[perl4ever]

I've discovered that modern appliances are repairable, thanks to the internet. There are people that have been making a business based on supplying parts (for example for made-in-China GE dishwashers) and videos on how to install them.

I think it's more accurate to say that first world labor costs are such that it's not usually worth it to pay someone to fix your devices these days, but it's becoming easier to DIY.

I also fixed an old laptop based on mail order parts and a youtube video. It really gave me a sense of accomplishment because I turned to programming computers very young partly out of ineptness with mechanical devices.

[jandrese]

Yeah, the Internet is a godsend to people who repair their own appliances. For the most part you just have to figure out what's wrong (most appliances are pretty simple, so this isn't very hard), then look at the part for a model number and punch it into Google. Failing that you can enter the model number of the appliance and often get a parts list. The part you get usually won't be an exact match, but it should work, although you may have to fabricobble a bracket if the new part isn't the same size/shape or has mounting holes in a different location. This is pretty rare though, usually it's just bolting the part on.

This is also when you discover that even though Frigidare may sell dozens or hundreds of different fridge models at wildly different price points over the years, most of them use basically the same innards.

[perl4ever]

The key for someone like me is a site with videos for every little part for the exact model of appliance. And troubleshooting information, and possible causes of a symptom ranked by customer experience %.

There have always been DIYers, but I cannot do much of anything with just a service manual or parts list.