The model and serial number is usually found on a metal or foil plate like this sample. They may consist of letters, numbers, dashes and in the case of Kenmore, dots.

There may also be additional data on that tag which may be required. These include the MFG (manufacturing) number (on Amana), type number (on Woods), run number (on Jenn Air), series number (on Maytag), B/M (bill of material) number (on Maycor built fridges), style number (on Westinghouse), Rev. (revision) number (on Norge and Magic Chef laundry products) or a service code (on Thermador and Danby cooking products). All this data should be handy when making a parts inquiry.

It is important that you NOT rely on identification numbers when found on the sales bill, shipping carton or owners manual (unless manually copied from the tag on the appliance). These items usually only have partial information and may cause improper parts to be ordered.

Additionally, the energy guide label usually has only a partial model number listed and should also not be quoted.

It is important that the exact and complete reference numbers be taken from the model plate on the appliance only.

Moreover, when supplying the model number over the telephone, be aware that some letters sound similar and may be confused. Letters such as 'S' and 'F', 'M' and 'N', and 'B' and 'D' are the most frequently misheard. On these occasions try to make clear exactly which one you are referring to. E.g., 'S' as in Sam or 'M' as in Mary.

Now that you know what information you need, use the Appliance411 "Model Tag Search" to locate where it is on your appliance. Once you have that, you can look up the proper replacement part for it using the resources found in the Appliance411 "Parts Lists" section.