loosing battle with flair

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john

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Sep 20, 2009, 7:41:06 AM9/20/09
to Frigidaire Flair
Hi all,

does anyone know of an old timer repairman in the sacramento/bay area
that will repair our flair?

I've been trying to restore the flair that came with our house since
we bought the place. last time i broke a simple piece to the mechanism
that slides the stainless cover over the burners when you close the
range (the part that connects the two ends of the cable and attaches
to the cover). only one of the ovens works and two of the burners, one
works intermittently, and two of the on indicator lights don't turn
off. at this point it's either time for me to find a real repairman
who knows the unit or for me to replace it with another 40 inch range
and oven which i don't want to do because i'm afraid it may end up
leading to a new kitchen, i'd rather repair the flair.

any suggestions?

Martha Danzig

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Sep 20, 2009, 11:05:10 AM9/20/09
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John,
For Heaven's Sake, YES REPAIR IT! Find a
"Master Electrician" (I found one that is in his 50's and teaches at our Vocational School)
He has done a fantastic job. The one thing that he knew over the other electrician that I had work on the stove,--was he knew was "sequential" wiring was, and that is how these burners are wired. Good Luck-- it is repairable!  Martha Mae

--- On Sun, 9/20/09, john <dow...@gmail.com> wrote:

From: john <dow...@gmail.com>
Subject: [Frigidaire-flair] loosing battle with flair
To: "Frigidaire Flair" <frigidai...@googlegroups.com>
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2009, 11:41 AM


Hi all,

does anyone know of an old timer repairman in the Sacramento/bay area

Thomas Nichols

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Sep 20, 2009, 1:37:06 PM9/20/09
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Well,  I am assuming you have a custom imperial range with two ovens, since you said 40 inch.
 
I am hoping that the cookmaster switch is on the "off" position, the last dial on the clock. If so, that is why the large oven will not work, switch it the word "man" for manual, and the oven should come on and work normal, I hope and pray that's all it is. The custom deluxe does not have the cookmaster feature, and typically the large oven never goes out, it is usually the Custom Imperial, that at times has trouble, since it has the meat tender and broiler grill accessories tied into it.
 
As to the burners and lights staying on, the thermostats are not working in the switches, most likely would need to replace the switches and go from there, switches are available. If the burners did not work at all, then I would do both burners and switches, but it sounds like a thermostat switch problem.
 
As to the oven, if turning the cookmaster dial to man does not do the trick, then it most likely needs a switch and thermostat, they are harder to find, sometimes can rebuild the old one, You can find used ones from other members of this website, and use those.
 
Pieces for the slide out cover should not be a problem, most of us have extra parts, If you can point out the parts on the files that Carol provided on the website, I am sure we can handle it, just how far you want to do the work yourself , is another thing, Af first when I attempting working on these stoves, it was daunting, but since I have gone through them a little more, they are not so scary, and I tell people, if I can do it, they can do it, just takes a little time.
 
I am in the Los Angeles area, and I am spoiled with a tremendous amount of people who know how to work on these stoves. One of the companies in the area is Carter Services, they are even listed on our Frigidaire Flair  Website. I will give you their local number and you can give them a call and see if they have references or connections in your area. I know years ago, they had sent my large oven switch and thermostat to Chicago to have it rebuilt, and put it back in and worked perfect. It's a little work, but trying to find the right people, makes all the differences in the world. Carter Services 310-320-1071 or 310-318-2656.
 
Well hope this helps somewhat, there are quite a few members out there that are very knowledgeable and know how to work on these stoves, and again, I have said many times, would not have attempted to work on these stoves had I not had the advice and support from others on this website. Good luck and keep us posted!  Any one else from the group, care to jump in? It always helps me too.
 
Tom Nichols
LA TOM


From: john <dow...@gmail.com>
To: Frigidaire Flair <frigidai...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 20, 2009 4:41:06 AM
Subject: [frigidaire-flair] loosing battle with flair

john

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Nov 10, 2009, 3:12:15 AM11/10/09
to Frigidaire Flair
well i almost got rid of my RCI-645VN Flair a couple weeks ago. a
woman offered me a 40 inch Wedgwood with a griddle that would have fit
nicely but apparently she figured out she could sell it and apparently
did. now i'm back to square one.

Tom, i'll try calling carter services to see if they know of anyone up
here who might be helpful.
i searched through old messages and found reference to a repairman in
Marin who apparently knows the Flair well, his name is Gary
415-479-6131. three hours is pretty far for a repair man to travel.
i'm still looking for a local one in sacramento.

i found the part number for the broke piece at this link:

http://frigidaire-flair.googlegroups.com/web/SER-722-S65-1(RCI645J_RDI-635J_RCD-630J)_partscatalog.pdf?gda=IQHm_28AAADFZ2ZEpBZ0C_We9Zrs5S6fXSwJDhBNOkPhBebkiZr4Uf7jS1Sn9YP9U8-D5HlA4nlsbvtU7HKhf1GhuqFF8yh-v0TfungBRIjXsxFcBLMUtlA0yeJj7V48vr-5JjsbFiCccyFKn-rNKC-d1pM_IdV0

page 5 part number 6.436, the cable and piece that attaches the ends
are all one piece. the part that broke is L shaped metal piece that
connects the two ends of the cable to the sliding range cover to the
range on the right side.

the large oven works, the switch is on the "man" setting, but it just
doesn't heat up properly, we've got to turn it up much higher so we're
always guessing. it's the small oven that doesn't work and the door
doesn't close properly anyway. and now the heat minder thermostat on
the large front burner is out so it now has two settings, high and
off.


Martha, thanks for the tip. i'll expand my search.

On Sep 20, 9:37 am, Thomas Nichols <thos.nich...@att.net> wrote:
> Well,  I am assuming you have a custom imperial range with two ovens, since you said 40 inch.
>
> I am hoping that the cookmaster switch is on the "off" position, the last dial on the clock. If so, that is why the large oven will not work, switch it the word "man" for manual, and the oven should come on and work normal, I hope and pray that's all it is. The custom deluxe does not have the cookmaster feature, and typically the large oven never goes out, it is usually the Custom Imperial, that at times has trouble, since it has the meat tender and broiler grill accessories tied into it.
>
> As to the burners and lights staying on, the thermostats are not working in the switches, most likely would need to replace the switches and go from there, switches are available. If the burners did not work at all, then I would do both burners and switches, but it sounds like a thermostat switch problem.
>
> As to the oven, if turning the cookmaster dial to man does not do the trick, then it most likely needs a switch and thermostat, they are harder to find, sometimes can rebuild the old one, You can find used ones from other members of this website, and use those.
>
> Pieces for the slide out cover should not be a problem, most of us have extra parts, If you can point out the parts on the files that Carol provided on the website, I am sure we can handle it, just how far you want to do the work yourself , is another thing, Af first when I attempting working on these stoves, it was daunting, but since I have gone through them a little more, they are not so scary, and I tell people, if I can do it, they can do it, just takes a little time.
>
> I am in the Los Angeles area, and I am spoiled with a tremendous amount of people who know how to work on these stoves. One of the companies in the area is Carter Services, they are even listed on our Frigidaire Flair  Website. I will give you their local number and you can give them a call and see if they have references or connections in your area. I know years ago, they had sent my large oven switch and thermostat to Chicago to have it rebuilt, and put it back in and worked perfect. It's a little work, but trying to find the right people, makes all the differences in the world. Carter Services 310-320-1071 or 310-318-2656.
>
> Well hope this helps somewhat, there are quite a few members out there that are very knowledgeable and know how to work on these stoves, and again, I have said many times, would not have attempted to work on these stoves had I not had the advice and support from others on this website. Good luck and keep us posted!  Any one else from the group, care to jump in? It always helps me too.
>
> Tom Nichols
> LA TOM
>
> ________________________________
> From: john <down...@gmail.com>

Mark Day

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Nov 10, 2009, 9:11:12 AM11/10/09
to Frigidaire Flair
John
Don't give up the N is agreat unit and thats what I have.
Isn't tha a chain or a spring cable (that we used on movie projectors.
Bear with us and we will see what we can do.
 
Thanks
Mark Day
 
>>> john <dow...@gmail.com> 11/10/2009 3:12 AM >>>

Karen Combs

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Nov 10, 2009, 11:04:49 AM11/10/09
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Hi John,
I ran across this information quite by accident. A woman with a
Sacramento Eichler has a blog and recommended a company called Zajic
Appliance Sales and Service in Sacramento at (916) 452-6748. Here is
what she wrote:

{Zajic (rhymes with magic) Appliance Sales and Service has earned
another loyal customer after fixing our 49 year old TradeWind double
oven at the wacky ranch. And they did so after several other companies
said they couldn't, wouldn't, or that I should buy a new one. While I
could buy a newer double oven I'm reluctant to send a fixable one to the
landfill.

The technician, Richard, was prompt, pleasant and thoroughly competent.
Went right to work on that old TradeWind without hesitation or
complaint. I made a mental note that they also specialize in working on
old Thermadors like the original ones installed in our Eichler Homes.
If you have an appliance in need of repair, I highly recommend them.}

Now, I know that a Thermador is not a Flair BUT, if this company has a
technician who is willing to work on old appliances then it's worth
giving them a call.

Also, John, I'm in Woodland and have wanted to offer those in Sacramento
my help before but have been hesitant because of time constraints and
possible liability. If you cannot get the help you need from this Zajic
Appliance company, let me know and maybe I can come over and be of some
assistance.

Good luck!
Karen Combs

Mark Day

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Nov 10, 2009, 5:37:45 PM11/10/09
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
There really are service personnel that care, for some it is just a job. Others may work for a company that sell products and are encouraged to move toward new products.
I have been in service and engineering for 35 years.
Mark Day

>>> Karen Combs <thevint...@gmail.com> 11/10/2009 11:04 AM >>>

john

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Nov 11, 2009, 1:38:25 AM11/11/09
to Frigidaire Flair
thanks mark,
it's actually a cable and where the two ends of the cable meet inside
a crimped metal tab that is attached to the cover, one of the ends of
the cable has slipped out of the crimping.

that's more asthetics. the oven, we've learned to work with and use an
internal thermometer to monitor oven temperature.
it's being down to only two burners that is frustrating, the speed
heat and the heat minder are both on the fritz now.

On Nov 10, 6:11 am, "Mark Day" <M...@cscc.edu> wrote:
> John
> Don't give up the N is agreat unit and thats what I have.
> Isn't tha a chain or a spring cable (that we used on movie projectors.
> Bear with us and we will see what we can do.
>
> Thanks
> Mark Day
>
> >>> john <down...@gmail.com> 11/10/2009 3:12 AM >>>
>
> well i almost got rid of my RCI-645VN Flair a couple weeks ago. a
> woman offered me a 40 inch Wedgwood with a griddle that would have fit
> nicely but apparently she figured out she could sell it and apparently
> did. now i'm back to square one.
>
> Tom, i'll try calling carter services to see if they know of anyone up
> here who might be helpful.
> i searched through old messages and found reference to a repairman in
> Marin who apparently knows the Flair well, his name is Gary
> 415-479-6131. three hours is pretty far for a repair man to travel.
> i'm still looking for a local one in sacramento.
>
> i found the part number for the broke piece at this link:
>
> http://frigidaire-flair.googlegroups.com/web/SER-722-S65-1(RCI645J_RD...

john

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Nov 11, 2009, 1:39:15 AM11/11/09
to Frigidaire Flair
Karen! thanks, i'll call them tomorrow.
> >http://frigidaire-flair.googlegroups.com/web/SER-722-S65-1(RCI645J_RD...

Mark Day

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Nov 12, 2009, 10:26:03 AM11/12/09
to Frigidaire Flair
The speed heat sounds like a control.
For the heat minder to work it must be clean and in contact with the bottom of the pan, a lot of pots and pans will bulge up in the middle and not be in contact. Know problem, it doesn't work real well with cast iron.Aluminum pots and pan are best. The other solution is to change the control out and forget the heat minder ( leave it there to fill the hole)
I know a lot about the n series.  

>>> john <dow...@gmail.com> 11/11/2009 1:38 AM >>>
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Mark Day

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Nov 12, 2009, 10:27:23 AM11/12/09
to Frigidaire Flair
John your cable can probably be repaired.
Mark Day

>>> john <dow...@gmail.com> 11/11/2009 1:39 AM >>>

EShiroma

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Nov 11, 2009, 11:17:15 AM11/11/09
to Frigidaire Flair
John,

I recently had my Custom Imperial Flair Model 645-2 repaired by Zajic
Appliance Service in Sacramento (Ph. 916-452-6748). Omar was the
technician who worked on my Flair. If I remember correctly, Zajic is
the authorized Frigidaire repair company in the area. They made some
wiring repairs and replaced the power cord and large oven
thermostat. Now everything works except the oven and fluorescent
lights, which were all working before my large oven went out. The
technician thinks the light switch might have gone bad but since he
did not check whether the lights were working before I got my stove
back, we don't know for sure. If anyone has a light switch they would
like to sell for a 645-2, please let me know.

It was worth the cost because, like you, I would have ended up with an
expensive kitchen remodel if I could not have gotten my Flair
repaired. If you have any questions, please post again or e-mail me.

Estelle

Mark Day

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Nov 18, 2009, 9:33:54 AM11/18/09
to Frigidaire Flair
That switch should be able to be purchased at any hardware store or Home improvement store.
Try this first. There should be a starter for the flourescent bulb, it should be mounted on the door that flips up with the controls.
Rotate it in the socket, if the ballast is bad ( replace the ballast with one that doesn't require the starter.
The starter looks like
 
Mark Day

>>> EShiroma <pandor...@pacbell.net> 11/11/2009 11:17 AM >>>
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john

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Nov 20, 2009, 3:54:07 PM11/20/09
to Frigidaire Flair
Estelle,
thanks i called omar and it looks like i'll be doing some part hunting
but atleast now i know what to look for.
thanks for the tip.

so far i need:
the speed heat switch
a standard switch for a regular burner
a knob for the clock or timer
the outlet for the face of the stove
one cable for the stainless steel cover sliding mechanism

need the small oven fixed


On Nov 11, 8:17 am, EShiroma <pandoras_...@pacbell.net> wrote:
> John,
>
> I recently had my Custom Imperial Flair Model 645-2 repaired by Zajic
> Appliance Service in Sacramento (Ph. 916-452-6748).  Omar was the
> technician who worked on my Flair.  If I remember correctly, Zajic is
> the authorized Frigidaire repair company in the area.  They made some
> wiring repairs and replaced the power cord and large oven
> thermostat.   Now everything works except the oven and fluorescent
> lights, which were all working before my large oven went out. The
> technician thinks the light switch might have gone bad but since he
> did not check whether the lights were working before I got my stove
> back, we don't know for sure.  If anyone has a light switch they would
> like to sell for a 645-2, please let me know.
>
> It was worth the cost because, like you, I would have ended up with an
> expensive kitchen remodel if I could not have gotten my Flair
> repaired.  If you have any questions, please post again or e-mail me.
>
> Estelle
>

john

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Aug 7, 2012, 3:17:11 AM8/7/12
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
just to update the group
my flair is still not working very well, (2 burners and an oven)

if you want it repaired and you call zajic the repair guy will try and talk you out of having it repaired. He'll tell you what a nightmare that stove is, how if you find parts now you'll have a hard time finding them in the future, that you'll be his lowest priority, that it will be a minimum of 1000$, that will take at least a month, and that he doesn't want to do it.

i don't think i want anything repaired by a guy who feels like that.

john

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Nov 29, 2012, 12:17:56 AM11/29/12
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Bought a new stove.

who wants our flair?

RCI-645VN

it's in sacramento, ca.

Email - TheLittles

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Nov 29, 2012, 12:28:49 AM11/29/12
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com

I’m near Memphis… and have four more in my basement!  I hope you find a good home for it!!!


Confidence is going after Moby Dick in a rowboat,
and taking the tartar sauce with you.
Zig Ziglar
ASHL Photography

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John Downs

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Nov 29, 2012, 1:13:48 AM11/29/12
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good luck with your zoo.

Rebecca

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Dec 1, 2012, 6:35:51 AM12/1/12
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What model is your? I got mine repaired but now broiler large oven doesn't work,
It also looks as if I will Usage to sell house thus oven with it in nex5 few months so I'm not sure re parts one to leave with it but then unlikely next owner will appreciate. Flair, will give new owne4. Information on group in case

Rebecca
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note™, an AT&T LTE smartphone



-------- Original message --------
Subject: Re: [frigidaire-flair] Re: loosing battle with flair
From: john <dow...@gmail.com>
To: frigidai...@googlegroups.com
CC: Re: [frigidaire-flair] Re: loosing battle with flair


we decided not to fix it. now our flair is looking for a home or part yard..
let me know if you have use for it.


On Tuesday, August 7, 2012 1:33:20 AM UTC-7, RMD wrote:
My flair is in with zajic right now too. Same response he tries to talk you out of repair but then I spoke with Mike and he unstopd the remodel but also seemed to appreciate. The flair and said he would repai4.  He said they take awhile because they go through everything.  Waiting to find. Out estimate to repair
Rebecca in sac


Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note™, an AT&T LTE smartphone

John Downs

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Dec 1, 2012, 3:14:33 PM12/1/12
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Could not understand your message. Model listed above in this thread.
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