Quiz: Could you make Minor Repairs to Major Appliances?

Check out the owner's manual before disassembling any major appliance. It should have easy-to-understand diagrams and instructions.

Before starting any repair work on any appliance, make sure you completely disconnect it from the power supply, and also the gas and water supply if necessary.

Lack of power is the most likely reason your appliance isn't working. Check the plug, outlet, fuses or circuit breakers to make sure that they're all functioning properly.

Large appliances such as air conditioners and cooking ranges require 220- to 240-volt wiring.

Large appliances with a grounding wire will have a power plug with two blades and a prong. They must be plugged into a grounded outlet or grounded with a special adapter plug.

In major appliances, malfunctions are likely to occur in any of the control devices or the mechanical/power components.

Examine each part of the appliance's mechanical systems to find the faulty piece. Since appliance components work together in a logical order, you can test the components one at a time to isolate the problem.

Most of the time, it makes sense to replace broken appliance parts rather than repair them. Replace any faulty parts with new ones made especially for that appliance whenever possible.

You can buy replacement parts from appliance service centers, appliance dealers and home improvement stores. A great option is to order the part online directly from the appliance manufacturer.

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFI or GFCI) instantly turns off a circuit when a current leak occurs. In the U.S., the National Electrical Code requires them on all newly installed 15- and 20-amp outdoor outlets and in bathrooms.

No appliance is completely shockproof. You should exercise caution when using any type of electrical device.

Use a continuity tester to test an electric cord or plug. If the tester reacts at every test point, the cord is in good working order.

To keep your appliances airtight and watertight, check the gaskets regularly. Gaskets should have a spongy, pliable texture.

Flush-mounted gaskets and channel-mounted gaskets are the two most common types, held in place by either screws and panels or a retaining groove.

There are several types of appliance switches: Push buttons, toggles, rockers, slides and throw switches all play a part in appliance operation.

When you install any new component in a major appliance, be sure you reattach the wires the way they originally were.

Electrical current makes a complete circuit through the switch and the line wires, traveling in a loop through the appliance.

The appliance thermostat functions much as any other thermostat; it controls temperature in a heating element or in a cooling device.

A solenoid is a very cool device: It operating switches, levers and valves automatically, allowing appliances such as dishwashers to run smoothly through many cycles and functions.

Major appliance motors are very reliable, and they should last for many years if you regularly clean and lubricate them.