Find practical troubleshooting guides for common household appliance problems, including appliances that will not start, drain, heat, cool, spin, lock, or complete a cycle.

You do not always need an error code to begin troubleshooting. Many appliance faults first appear as unusual sounds, flashing lights, poor performance, leaks, interrupted cycles, or unresponsive controls.

Use the guides below to identify likely causes, complete safe basic checks, and understand when professional repair is required.

Find a Troubleshooting Guide

Search by appliance, brand, model number, error code, or visible problem.

Search box placeholder:

Enter an appliance, brand, model, or problem

Search button:

Find Troubleshooting Guide

Try searches such as:

• LG washer not draining
• Samsung dryer not heating
• Bosch dishwasher not starting
• Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling
• Maytag washer making loud noise
• Daikin air conditioner leaking water
• Worcester boiler losing pressure
• De’Longhi coffee machine not brewing

For the most accurate result, include the appliance brand and model number.

Browse Troubleshooting Guides by Appliance

Washing Machine Troubleshooting

Find help for front-load washers, top-load washers, compact washing machines, and washer-dryer combinations.

Common washing machine problems include:

• Washer will not start
• Water is not entering
• Washer will not drain
• Drum will not spin
• Door or lid will not lock
• Washer stops during the cycle
• Clothes remain wet
• Machine shakes or moves
• Washer makes grinding or banging sounds
• Water leaks from the appliance
• Detergent remains in the dispenser
• Error code returns after resetting

Browse Washing Machine Troubleshooting Guides

Dryer Troubleshooting

Find guides for electric dryers, gas dryers, condenser dryers, heat-pump dryers, and tumble dryers.

Common dryer problems include:

• Dryer will not start
• Dryer runs but does not heat
• Clothes take too long to dry
• Dryer stops during the cycle
• Drum does not turn
• Dryer overheats
• Dryer makes unusual noises
• Control panel does not respond
• Dryer displays an airflow warning
• Burning smell from dryer
• Door will not close
• Error returns after cleaning the filter

Browse Dryer Troubleshooting Guides

Dishwasher Troubleshooting

Find help for built-in, portable, countertop, and drawer-style dishwashers.

Common dishwasher problems include:

• Dishwasher will not start
• Water is not entering
• Dishwasher will not drain
• Dishes remain dirty
• Water leaks from the door
• Dishwasher keeps beeping
• Cycle stops early
• Water remains cold
• Spray arms do not move
• Door will not latch
• Dishwasher smells bad
• Detergent tablet does not dissolve

Browse Dishwasher Troubleshooting Guides

Refrigerator Troubleshooting

Find troubleshooting guides for refrigerators, freezers, French-door models, side-by-side units, and ice makers.

Common refrigerator problems include:

• Refrigerator is not cooling
• Freezer is too warm
• Refrigerator is freezing food
• Ice maker is not working
• Water dispenser is not working
• Refrigerator makes loud noises
• Water leaks inside or underneath
• Frost builds up in the freezer
• Compressor starts and stops frequently
• Display or control panel is blank
• Door alarm keeps sounding
• Refrigerator runs continuously

Browse Refrigerator Troubleshooting Guides

Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

Find guides for split systems, portable units, window air conditioners, heat pumps, and ducted systems.

Common air conditioner problems include:

• Air conditioner will not turn on
• Unit runs but does not cool
• Indoor unit leaks water
• Airflow is weak
• Outdoor unit is not running
• Air conditioner keeps stopping
• Remote control does not work
• Unit makes unusual noise
• Ice forms on the coil
• Air conditioner smells bad
• Circuit breaker keeps tripping
• Error code returns after reset

Browse Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Guides

Boiler and Furnace Troubleshooting

Find guidance for boilers, furnaces, thermostats, and home heating systems.

Common heating problems include:

• Boiler will not ignite
• Furnace will not start
• Heating system loses pressure
• Radiators remain cold
• Hot water is not available
• Boiler keeps shutting down
• Flame goes out repeatedly
• Heating system makes banging sounds
• Thermostat does not communicate
• Furnace blows cold air
• Pilot light will not remain on
• Fault code returns after reset

Gas, combustion, and flue problems must be handled by qualified heating professionals.

Browse Boiler and Furnace Troubleshooting Guides

Oven and Microwave Troubleshooting

Find help for ovens, ranges, cookers, built-in microwaves, and countertop microwave ovens.

Common problems include:

• Oven will not heat
• Oven temperature is inaccurate
• Oven door will not unlock
• Control panel does not respond
• Heating element does not glow
• Oven fan keeps running
• Microwave will not start
• Microwave runs but does not heat
• Turntable does not rotate
• Door will not close
• Display is blank
• Appliance trips the circuit breaker

Browse Oven and Microwave Troubleshooting Guides

Coffee Machine Troubleshooting

Find troubleshooting guides for espresso machines, capsule machines, bean-to-cup machines, grinders, and automatic coffee makers.

Common coffee machine problems include:

• Machine will not turn on
• Coffee is not dispensing
• Water flow is weak
• Grinder is blocked
• Coffee is too cold
• Milk frother is not working
• Brew unit will not move
• Descaling warning remains
• Machine leaks water
• Tray warning will not clear
• Coffee tastes weak
• Error code returns after cleaning

Browse Coffee Machine Troubleshooting Guides

Robot Vacuum Troubleshooting

Find help for robot vacuums, robot mops, charging docks, navigation systems, and connected apps.

Common problems include:

• Robot will not start
• Vacuum will not charge
• Robot cannot find the dock
• Wheels or brushes will not turn
• Navigation is inaccurate
• Robot moves in circles
• Cliff sensor warning appears
• App will not connect
• Robot stops after a few minutes
• Suction is weak
• Dustbin warning remains
• Error returns after cleaning sensors

Browse Robot Vacuum Troubleshooting Guides

Browse by Common Appliance Problem

You can also find guides by the symptom you are seeing.

Appliance Will Not Start

Possible causes may include:

• No power
• Open door or lid
• Control lock enabled
• Faulty start button
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Damaged power cable
• Failed door switch
• Internal control fault

Start by checking the power supply, controls, door position, and visible warning lights.

Appliance Stops During Use

An appliance may stop because of:

• Overheating
• Interrupted power
• Unbalanced load
• Blocked airflow
• Drainage problem
• Motor protection
• Door switch fault
• Sensor or control error

Record the stage of the cycle when the appliance stops.

Appliance Is Not Draining

A drainage problem may involve:

• Blocked filter
• Kinked drain hose
• Blocked household drain
• Damaged drain pump
• Foreign object
• Pressure sensor problem
• Loose wiring
• Control-board fault

Do not open a filter while the appliance contains hot water unless the manufacturer provides a safe draining method.

Appliance Is Not Heating

Possible causes include:

• Incorrect setting
• Heating element fault
• Thermostat problem
• Temperature sensor fault
• Blocked airflow
• Gas supply problem
• Thermal fuse failure
• Control-board issue

Heating repairs often involve mains voltage or gas systems and may require professional service.

Appliance Is Not Cooling

Cooling problems may be related to:

• Incorrect temperature setting
• Dirty filter or coil
• Blocked airflow
• Door seal problem
• Fan failure
• Sensor fault
• Compressor protection
• Refrigerant or sealed-system problem

Do not open sealed refrigeration systems or handle refrigerants without proper qualifications.

Appliance Is Leaking Water

Check for:

• Loose hose connection
• Damaged seal
• Blocked drain
• Overfilling
• Excess detergent
• Cracked container
• Frozen drain
• Internal pump or valve leak

Stop using the appliance when water is reaching electrical parts, outlets, plugs, or wiring.

Appliance Is Making Unusual Noise

The type of noise can help identify the fault.

Common examples include:

• Banging
• Grinding
• Buzzing
• Clicking
• Rattling
• Squealing
• Humming
• Scraping

Record when the noise occurs and whether it changes during filling, draining, spinning, heating, cooling, or starting.

Appliance Keeps Beeping

Repeated beeping may indicate:

• Door not closed
• Cycle complete
• Control lock
• Filter reminder
• Water supply problem
• Drainage fault
• Temperature warning
• Stored error code

Check the display and indicator lights before resetting the appliance.

Appliance Trips the Circuit Breaker

Stop using the appliance if it repeatedly trips a breaker.

Possible causes include:

• Damaged wiring
• Water reaching electrical parts
• Shorted heating element
• Motor fault
• Compressor fault
• Damaged power cable
• Internal electrical failure
• Incorrect circuit capacity

Do not repeatedly reset the breaker without identifying the cause.

How to Troubleshoot an Appliance Safely

Use this general process before arranging repair.

1. Record the problem

Write down:

• Exact error code
• Warning symbols
• Flashing lights
• Sounds
• Smells
• Leaks
• Stage of the cycle
• What happened before the problem began

Take a photograph or short video when possible.

2. Confirm the brand and model

Model-specific instructions are more reliable than general appliance advice.

Find the rating label and record the full model number.

3. Check simple external causes

Safe checks may include:

• Confirming power is available
• Checking whether the door is closed
• Inspecting external hoses
• Cleaning an accessible filter
• Checking the water supply
• Removing a visible obstruction
• Confirming correct settings
• Checking ventilation openings

Do not remove protective panels unless the procedure is clearly safe and approved for the user.

4. Search the exact symptom or code

Use a search format such as:

Brand + appliance + model + problem

Example:

Bosch dishwasher SHPM65Z55N not draining

5. Follow troubleshooting in order

Begin with the safest and most likely causes.

Avoid replacing parts until the fault has been properly identified.

6. Test the appliance carefully

After completing a safe check:

• Restore any covers or filters
• Confirm hoses are secure
• Use a short or simple cycle
• Stay near the appliance
• Stop immediately if leaking, overheating, or unusual noise occurs

7. Stop when professional testing is required

Internal voltage testing, gas work, refrigerant handling, control-board repair, and major disassembly should be left to qualified professionals.

Safe Homeowner Checks

Depending on the appliance, safe checks may include:

• Checking the plug and visible power cable
• Confirming doors and lids are closed
• Removing an overloaded or unbalanced load
• Cleaning user-accessible filters
• Checking external drain hoses
• Checking water supply valves
• Emptying trays or containers
• Cleaning visible sensors
• Confirming airflow openings are clear
• Reviewing control lock settings
• Performing a verified reset
• Recording diagnostic codes

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Repairs That Usually Require a Professional

Arrange professional service when the problem involves:

• Internal electrical wiring
• Gas valves or burners
• Refrigerants
• Sealed cooling systems
• Compressors
• High-voltage microwave parts
• Control-board repair
• Internal motor testing
• Damaged mains cables
• Repeated breaker trips
• Water reaching electrical parts
• Combustion or flue systems
• Major appliance disassembly
• Safety devices or interlocks

Do not bypass switches, sensors, locks, fuses, or protective controls.

Repair or Replace the Appliance?

Repair may be practical when:

• The appliance is relatively new
• The fault involves a replaceable part
• Repair cost is reasonable
• Replacement parts are available
• The appliance has been reliable
• It is still covered by warranty

Replacement may make more sense when:

• Repair cost is close to replacement cost
• Several major parts are failing
• The appliance has repeated breakdowns
• Parts are no longer available
• There is serious rust, leakage, or structural damage
• Energy use is unusually high
• The appliance presents ongoing safety concerns

Ask for a diagnosis before ordering expensive parts.

How to Find the Model Number

Common locations include:

Washing machines and dryers

Inside the door, around the door frame, near the detergent drawer, or behind the appliance.

Dishwashers

Along the top or side edge of the open door.

Refrigerators

Inside the fresh-food compartment, behind a drawer, or on an interior wall.

Air conditioners

On the side or rear of the indoor or outdoor unit.

Ovens and microwaves

Around the door frame, inside the door, behind the appliance, or inside a lower drawer.

Boilers and furnaces

On the front panel, side casing, control compartment, or installation label.

The model number identifies the product series. The serial number usually identifies one individual appliance.

Important Safety Information

Stop using the appliance immediately if you notice:

• Smoke
• Sparks
• Burning smells
• Gas smells
• Water near electrical connections
• Damaged plugs or cables
• Severe overheating
• Repeated circuit-breaker trips
• Refrigerant leakage
• Loud grinding or metal contact
• Unsafe door or lid operation
• Signs of combustion or ventilation failure

Disconnect power only when it is safe to do so.

Repairs involving mains electricity, gas, refrigerants, sealed systems, combustion equipment, internal wiring, or major disassembly should be handled by qualified professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I troubleshoot an appliance without an error code?

Yes. Search using the brand, appliance type, model number, and visible symptom.

Should I reset the appliance first?

Record any error code before resetting. A reset may clear a temporary problem but will not repair a physical fault.

Why does the appliance work sometimes?

Intermittent faults may involve loose wiring, worn components, temperature changes, moisture, airflow, sensors, or control problems.

Can an error code confirm which part is broken?

Not always. A code usually identifies a system or condition, and several causes may need to be checked.

Is it safe to remove appliance panels?

Not unless the manufacturer identifies the procedure as user maintenance. Panels may expose live wiring, moving parts, gas components, sharp edges, or stored electrical energy.

Should I order a part before testing?

No. Confirm the model number, fault, and part compatibility before buying a replacement.

Why does the problem return after a reset?

The appliance may still have a blocked hose, faulty sensor, loose connection, damaged component, overheating problem, or other unresolved condition.

When should I stop troubleshooting?

Stop when there is smoke, gas smell, leakage near electrical parts, repeated breaker trips, overheating, damaged wiring, refrigerant leakage, or a need for internal testing.

Is Error Code Vault a repair service?

No. Error Code Vault is an independent informational website. It provides general troubleshooting guidance and does not replace inspection by a qualified technician.