When an appliance stops working, an error code is not always the first clue. It might fail to heat, drain slowly, make an unfamiliar sound, or shut down before a cycle ends. Start with the appliance type or the symptom below to find a relevant guide and decide which checks are safe to make.
Find a Troubleshooting Guide
Search by appliance, brand, full model number, error code, or the problem you can see. A search such as dryer runs but no heat is usually more useful than simply dryer problem.
Try: dryer not heating, refrigerator not cooling, or washer not draining.
Browse by Appliance
Choose the appliance first if you are unsure whether the problem is an error code, maintenance issue, or failed component.
Washing Machines
Starting, filling, draining, spinning, door locks, and unexpected stops.
Dryers
No heat, long drying times, airflow alerts, and drum or cycle faults.
Refrigerators & Freezers
Cooling, frost, water leaks, ice makers, and dispenser issues.
Dishwashers
Drainage, filling, washing results, leaks, and interrupted cycles.
Air Conditioners
Weak cooling, water dripping, airflow, and shutdown warnings.
Ovens & Microwaves
Heating, door controls, display problems, and operational faults.
Coffee Machines
Water flow, brewing, grinding, and maintenance warnings.
Robot Vacuums
Charging, docking, brushes, sensors, and navigation faults.
Find Guides by the Problem You See
When there is no error code on the display, the symptom is a useful starting point. Select the closest match and narrow the results using your appliance model.
Start With Safe, Simple Checks
Before changing settings or replacing parts, identify the appliance and record what is happening. The correct next step depends on the model, the symptom, and whether a safety warning is present.
- Write down the details. Record the error code exactly as displayed, the warning lights, unusual sounds, and when the fault occurs.
- Find the full model number. Look for the appliance rating label in a location identified by its manual. Similar-looking products can have different procedures.
- Check only user-accessible items. Depending on the appliance, these may include settings, door closure, external supply valves, removable filters, or visible hose kinks. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a model-relevant guide. Start with the least invasive recommended checks. A power reset should not be used to conceal a persistent safety fault.
- Stop when specialist work begins. Do not open electrical panels, dismantle gas or refrigeration equipment, bypass interlocks, or attempt high-voltage testing.
Featured Troubleshooting Guides
These published articles address specific problems rather than covering every possible failure for an appliance.
- Dryer Runs but Does Not Heat: Common Causes and Safe Checks — checks for cycle settings, supply, and airflow before internal repair.
- Why Is My AC Not Cooling? — a starting point for poor cooling performance.
- Freezer Working but Fridge Not Cold — cooling and airflow symptoms in refrigerator compartments.
When to Stop and Call a Professional
Stop using the appliance if you notice smoke, sparks, a burning or gas smell, severe overheating, damaged electrical cables, or water near electrical parts. Move away from any immediate danger and contact the appropriate local emergency service or qualified professional. Do not keep resetting a circuit breaker that trips repeatedly.
Repairs involving gas burners, flues, refrigerants, sealed compressor systems, microwave high-voltage components, exposed wiring, or major disassembly require suitably qualified service personnel. If the initial safe checks do not identify the problem, arrange a model-specific diagnosis instead of guessing at replacement parts.
Need a Different Kind of Guide?
If the appliance shows a code, begin with the Error Codes by Appliance directory. For control-panel reset instructions, use the site’s reset-guide search. If you cannot find the relevant model, suggest a guide or report a missing topic.