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The
DRSNews
March
2005
(Happy
Easter!)
In
this issue:
1) Whirlpool Dishwasher Recall #1 - Motors
Overheating
2) Whirlpool Dishwasher Recall #2 -
Heating Elements
1)
I hate to devote this much space to recalls, but Whirlpool has just
announced two that are significant and I need to share them with
you.
This
first one's a little scary, even though there haven't been many
problems (3 reported to date) yet. As of this writing, we're 'only'
talking about some 162,620 units with faulty motors, but I have a
feeling that number may climb - they often do. Wash motors in these
machines have an electrical defect that can cause them to overheat
and catch fire (whenever a manufacturer mentions the word 'fire',
we sit up and pay close attention!)
If
you own one of these, Whirlpool recommends that you immediately stop
using it due to the fire risk. Call Whirlpool (t/f) at 866-769-7260 or
visit http://repair.whirlpool.com
to schedule a free, in-home repair.
You'll
want to have your model and serial numbers available for the call. Open
the dishwasher door and you'll see those numbers on a tag on the
left side of the tank, just in front of the door gasket.
Currently
affected machines, listed below by model and serial numbers, were
made under both the Whirlpool and Kenmore brand names. Only plastic
tank 'tall tub' models are involved in this recall.
|
Brand
|
Product
|
Model Number Begins With:
|
Serial Number Range
|
| Whirlpool |
Under-counter plastic tall tub dishwashers |
DU1
DUL
GU1
GU2
GU6 |
FR2200000 to
FR2499999 |
| Kenmore |
Under-counter plastic tall tub dishwashers |
665.143
665.160
665.163
665.170
665.173 |
FR2200000 to
FR4599999 |
These
were sold from June 2004 through January 2005, for between $350 and
$600. They were manufactured in Findlay, Ohio, and their motors
were manufactured in China.
For
more details, including color photos of the affected models, visit the
Consumer Product Safety Commission's website:
www.cpsc.gov
Again,
Whirlpool's recall hotline (t/f) is 866-769-7260. If I can be of any help,
please feel free to contact me about this.
2)
This second rework's not as intense, but is a quality issue, and we need to
find and correct these ASAP. On the Whirlpool and Inglis dishwasher models
listed below, if the heating element is round in shape, no problem exists.
An angular, 'opened pentagon' type element has been used in many of
these units, and has reliability issues. This element should be
replaced as soon as possible.
|
Whirlpool Model Numbers
|
| DU1050XTP |
DU1145XTP |
DUL240XTP |
GU2548XTP |
| DU1100XTP |
DU1148XTP |
GU2400XTP |
GU2600XTP |
| DU1101XTP |
DUC600XTP |
GU2500XTP |
|
| Whirlpool Serial Number
Code Date Range: FR32 to FR50 |
|
Inglis Model Numbers
|
| IPU98660 |
|
|
|
| Inglis Serial Number Code
Date Range: FR34 to FR45 |
(serial
date codes are the first digits of the number)
Again,
if yours is one of those listed, contact Whirlpool ASAP. While the company
hasn't 'officially' recommended these units not be used until they're
repaired, I do. It appears there may be some tank damage issues caused
by this element, so we need to find and correct these units
promptly too.
***
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