Related, I guess, to my parts question is the fact that we bought a new fairly expensive GE French door refrigerator/freezer replacement. Of course, the compressor died after literally two weeks. GE wants to replace the compressor. My repairman friend says I should absolutely insist on a new refrigerator, that whenever the compressor or refrigerant is replaced the appliance dies within a couple of years. Is there anywhere online that I can find the explanation for this to bolster my arguments with GE, or is this just anecdotal and probably not true?
Probably anecdotal. If done correctly it should be fine. But replacing compressors in the field can be tricky. If the motor burned out getting the system clean is an issue, as is moisture being introduced into the refrigerant lines that can lead to trouble down the road.
If it’s only a couple of weeks old I think you could probably insist on a new appliance because you’re worried you got a lemon.
I think the motor was fine because the repairman said he diagnosed a bad compressor by listening to it try to come on and failing. To me it is not so much it is a lemon (though it likely is), but the fact that I would NEVER have bought a refurbished refrigerator and yet that is what I will have, and having overpaid for what I thought was a new refrigerator, I mean two weeks is essentially not working when first plugged in.
Sorry, I mean the compressor motor. If the windings in a compressor motor burn out, it can leave behind a nasty residue.
Is this a LG refrigerator? Does is say “Linear,” or “Signature Refreshment,” on the front? Apparently LG has had some problems with their compressor having mechanical breakdowns. A burnout isn’t the concern with them.
I would recommend the replacement refrigerator if they’ll do it. There’s no knowing if the compressor problem was due to poor work at the factory that may have affected the rest of the unit, or rough handling in transit that could show up as further problems. There’s also the chance that the field repairs won’t be as long lasting as a factory installation. I think for the cost of a major appliance like that you deserve to have a like new replacement for any problems after just 2 weeks. No matter the reason, it was a faulty unit and you paid for one that worked.
Yes, I know all about linear compressors since the 5 year old unit this replaced was an LG that had a linear compressor failure. Who would have guessed the LG compressor was literally 1300 times as good.
You can make this argument, but the terms of their warranty likely allow them to replace the faulty part at their expense and do not require them to provide a whole new unit.
I would not be happy with a new top of the line appliance that need major repairs in two weeks. Have you gone back to the appliance store where you purchased the unit? I would let them know that you thought you purchased a properly unit. Make as much noise there as you can. GE may fight to stand by their warranty. If you had a contractor install the refrigerator, I would also enlist his help.
Pointing out that GE does not own the appliance business, it is owned by Haier, China
The GE meatball is kept just to entice/fool people.
And most components of refrigerators/ appliances are made by the same Chinese manufacturers regardless of the brand.
I have. They could not care less. They are saying they are trying to “work through the process” with GE. I am not sure what the game is. I am sure they have no intention of doing anything. So why not just say that up front? They also will not provide a loaner. I am reading up on Magnuson-Moss. Maybe I will find something.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, sometimes known as the federal lemon law, protects consumers who purchase a defective product, including appliances, that cost $25 or more if they came with a warranty. If a manufacturer or other obligated party fails to correct a defect as outlined in a warranty, the legislation requires the responsible party to refund the purchase price or replace the product. If they fail to correct a defect as outlined in a warranty, the legislation requires the responsible party to refund the purchase price or replace the product. That’s Federal law; some states have stricter state laws.
The catch seems to be that they think just replacing the defective part (and leaving you with a new but refurbished refrigerator) is sufficient. You may be stuck. So make a lot of noise about it, call local media consumer hotlines, complain to the local attorney general, etc. Maybe even sue in conciliation court – they might be sympathetic over an expensive new appliance that fails after 2 weeks!
The manufacturer is doing their part in replacing the faulty component. The refrigerator (as a whole) isn’t faulty so why would they replace that?
Right or wrong and even if it doesn’t make sense it is the way companies do warranty work. My son is an auto technician at a local dealership. They have a new pickup that had been in the shop for just under a year due to a bad engine. 1 month from the owner taking delivery it start spewing black smoke out the exhaust. Long story short the engine has been apart 3 times and still isn’t fixed. The manufacturer keeps wanting to fix THAT engine even though the initial problem caused other issues with the engine. Would it have been smarter and made more sense for A) give the guy a new truck, or B) put in a crate engine. Yes it would, but the manufacturer’s philosophy is to replace the bad individual parts, not the whole unit.
That might not be true now. If the motor burned up the complete refrigeration system can be contaminated. That will take more than just replacing the compressor. The compressor will have to be be properly removed. System completely flushed. then a cleanup kit added along with a suction and discharge filter. After the system is closed up flush the system out with N2 and evacuate. The the proper charge needs to be put in. Being off on the charge by 1 once could cause it to operate improperly.
I think it will be imposable to find an appliance repair person with the skill to fo the job properly. And I know few HVAC guys who would want to attempt the job.
I will bet if the compressor is replaced it will not be the last problem with the unit.
Years ago when AC units used R22 the crew I worked with tried replacing compressors on window shakers. In the long run it was easier to just replace the unit if the problem was in the refrigeration circuit.
My bad. You mentioned GE in your OP.
As others mentioned, you may just have to go with the compressor replacement, if those are the terms of the warranty–if they can find someone to do the work.