How Do You Find the Right Part for Your Appliance?

How do you know if you are getting the correct part for your washer, dryer, range, dishwasher, or refrigerator? 

When it comes to DIY appliance repair, there is nothing more frustrating than purchasing a part that seems like it should work for your appliance only to find out that it does not fit. Finding the correct part is not always easy. Even technicians can run into trouble when trying to match a part to an appliance. Here are our best tips and tricks to help you avoid some common mistakes and help you get to the right part the very first time. 


Use the Part Number

There are a couple of fail proof ways to get the correct part. The best way is to find the part number on your old part and use that to match the number on the replacement part. If the numbers match then it is the correct part! Be careful not to assume that numbers that are off by a digit or so will be compatible. Sometimes even one digit off will mean the part will not work. 


What if the part number has a version number?

This is a very common question. You may see a version number at the end of the part number (often written as Rev X), this does not need to match the version number of the replacement part. It is simply referring to the software version on the control board. It will not affect the functionality of the machine, if the manufacturer makes changes to the function or form of the part a new part number would be assigned.


It is also important to compare the part numbers and not just the actual parts. It can be tempting to purchase a part that looks very similar to the part you have. Don’t make this mistake! A part may appear to be nearly identical, but that does not guarantee it will work for your appliance. 


Use the Model Number

If you are unable to find a part number, an alternative way is to use the model number of the machine to find the correct part number. This method is not as straightforward as simply matching the part numbers, but requires an in-depth look at the model’s schematics which are not always readily available or easily to decipher. This is where we come in! Our team at Eco-Appliance Parts will do the research for you. We recommend you take a picture of the complete model and serial tag and send it over to us. We will use this information to find the proper part for your needs. 


Why do we want to see the complete tag? 

Sometimes machines include alternate version numbers or part of the serial number is needed to determine the build version. We need to see the whole tag to get the whole picture. 


Much like the parts themselves, it is important to find the part based on the model number and not by appearance. Appliances may seem similar but do not necessarily use the same parts even when they look the same. Assuming that a part that fits one top load washer will fit another top load washer based on brand or style will only lead to frustration and will likely delay your repair.


Reach out to the professionals at Eco-Appliance Parts to help you find the right part! 

 

Do's and Don't's of DIY Find the Right Part