General Electric dishwashers built between 1997 and 2001 were found to have a wiring problem that has caused fires. Many of these were installed in Del Webb houses built before 2003. In May of 2007, GE issued a recall on these dishwashers. The owner is given two options. Option 1 is a $150 rebate on a new dishwasher. Option 2 is a repair where they replace the wiring harness in the door of the dishwasher.
The problem occurs in dishwasher model #GSD5320D03BB where liquid Rinse Aid was used. A concentration of Rinse Aid builds up on the wires in the door and degrades the insulation. When this insulation degrades, the wiring can short out on the metal door and can cause a fire. There have been four recent fires in Sun City, so if you have or think you have one of these dishwashers, you should have it repaired or replaced immediately.
To check if your dishwasher is on the recall list, go to the GE web site: www.geappliances.com/products/recall
Enter the model number and serial number found on a tag on the upper-left inside corner of the dishwasher cabinet. You will be asked if you are the original owner and if you ever used liquid rinse aid. If you elect to take the rebate, you will be given instructions on how to do this. If you want a repair, you will be able to schedule a service call right there. The repair takes less than an hour, and the problem is eliminated. If you would prefer to do this over the phone, the number of the recall hotline is 1-877-607-6395.
If you have or suspect you may have one of these dishwashers, do not delay. Your dishwasher could cause a fire in your kitchen.
When to fill up?
Should you fill up the gas tank on your car when the gas gauge gets down to half or should you wait until the light tells you to fill up? If you are using the light as your signal to fill up, you are risking burning out your fuel pump. In most modern cars, the fuel pump is electric and is mounted in the fuel tank, where the gasoline cools the motor. If there is not enough gasoline in the tank to cool the motor, you risk overheating it and burning it out, especially in hot weather.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home, submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com.
