Importance of Appliance Model and Part Compatibility

It’s time to ramble about the importance of model numbers and part compatibility. But, in this post, I will eventually share everything I know about how YOU can verify part compatibility on your own and be confident when you order replacement parts.

“Your part looks the same as my part. It’ll probably work, right?”

No.

Would you grab a bag from baggage claim that looked like yours? The clothes would probably fit, right?

Probably not.

Each appliance model uses a list of compatible replacement parts that fit it perfectly, just like you and your clothes. You could take a chance and grab the black bag with rollers, or would you rather ensure your name is on the tag to know for sure that the contents inside are yours and will fit you? Done with the analogies. Let’s get to the knowledge.

Got Your Number?

Model Number: The model number of your appliance is linked to a list of all compatible replacement parts
- Not usually found on the front of or at the bottom of user manuals or at the end of random labels on the door. The model number is typically clearly defined on the model number sticker and is often accompanied by the serial number and other manufacturer dates and information.
- Is that an O or an 0? It that an I or a 1? 🎯 TIP: Write down both if you’re not sure, because it has to be exact. I’ll show you how to verify shortly. 👀
Serial Number: Needed for manufacturer information, warranty tracking purposes
- Some models may require the first two digits of your serial number to verify part compatibility.
Part Number: This is the part number of the part.
- You can locate your model’s compatible replacement part number after some quick research, and I’ll share that secret shortly. 👀

**Model Numbers** located on the appliance containing model, serial, and other manufacturer information.

Where do I find my model number?

I made a video to help you locate the most common places to locate your model number on the most popular appliances.

HOW TO VERIFY:

By Brand

Enter your model number in the your brand’s search to find a list of compatible parts for your specific model.

Amana
Bosch
Frigidaire
- Will accept Kenmore model numbers manufactured by Frigidaire/Electrolux
  - For example, 790.72503011
GE – General Electric
- A helpful search for GE owners. Many GE model numbers contain spaces, zeroes, or even an asterisk in the middle of the model number. These characters have been removed from most searches. If you were to search your exact model number on a universal site, you may not find any results, despite entering it exactly as it is from your label. But, on GE’s website, they’ve done the work to catch this for you and provide you with results that are close to or exact to your model number.
JennAir
Kenmore – SEARS
- Kenmore is often manufactured by different brands. Because of this, Sears search will work for most brands.
- 🎯 TIP: Let the search’s predictive text help you. Type a few characters and watch the results populate and narrow with each additional character. This helps if you’re unsure about an O or an 0, or a 5 or an S.
KitchenAid
Maytag
Thermador
Whirlpool
- Verify the model is the same after you search. If there was, for example, a 1 at the end of your model number and the results pull up compatible parts for the same model number that ends in a 0…do more research using the links below. Make sure your model matches exactly. I’ve seen some searches find a close match and provide parts compatible with a similar model. Check searched model before and after for accuracy.

My Brand Isn’t Listed

Search and Research

The list above is a partial list of specific brands that I’ve found that offer compatibility searches. Below is a list of sites that offer compatibility searches for most brand’s model numbers.

Sears Parts Direct – Mentioned earlier for Kenmore, but an excellent universal option.
- 🎯 TIP: Let the search’s predictive text help you. Type a few characters and watch the results populate and narrow with each additional character. This helps if you’re unsure about an O or an 0, or a 5 or an S.
RepairClinic – A great site. Highly recommend.
AppliancePartsPros – Helpful diagrams and Q&A
PartSelect – Great site and includes many Canadian models
Google – Seems pretty obvious, right? A google search may help you find more information about your model.

Update: Parts and Part Numbers Update

In this industry, manufacturers are constantly improving the safety and efficiency of their parts. They may even update the color of the whole part to make it easier to identify the updated part against the previous design.

Part Number 154568002

If you clicked the link above, you’ll find a blue spray arm. This was for a 154568002 dishwasher spray arm, which used to be grey or white. But the part number was updated to 5304517203 and the color is now blue.

Part Number 154568001

A similar dishwasher spray arm is part number 154568001. Despite being close (just one-digit off), this spray arm is not compatible with 154568002. The 154568001 is now also blue, and has been updated to part number 5304518927.

🎯 TIP: Be aware of search engines that pull in “exact and/or similar” numbers, like the example above. The 8001 and 8002 spray arms are not cross-compatible, but may often pop up in search results because of the similar part numbers and product description.

You might have to check the alternative part numbers to know if your part has been updated to a new part number. For example, the W10757851 optic board was updated from part number 4389102 to W10757851. Check the alternative part numbers for all previous part numbers associated with that part number.

How will I know for sure the part is compatible?

Do your research using the resources above and compare results. Check the brand’s search options above. Check the universal search options above. When I personally help a customer, I check multiple sites, multiple times. Ordering or installing an incompatible part is often a financial and timely setback.

You can contact Supplying Demand. We’re always happy to help.

No Directions

How do I install it?

Parts are often compatible with dozens, if not hundreds, of models…each with their own particular screw or spring clamp or unique little way to get into the appliance model and access the part to be replaced.

🎯 TIP: Study the above links, look at diagrams (if available) of how parts are assembled, and lastly…once you know the part number you’re trying to install or repair…YouTube it. There are a ton of free, helpful DIY videos online.

A very long video I did 4 years ago on how to do a W10712394 Dishwasher Dishrack Adjuster Repair.

I got the right part, but it didn’t fix the problem.

This happens. I wrote about this kind of scenario for refrigerator icemakers. ICEMAKER NOT MAKING ICE BUT IT’S NOT THE ICEMAKER NOT MAKING ICE. If you’re not familiar with appliance repair, I always recommend contacting a service professional in your area. Appliances are dangerous. Do not underestimate the dangers of repairing an appliance. Only attempt to do so after you’ve done your research and have the proper tools and safety equipment to perform the repair. Also, take every precaution to ensure you are as safe as possible. Clear the area. Turn off power or water. Unplug the appliance. Whatever is necessary for your safety. If you cannot safely diagnose or repair an issue with your appliance, contact a service professional.

We Listen

Thank you to Frank K.

“You write all this stuff about know you model number. Great. But where is the info that matches the model number to the part??” – Frank K.

Frank, you were my inspiration to put together this list. I hope it helps you and future customers who just need the information to match up the parts they need that are compatible with their model and prevent frustrating repairs.

Happy Repairing!

Repair Theory in a digital age should be easier, right? We all crave an immediate answer because we don’t have time. We quickly turn to the internet to get immediate answers, but the part we miss is “showing our work.” Remember that part of the assignment? That’s part of the theory. Not just to understand what broke, but why, how, and what can be done to prevent it in the future.

For example, replacing a fuse might get the appliance working again, but did it fix the problem? This is an example of when theory helps DIYers and Technicians understand the bigger question of WHY, rather than WHAT.

“I’m trying to free your mind, Neo. But I can only show you the door. You’re the one that has to walk through it. You have to let it all go. Fear, doubt, and disbelief. Free your mind. ”
Morpheus

Appliance Repair requires knowledge in many areas. As a former professional appliance service technician, I developed skills in electrical, carpentry, and plumbing…to name a few. You’re not taught everything up-front because you simply can’t cover everything. My trainer, a 30+ year professional in the field, taught me the ‘theory’ behind repair.

Think.

Become the appliance. Think about how it operates. Think about it. Watch it. Learn how it operates and which parts work together to make it do what it does. Figuring out how it works will help lead you to figuring out why it doesn’t work and what can be done to repair it.

Listen.

Listen to your customer. Listen to the appliance. You can often audibly determine the issue without lifting a finger.

“I was doing a load of horse blankets, and then…”
“I put in a disposal and now my dishwasher wont drain.”
“It takes too long to dry.”

Start the appliance and listen to it. Close your eyes. Listen to the motor motor, listen to the impeller impel, listen to the pump pump, listen for clicks, bumps, thumps, beeps…and try to form a mental image of what is happening inside the appliance that could be causing that to occur.

Ask.

Perhaps, if you’re having problems finding the answer, it may be that you’re asking the wrong question. Never assume or believe you ‘know’, because the appliance gods will often humble you. Be humble. Be curious. Ask questions.

Sense.

Use all your senses. That’s the basis of theory. You can hear a broken motor coupling. You can see the white-powdery-leftovers of a snubber ring. You can feel the heat that results from a failed condenser fan motor. You can smell the burning of a seized motor. Proprioception is a ‘sense’ you will develop. Using your mind’s eye to ‘see’, as your fingers thread a screw or route a belt around the pulleys. Having the ability to use these senses properly will make you a successful technician.

Prepare.

“Neo, sooner or later you’re going to realize, just as I did, there’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.“
Morpheus

Lastly, start and end your repair and use the most critical sense of them all, common sense.

Prepare. Be safe. Unplug or turn off power. Turn off or disconnect water. Whatever is necessary until you determine that it is safe and can be tested and operated safely. Why do construction crews setup cones, signs, flags, barricades, and lights weeks before they start working? Why do pilots walk around the aircraft after they land and again before loading passengers? Safety. Preparation. Learn to use an electrical meter. Learn how to test for voltage and continuity. This is a lesson and a skill that may save your life…in addition to making you a better technician.

Use common sense. Wear safety equipment. Prepare. Think through the problem. Listen to your customer. Listen to your appliance. Appliance repair is a skill anyone can learn. Remember Neo’s training? Was he stopping bullets on day one? No. Did he make the jump? No. But, if you believe you can, if you trust in your self, if you prepare, you can and will free your mind. The possibilities are endless.

Will It Fit?