Affinity Tub Light

[rp2813]

The tub light on my 2008 Frigidaire Affinity washer (model #ATF800F, I think) has gone out.

 

I can't figure out how to replace it.  It looks like the assembly is integrated into the boot.

 

Does it pry out, or is this going to require way more disassembling than it should?

 

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[yogitunes]

Ralph.....this may help.....or at least get you to the light itself....

fastforward to 1:00, of removing the spring holding the boot in place, and as shown, remove/replace (3:38)the tub light, most likely plugs in.......then reattach the boot....all you really need to do is just the front boot removal and replace, no need to remove all the pieces, or move the machine

those boots with that spring can be a bit tricky to replace, it may take a few tries, but you will get it back on......I had to do one on a Duet, easier than you think.....

let us know how you make out......

 

[rp2813]

Thanks for the clip Martin.

 

I hope I can get away with only pulling off the section of boot in the light bulb area.  They make it look easy to get the spring back on.  I didn't even know there was a spring under there. 

 

I may take a shot at this tomorrow.  I suppose the bulb is a unique part with a price to match.  All I can say is, it better not be the switch that's bad!

 

[rp2813]

Fixed

Thanks again to Martin for posting the clip with the bulb assembly shown.

 

As it happened, the bulb wasn't the problem, but neither was the switch.  A wire had detached from the bulb base, which is a small dime-sized porcelain disc about 1/4" thick.  As I coaxed the bulb assembly out of the boot, the other wire detached.

 

Not being interested in going through all the steps in the example above to get the light working by replacing the entire assembly, I opted for soldering the wires back into place.  We'll see how long the repair holds.

 

You would think they'd have come up with a strain relief of some kind so the leads wouldn't be yanked off over time by occasional extremes in boot movement.  Even the leads in the clip are frayed from rubbing against each other (FF to 1:20).   The leads on my machine have rubber/plastic/vinyl sheathing so are not frayed.

 

Poor design influenced by bean counters who answer to shareholders.  Don't you just love Reaganomics?

 

[yogitunes]

don't you love simple fixes....

and nice that we can improve on some designs to make them a bit better....unfortunately the manufacturer will only consider improvements if the problem is discovered by a tech during a warranty repair in most cases...