Manufacturer doesn't have parts

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#1360884 7-Aug-2015 20:40

What parts does it need to be able to be fixed? Could a second hand appliance repairer possibly help you with it?

Those guys are always buying old white ware to repair or to strip for spare parts.

richms

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#1360914 7-Aug-2015 21:14

Im going to have to classify this as a prime example of a first world problem. Unless you specifically bought a matching set of fridges then they have no obligation to ensure that you have a matching pair of them.

But when the second one fails, and has to be replaced with a new one, you will have a matching pair again. So if its a worn cable causing it to break, then wear the cable.

Richard rich.ms

gzt

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#1360939 7-Aug-2015 22:36

mattwnz:
gzt:

But the situation does not give confidence about the remaining fridge. .

Exactly, infact I was told the reason why the first one had failed was due to wear in the wire from opening and closing the door. This is because a wire in the hinge which powers the doors LCD display, was flexing at the pinch point in the door, and the wire sheafing had broken away, and shorted the whole thing out. So I wouldn' t be surprised if the existing one will do that eventually too over time. But you don't know whether it is a design defect or just bad luck, but it isn't the best design having the wiring in the hinge like it was. I will see what the manufacturer says, and then the retailer as I am sure we can come to some arrangement. But interesting to read peoples opinions, and I see it from both sides too.

This kind of unanticipated wear scenario is not unusual in the appliance world. In the manuals/parts list often see like part #1234-56 replace with part #1234-56a etc. Might be interesting to get the latest manual/part list for that model and see any changes. Iirc not all substitutions are notified (service bulletins) but anyway..

gzt

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#1360940 7-Aug-2015 22:41

richms: Im going to have to classify this as a prime example of a first world problem. Unless you specifically bought a matching set of fridges then they have no obligation to ensure that you have a matching pair of them.

But when the second one fails, and has to be replaced with a new one, you will have a matching pair again. So if its a worn cable causing it to break, then wear the cable.

While noting they would have no obligation to supply you with one that matches the other one they just gave you ; ).

lucky015

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#1360965 8-Aug-2015 03:42

To my understanding the CGA entitles the reseller to decide if they are to repair or replace, In the event of a major failure it entitles you to request a replacement instead of repair. As for them matching, As you bought them separately this complicates matters as even if they where designed to be used side by side they are still completely capable of being used as a standalone item so they did not exist solely for this reason, If you specifically indicated to the retailer you where buying to match an existing one then you could perhaps have a leg to stand on under the "fit for purpose" banner but that is getting into a grey area and probably the best you could hope for would be a refund.

Also remember the CGA applies to the retailer and in no way applies to the manufacturer, The only thing the manufacturer has to stick to is the warranty which no doubt states all they have to do is replace the fridge with another similar product.

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#1360991 8-Aug-2015 08:14

While agreeing the cga does not apply to manufactuer and brand, legal rights and obligations are not the whole story. Brands like to have happy customers and repeat purchase. Some will go a bit further than others, and the retailer relationship can be a factor for them also.

kiwitrc

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#1361003 8-Aug-2015 09:06

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but how do pigeon pairs compare energy wise against a fully integrated fridge/freezer? I like the idea as it opens up more options.

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#1361012 8-Aug-2015 09:30

mattwnz:
MikeB4: I feel your pain with this however I would say they only have an obligation with regards to the faulty fridge, the one that is working is fit for purpose.

I agree from a legal perspective they are possibly only required to address the faulty one. Although there are possibly breaching the CGA by not having the parts to repair it, which would prevent the problem entirely. The visual aspect is very important, so I am wondering if them not matching, would be considered a consequential loss. eg To remedy it, I would need to buy a new fridge to match, as I couldn't sell the house with two fridges that don't match.

I didn't think it was normal in NZ to sell a house with whiteware included?

Bung

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#1361078 8-Aug-2015 10:39

IANAL but a stove is usually a fixture and stays unless specifically excluded whilst chattels including fridges would go.

lxsw20

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#1361098 8-Aug-2015 11:44

nathan:
mattwnz:
MikeB4: I feel your pain with this however I would say they only have an obligation with regards to the faulty fridge, the one that is working is fit for purpose.

I agree from a legal perspective they are possibly only required to address the faulty one. Although there are possibly breaching the CGA by not having the parts to repair it, which would prevent the problem entirely. The visual aspect is very important, so I am wondering if them not matching, would be considered a consequential loss. eg To remedy it, I would need to buy a new fridge to match, as I couldn't sell the house with two fridges that don't match.

I didn't think it was normal in NZ to sell a house with whiteware included?

It's not abnormal. The olds had 4 offers on their house and all of them had the fridge listed in the S&P agreement. It wasn't integrated or anything special.

Bung

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#1361103 8-Aug-2015 12:10

In a way it is abnormal, that's why the buyer is including the fridge in their offer. If it wasn't and they found it gone they would have no claim on it. Fixtures stay with the house unless excluded, chattels normally go.

Niel

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#1361169 8-Aug-2015 15:05

Not sure why you don't want to say what brand it is, but that is your choice. Our Smeg double door broke down under warranty, was a simply dry solder joint on a relay but required a new circuit board to be imported. Then it turned out this fridge is a Daewoo with a Smeg label.

Then out of warranty the freezer frost free fan failed, and I got a genuine replacement from eBay as I discovered the identical fan is used in many brands. The fault occurred when the potting around the wire (entering the fan) came away and allowed water/ice to enter the fan (it is low voltage DC, so no safety risk). On the new one I got some food grade silicone to improve the seal on the potting before I installed it.

When a brand name says there are no parts, try finding who actually manufactures it (name/model on circuit board) and see if you can find it online. Could be obsolete under your brand fridge, but not the actual manufacturer. More generic repair centres could also know, or have actual technical people that will repair your circuit board/wiring.

Fancy fridges/freezers operate on low voltage DC (except for the compressor) and most of the time any electronics geek can fix it himself as there is not much power to actually blow lots up. Signals are buffered.

Can you describe the symptoms?

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Niel

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#1361171 8-Aug-2015 15:07

People that want to buy the appliances with a house probably either don't have their own (renting or new migrants) or theirs is old or they can't/won't move appliances.

You can never have enough Volvos!

Aredwood

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#1361175 8-Aug-2015 15:13

Or often the kitchen has been designed to take a fridge of a certain size. And the fridge that the buyers currently own won't fit the space properly. So it is cheaper for them to simply purchase the fridge that is already in the house. Instead of buying a new fridge.

sir1963

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#1361216 8-Aug-2015 16:58

Bung: IANAL but a stove is usually a fixture and stays unless specifically excluded whilst chattels including fridges would go.

Less so these days as Stoves now plus in, previously they were permanently wired in.

HOWEVER, when you buy/see the Stove is listed as a chattel , along with the TV aerial , carpets, drapes
and in theory they can all be taken by the current owner.

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