Boy, am I in the wrong line of work .........

Yesterday, our large Whirlpool self cleaning oven quit working. That is,
the electronic panel on it went black, and the latch that holds it shut
during cleaning engaged partially. We can still open it with a fork, but
the oven or clock or electronics won't work.

Call the guy. $80 for someone to come out and tell us what's wrong.

Needs two fuses, the guy says. About $20 per, and another $60 for the
service call. He doesn't fix things, just gives estimates.

Today, the guy comes and says it will be $275 MORE to fix the thing. We say
we'll get back to him when he faxes us a written bid. No intention of

It wouldn't matter. Miller will still want the last word on the subject.

You just can't *stand* it when I know something you don't, can you?

getting back to him.

The friggin thing can be replaced for $600. They want $355 to fix this.

Steve, maybe this is a clue to simplify your life. We have a new, but

I hear you Steve. When I replaced my old oven with control knobs to one
with electronic controls, I had no idea what a pain it would be. All
that pressing arrows, waiting for the correct cooking time, then it goes
fast and zips past by several hours, and you have to go back, and start
over. Geez, never again.

He's talking about the electronics, not the circuit that makes the elements
glow. Gas ranges often have the same delicate electronics as electric
models.

very
simple and traditional gas stove/oven. Knobs for turning the burners
on and
off, and we clean the thing ourselves when needed. The thing probably
didn't
cost as much as what the guy wanted to fix yours.

Anyone got any suggestions? I think I can pull the unit and check the
obvious fuses.

Geez, these guys make my heart surgeon look like a minimum wage worker.

Steve,

Real appliance parts stores, and often public libraries have repair books
which deal with specific brands & models of appliances. I'd find one, or get
ready to shell out the cash to a repair person. My only other suggestion
would be to open the yellow pages and look for a locally owned appliance
store which has a repair & parts department. I recently had a drainage
problem with my dishwasher. I went to one of these stores to buy the service
manual. The parts guy asked what was wrong, showed me a $7.00 plastic valve,
and said the odds were 90% it would fix the problem. It did. He also spun
the computer screen around and showed me exactly where it went. I called
back the next day and asked his boss where the guy usually went for lunch,
and got him a $20.00 gift certificate.

I can relate to this as I am a pipeline welder/contractor in the oil
industry. I make more than any Dr. and a lot of surgeons...... in fact, if I
needed structural welding done for myself, I'd hire someone else cause I
can't even afford my own rates....LOL.......Jim