How to Identify the Right Appliance Part the First Time

How to Identify the Right Appliance Part the First Time

When your appliance breaks down, the last thing you want is to waste time and money ordering the wrong replacement part. At PRS Parts Inc., we’ve helped thousands of customers in Hawaii get their appliances up and running quickly by guiding them to the right part the first time. Here’s how you can do the same.

1. Know Your Appliance Model Number

Before you do anything else, find the model number of your appliance. This is usually found on a sticker or metal tag on the appliance itself. Common locations include:

  • Refrigerators: Inside the fresh food compartment or behind the kickplate

  • Washers and Dryers: Around the door frame or behind the control panel

  • Dishwashers: On the door frame or edge of the door

  • Ovens and Ranges: Inside the oven door or storage drawer

Tip: Write it down exactly as it appears, including any letters, dashes, or extra digits.

2. Use the Manufacturer’s Part Lookup or Call the Experts

Once you have the model number, you can:

  • Search the manufacturer's website for parts breakdowns

  • Use appliance parts lookup tools online

  • Call or visit PRS Parts Inc., and we’ll cross-reference your model with the correct OEM part number

We can often identify what you need even faster than online searches—especially for older, discontinued, or hard-to-find parts.

3. Match Parts Using Part Numbers, Not Just Photos

While photos can help confirm what a part looks like, visuals alone aren’t enough. Different parts can look nearly identical but function very differently.

Always confirm the following:

  • OEM part number (preferably from your manual or tech sheet)

  • Compatibility with your appliance’s model

  • Any electrical ratings or measurements if applicable

If you're ever unsure, bring the old part into our store—we can match it up for you in person.

4. Understand Substitutes and Superseded Parts

Sometimes, manufacturers replace old parts with newer versions. These are known as superseded parts, and they usually come with slight design upgrades or improvements.

At PRS Parts Inc., we have access to manufacturer substitution charts and updates so we can:

  • Verify if a replacement part will work in your appliance

  • Warn you about any installation differences or adjustments required

5. Avoid Third-Party Sellers Without a Parts Guarantee

Not all parts sold online are reliable. Generic or counterfeit parts may fit, but they often lack proper quality control and can cause more damage.

We recommend only genuine OEM parts to ensure:

  • Compatibility

  • Longevity

  • Manufacturer warranty support

At PRS Parts Inc., every part we stock meets factory specifications—and our team will never sell you something we wouldn’t use ourselves.

6. Ask Us for Help – That’s What We’re Here For

Identifying the correct part isn’t just a process—it’s a skill. And it’s one our team has honed over years.

Whether you’re a DIYer, landlord, or professional repair technician, you can count on us for:

  • In-person part matching

  • Local inventory for fast pick-up

  • Honest advice and troubleshooting tips

Visit PRS Parts Inc. at 540 Lagoon Dr. for authentic appliance replacement parts and expert repair assistance.

Need help right now? Give us a call or stop by with your model number or old part in hand—we’ll make sure you get exactly what you need the first time.

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