service in your area by going to the following link--just follow the steps in the blue box to the right:
http://www.searshomeservices.com/refrigerators/repair
Should you require further assistance, please let us know by replying here, sending an email to contactus@searshomeservices.com, or giving us a call at 1-800-424-2047.
Posted by Cameron C. on July 25, 2010 at 08:03 PM CDT #
My kenmore elite wall oven which i purchased in 2007 ,the timed cook is on when i turn it on. How can I default ti the original settings
Posted by odeth gumbs on August 07, 2010 at 07:24 PM CDT #
This is Cameron, a member of the Sears Blue Service Crew. Odeth Gumbs, I'd love to help you with your Kenmore wall over. If you can provide us with the model number, we can certainly take a look at the manual, and see how this oven should be set. Based on your description, I'm unsure exactly what the exact issue is. You can also give us a call at 1-800-424-2047, where one of our trained associates can help you right over the phone and hopefully get this all taken care of.
Posted by Cameron C. on August 08, 2010 at 05:59 PM CDT #
I have a 7 yr old GE PDW9280J00SS Dishwasher. After a recent power outage, the keypad would not respond to the touch and we have had difficulty getting a light to signal on the pad to what mode we are in. Occaisionaly we get into the "normal" mode but the Heated Dry mode is not working. I have found the replacement keypad for $120 do you think this is the problem?
Posted by Mike Trostle on August 21, 2010 at 03:33 PM CDT #
Hi, Mike. I'm Korinna with the Sears Blue Service Crew. I'm happy to help you today. With this type of issue there could be two possible failures. The keypad could be faulty or the main control board. With something like this, I would recommend scheduling for a service technician to come out to your home. He/She will have the proper tools to pinpoint the exact issue, so you can avoid purchasing unnecessary parts. You can schedule a repair at http://www.searshomeservices.com/repair just follow the steps in the blue box to the right. You'll see the minimum charge/flat rate and available dates on the second screen. Service can also be scheduled through email or by phone at the number below. I hope this information helps you today. If you need anything else, please let us know. You can reply here, send us an email to contactus@searshomeservices.com, or give us a call at 1-800-424-2047.
Posted by Korinna S. on August 21, 2010 at 04:31 PM CDT #