In detail: do-it-yourself repair of a front-loading whirlpool washing machine from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.
Various models and manufacturers of washing machines are presented today in large numbers in home appliance stores. Whirlpool is one such brand. The production of high quality units is carried out in countries such as Italy and Slovakia. The washing machine is a complex machine, characterized by a large number of possible causes of malfunctions and repair options. In this article, we'll talk about the most common malfunctions and consider how you can repair a washing machine of this brand.
Important! Based on the statistics carried out, it can be concluded that every fifteenth car requires repair work. The guys from the EuroBytService service center will help with this - they will arrive on the day of contact, they will qualitatively repair it and give a discount and a written guarantee. Recommended!
One of the most common causes of malfunction in washing machines from different manufacturers is the lack of draining the liquid. Who has not encountered such a problem when the washing machine suddenly stops draining water at one point? This often happens after the program has been completed.
Important! This can also happen when restarting the function or pressing the forced drain button.
Let's name the cases in which this happens:
- there is a blockage in the water drain pipe;
- the filter is clogged;
- a blockage occurs in the sewer system;
- there is a malfunction of the electric pump, which is responsible for draining the liquid in the washing machine.
Video (click to play). |
Regardless of the form of loading of the "Whirlpool" washing machine, it is necessary to start repairing the unit by freeing the drum from the water formed during washing. There are two ways to do this:
- This can be done using the emergency drain pipe located near the main hose. To do this, you just need to open the cork and substitute the basin.
- Or by draining the water from the washer - by unscrewing the filter. In this case, excessive accuracy and the presence of many rags are required, since all the liquid (of which there is a lot) will simply pour out of this hole. However, due to the location of the filter in the lower part of the unit, it will not be possible to use a bowl with such a drain.
To troubleshoot a missing or ineffective fluid drain, you can flush the filter and hoses from debris and contamination. You also need to make a flexible cord out of wire, with which you can clean the sewer system.
Important! No special skills are required to perform the above actions. Also, there is no need to disassemble the Whirlpool washing machine. If the unit does not work even after cleaning all the pipes, contact the company that repairs the washing machine of this brand - the masters will come to you and restore all the functions of your device. If you do not have enough financial resources for this business, you can start repairing your washing machine yourself, but only if you have the appropriate professional skills.
You can eliminate the breakdown by disassembling the body of the washing unit and reaching the drain pipe and coupling. To get to the drain pipe, you must:
1. Remove the detergent drawer.
2. Disconnect the device from the power supply, water supply and sewerage system.
3.Turn the device over and lay it sideways on the carpet.
6. Using a multimeter, take resistance measurements on open contacts.
7. Replace the old pump with a new one if the cause is in the pump. If the problem lies elsewhere, proceed.
8.Slightly unscrew the clamps holding the drain pipe.
9.Clean from dirt and debris.
10. Reinstall.
By following the above steps, you can ensure that the liquid begins to drain properly.
In some cases, owners of washing machines are faced with the problem of display breakage, which is easily identified. During the washing process, the entire panel and buttons blink, while the program being executed is working at the proper level.
To check the panel for good condition, turn off the unit from the network for a few minutes. If a power-on problem manifests itself in the same way, you should call a specialist or take the device for repair to a service center. It is unrealistic to make an effective repair of the electronic panel with your own hands!
After the water has stopped heating up to the required level, have you thought about the need to repair your Whirlpool washing machine? In this case, you need to find out on your own what the cause of the breakdown is. A breakdown of a thermistor or heating element can be the only reason for a discrepancy between the actual temperature and the one that was declared when choosing a program.
This breakdown must be diagnosed in any case.
Replacing the heating element is carried out in several steps:
1. First you need to unscrew the bolts holding the back cover.
2.Then remove the bracket, because of which it is impossible to get close to the metal plate with wires and contacts, which is the heating element.
5. Measure the resistance using a special device - a multimeter.
6. Measure the resistance of the heating element.
If you have difficulties in choosing the correct heating element model, contact EuroBytService - and the replacement will not take long.
If you see that the readings are zero, you can start replacing the heating element yourself. To do this, remove the old heating element.
Important! Determination of the malfunction of the heating element is often carried out without using a multimeter. A thin layer of scale formed as a result of the plate sticking to the surface can even be up to 1 cm thick.
A special WD-40 tool will help you in case of strong scale formation and the impossibility of detaching the plate the first time.
The installation of the heating element is carried out on a rubber gasket, which is replaced in the event of a malfunction of the heating element. The reason for this may be a possible leakage of a rubber band replaced during operation, which can entail serious consequences.
After installing a new heating element, all wires are reconnected to it. Next, you need to replace the back cover. In short, the assembly process is the complete opposite of the disassembly process.
Liquid leakage from the window during the operation of a certain program can be called one of the most common problems. Having precisely learned the cause of this or that breakdown of the "Whirlpool" brand washing machine, you can start repairing it.
The cause of water leakage from the hatch can only be a bad rubber cuff fixed inside the window. This element is designed for the purpose of keeping liquid out.
Important! Make sure the elastic is always clean. So, during the washing process, dirt and a little water constantly collect at the bottom of the cuff, which can lead to bursting, cracking and water leakage.
To replace the old cuff with a new one, you must:
1. Open the hatch to the maximum level.
2. Using a small screwdriver, pry off the plastic holder with the rubber band attached to it.
3. On the rubber pad, find the bolt located on the seal mount.
4.Unscrew the bolt and straighten the collar.
5. Using a little effort, pull the cuff towards you.
6.Gently insert the new rubber band. There is no need to use sharp objects at this stage.
9. The washing machine is ready to use.
Important! It is best to choose an original Italian or Slovak cuff model. You should not stop at the choice of cheap cuffs that do not have a long service life and do not cause much damage to the device.
Constant care of the "Whirlpool" washing machine guarantees its longest service life. This washing machine care includes the following steps:
cleaning filters after several washes;
checking pockets before washing;
using only special detergents.
Currently, the market of the CIS countries is mainly represented by Whirlpool washing machines assembled in Italy or Slovakia. Italian cars are quite expensive and less common, but Slovak washing machines are available in every home appliance store. Perhaps due to European assembly, such machines break down infrequently and repair of Whirlpool washing machines is required only for one of 15 owners of such equipment. Nevertheless, you need to study its features, because you never know what!Any complex technique, especially household one, can potentially break anything. If you list all, without exception, possible breakdowns of modern automatic Whirlpool washing machines and describe their elimination, you can write a book about this. Therefore, within the framework of the article, we will only talk about typical defects, which, according to statistics provided by service centers, are most common.
- The water does not leave the machine after washing.
- Washing programs are buggy, do not work as they should, or do not activate at all.
- The water drawn for washing does not heat up according to the set program.
- Water leaks during washing from under the closed manhole cover.
Note! In these typical signs of breakdowns, serious malfunctions are encrypted, the elimination of which is of paramount importance, since otherwise the Whirlpool washing machine may break down completely.
Probably, this happened to you too, put the laundry in the drum, put on your favorite wash program and go to another room to do your household chores. After a while, come back, the machine is frozen, there is a full tank of soapy water in it, and of course the washing is not completed. You restart the machine, history repeats itself, the wash cannot be completed, since the water does not leave the tank. What to do in such a situation, and what is the cause of the problem? There are three main reasons:
- there is a blockage in the drain pipe or drain filter;
- there is a blockage in the drain hose or sewer;
- the electric drain pump has broken.
But before you start to find out the reason for the breakdown of your Whirpool car, you need to prepare it with your own hands, namely, turn off and drain the water from the tank manually. Quickly and safely remove all water from the tank through the emergency drain hoselocated next to the drain filter. It is necessary to substitute a basin or other container under the hose and open the stopper and all the water will flow out by itself. Next, let's start looking for a breakdown, moving from simple to complex.
- We put a container or rag under the hole of the drain filter and unscrew the plug. We clean the filter from dirt and put the plug in place.
- Carefully unscrew the drain hose and clean it from dirt, then screw it into place.
- We check if the sewer is not clogged.
The above steps do not imply disassembly of the Whirlpool washing machine, therefore, after carrying out a "general" cleaning, try to start the machine again. If nothing has changed and the machine still refuses to drain the water, then you will have to climb into its body.
Important! In almost all models of Whirlpool washing machines, in order to get to the drain pipe and the pump, you just need to turn the machine on its side and remove the bottom.
To get to the details of interest to us, we will perform the following steps:
- take out the powder tray;
- we disconnect the machine from the water supply, sewerage and electrical network;
- we put the machine on its side;
- unscrew the fasteners and remove the bottom;
- we take a multimeter and measure the resistance at the pump contacts;
- we change the drain pump to a new one, if the problem is not in it, then proceed to the next stage;
- we loosen the clamps of the drain pipe and remove it;
- we clean from blockages and put in place.
It so happens that after turning on the washing machine, its control panel seems to go crazy. The display starts flashing, and it is echoed by all the lights and indicators of the toggle switch. In this case, the washing program may not be set. If you are faced with something like this, unplug the machine immediately and wait about 1 minute. Then turn on the Whirlpool washing machine again and if the problem persists, call the wizard. Here it is a matter of the control board, and it is extremely difficult to repair it with your own hands, it is better not even to waste time and effort.
But if your machine refuses to wash in warm water, then you can not only independently determine the malfunction, but also fix it yourself, without the help of a specialist. Most likely the reason lies in the heating element or thermistor, in any case, you will have to check both elements at once. We act as follows.
- We turn the washing machine with the back wall towards us, so that it is convenient.
- We unscrew the bolts and remove the back wall of the machine.
- We unscrew the bracket, which will interfere with working with the heating element.
- At the bottom of the tank, we will see two protruding contacts - these are ten. Four wires fit to it, two in the middle to the thermistor and two along the edges to the heating element, you need to disconnect them all.
- We take a multimeter and measure the resistance of the thermistor contacts.
- If everything is in order, we measure the resistance on the heating element.
In this case, you will most likely find a malfunction and you will have to replace the heating element. Usually, when removing the heating element from the tank, the cause of the breakdown becomes immediately clear, since the surface of the heating element is completely covered with scale. If there is a little scale, then the teng will not burn from it, it is another matter if the layer of water stone is more than a centimeter - this leads to a breakdown of the element of the Whirlpool washing machine. We will replace the heating element with our own hands.
- We have already removed the contacts with the wires, now we will unscrew the plastic shield.
- Next, unscrew the bolt that is located between the large contacts of the heating element.
- We grasp the contacts of the heating element with our hands and pull it towards ourselves, if the heating element does not go, try to gently shake it. The rubber pad will get in the way a little, but it can't be helped
- Having pulled out the heating element, we also remove the gasket.
Note! Experts recommend not to install a new heating element on an old rubber gasket, it is better to change it together with the heating element, since a leak for this element is the worst thing.
- We take out dirt and pieces of scale from the hole formed, thoroughly clean the edges, and then insert a new gasket.
- We insert a new ten and screw it on.
- We fasten the plastic shield.
- We connect the contacts with wires to the thermistor.
- We connect the contacts with wires to the heating element, put the bracket and the back wall in place.
If, during washing and rinsing, water leaks from under the hatch of your Whirlpool washing machine, first a little, a few drops, then more and more, then you need to carefully inspect the largest rubber gasket in the machine - the cuff. It is impossible not to notice the cuff, since it encircles the opening of the hatch and serves to keep water out of the tank.
Pay particular attention to the bottom edge of the cuff as dirty water often collects there. And if you do not wipe it, then the rubber of the cuff in this place begins to crack and burst. In the future, it is worth touching it a little and it breaks. A torn cuff cannot be used, since it will not hold water, you will have to change it. First, we properly dismantle the old cuff.- We open the hatch cover as wide as possible.
- We take a flathead screwdriver and try to pry off the thin wire clamp that is located on the outside of the cuff and holds it.
- As soon as we manage to pry it off, we bring a screwdriver harder under it and begin to move in a circle until we find a connecting element with a bolt.
- We loosen the clamp and remove it to the side.
- We grasp the cuff with both hands and pull it out with effort.
Be sure to purchase only the original cuff for replacement, which clearly fits into the groove of the hatch of this model of the Whirlpool washing machine, otherwise problems may arise.
Unpack the new cuff and push it into the groove. In this case, you need to do everything carefully and naturally, do not use any sharp tools like a screwdriver. As soon as we manage to put the cuff in place, we put a clamp on it, tighten it. We check that the hatch closes normally and start a test wash.Summing up, we note that European-assembled Whirlpool washing machines are relatively reliable and do not have many typical breakdowns. Most often, problems arise due to the fact that the user himself does not take good care of his "home assistant" does not clean the hoses and filters on time, does not wipe the cuff, and all this ultimately results in a malfunction. Take care of your washing machine, and it will not have to be repaired often!
Today, in almost every apartment building, you can find a Whirlpool brand washing machine, and more than one. We have both assemblies common: Slovakia and Italy. The latter are bought less often and are more expensive, but cars assembled in Slovakia can be found in all household appliances stores.
Perhaps it was the European assembly standards that helped the Whirlpool machines to establish themselves as machines of high quality and enviable durability. That is why repairs are rarely required, but if breakdowns do occur, then often the repair of Whirlpool washing machines (Whirlpool) can be done by hand.
If we list thoroughly all the possible breakdowns of the MCA, we will have to write a whole guide in 10 volumes. Therefore, we will focus only on the malfunctions typical of this brand.
We used data from reputable service centers to create valuable instructions for those looking to do DIY repairs on the Whirpool washing machine.
- After washing, the water is in the tub.
- Washing modes freeze, do not start at all, or programs are malfunctioning.
- All washing modes are carried out in cold water.
- SMA flows in the area of the hatch.
Important! Behind these seemingly harmless malfunctions, serious breakdowns can be hidden. They need to be eliminated immediately so as not to break the CM completely.
Based on the problems described above, the most vulnerable spots of the Whirlpool washing machines can be identified. In many modern models, a self-diagnosis system is provided, which, using a malfunction code, will inform you about which part is out of order.
But what if the machine does not turn on at all, and there is nothing that would help you find out the cause of the breakdown? Listen to the advice of experienced repairmen, they are sure that the most vulnerable parts in the Whirlpool machine are:
- Thermoelectric heater - heating element.
- The engine and its moving parts.
- Manhole cuff, branch pipes.
- Controller (control module).
Attention! Whirlpool machines, like any other machine, "suffer" from blockages. Both filters and hoses are clogged. If cleaning is carried out in a timely manner (3-4 times a year), then it is possible to avoid breakdowns of the water drain and filling system.
You are probably familiar with the situation when you loaded the laundry into the tub, chose a convenient washing mode, went about your business to the kitchen, then came to get the laundry, and then there was a disaster.The car is buggy: it is full of water and foam, the wash is not over, the laundry is wet.
You restart the program, but everything is in a circle - the wash program is not carried out because water remains in the drum. This problem is caused by one of three factors:
- Debris has accumulated in the water drain pipe or drain filter.
- Blockage in the drain hose or blockage in the drainage system.
- Breakdown of the drain electric pump (pump).
However, before you devote time to finding the causes of the failure, prepare your SMA for this:
- Disconnect the power supply.
- Drain the water remaining in the drum by hand. This can be done quickly using the emergency drain hose - it is usually located near the water drain filter.
- Place a container or a rag on the floor and waste water will flow out.
Next, we remove the waste water filter:
- Place a rag or place a container under the hatch behind which the filter is located.
- Unscrew the plug counterclockwise.
- Clean and flush the unit under the tap.
- Put everything in place.
- Twist the drain hose, clean and rinse it, reinstall it.
It does not hurt to check the drainage system for blockages.
To carry out all the steps, you do not need to know how to disassemble the Whirlpool washing machine - this is an easy job that any user can do.
If your actions did not help get rid of the problem, the drain system is clean, there is no blockage in the sewer, and the washer still does not drain the water from the tank, it will still have to be disassembled. The true cause of the breakdown may be hidden in the pump and drain pipe.
Important! Almost all Whirlpool models are designed in such a way that the pump and the pipe can only be reached from the bottom. We'll have to turn the car on its side.
How to find, check and clean the pump and the pipe:
- Remove the detergent drawer.
- Disconnect the machine from all systems: electricity, water supply, sewerage.
- Turn the SMA over, placing it on the side wall.
- Unscrew the screws and remove the bottom.
- Equip yourself with a tester and measure the resistance of the pump.
- If you find a problem, change your pump.
- If the pump has nothing to do with it, then proceed.
- Loosen the clamps on the water drain pipe.
- Remove the nipple.
- Clean and rinse it.
- Reinstall the nipple.
This breakdown is typical for machines with any type of load. The device of the Whirlpool top-loading washing machine is somewhat different than that of conventional SM, but the problem with it must be solved in the same way.
Often, after starting the washing machine, the control panel begins to behave inadequately: the display blinks, and with it all the LEDs flash. Also, the program you selected may not work.
If this is your case, then immediately turn off the CM, and wait 60 seconds. Then turn it on and, if the problem is not resolved, it is worth calling the wizard, since the control module is damaged, and repairing it yourself is almost impossible. You will need not only a diagram of the control module of the Whirlpool washing machine, but also experience in such a repair.
If the washing machine does not want to heat the water and does not wash the laundry well, then it is possible, without the help of special devices, to determine the breakdown and carry out an independent repair.
The most likely reason for this behavior is a breakdown of the thermistor (temperature sensor), but the heating element could also fail. Be that as it may, it is worth checking both elements together. Then proceed according to this simple scheme:
- Turn the machine so that the front wall is in front of you - this will make it easier to work.
- Unscrew the bolts and remove the rear panel.
- Next, remove the bracket by unscrewing the bolts so that it does not interfere with working with the heater.
- You will not see the entire heating element right away - only its shank is visible under the tank, to which four wires go, two of which are connected to the heater itself, and the rest to the temperature sensor.
- Remove all wires.
- Take a tester and measure the resistance of the temperature sensor contacts.Check the readings at room temperature, and then - heating the sensor in warm water, they should differ significantly if the sensor is working properly.
- Next, measure the resistance on the heating element itself. Its normal readings are 20-40 ohms.
With such a problem, the breakdown is likely to be confirmed, so you will have to replace the sensor (which is easier) or the heating element.
Important! If you do not have a tester at hand, immediately remove the heating element from the tank by unscrewing the fasteners. You will quickly identify the malfunction if the heating element is covered with a thick layer of scale, or dark spots have gone along it. If there is very little scale, then the heating element may not have burned out, and if the water stone is 1 cm or more thick, there is a breakdown.
With your own hands, you can easily change the heating element as follows:
- The contacts and wires have already been removed, so then remove the plastic shield.
- Unscrew the mount - it is in the center of the shank.
- Gently pulling on the contacts, loosening the heater in different directions, remove the heating element. The rubber pad will interfere, so be patient - there is nothing you can do about it.
- Having taken out the heating element, remove the gasket.
Important! Mechanics recommend installing a new gasket together with a new heater, since leaks due to gasket wear are destructive for this important unit.
- In the hole where the heating element was, there is probably debris and scale, so carry out a general cleaning; only then can the gasket be installed.
- Install a new heating element, tighten the mount.
- Replace the plastic shield.
- Connect contacts to heater and sensor.
- Reposition the bracket, and finally refit the car panel.
When, in the washing or rinsing mode, water flows from under the door of the Whirlpool automatic washing machine, it starts imperceptibly - first a couple of drops, then a thin trickle, and sooner or later the deluge begins altogether.
You do not need a diagram of the Whirlpool washing machine to find the cuff that is responsible for the breakdown. It is visible to the naked eye as well - it is a large rubber pad in your CM. It is located along the entire inner perimeter of the hatch, and its main task is to keep water out.
The most vulnerable point of the seal is at the bottom, because dirty water often remains there. If not tidied up periodically, the cuff may burst. It is enough to slightly touch the worn seal to break it - then the leak cannot be avoided.
Important! Do not use a machine with a torn cuff - it will not be able to hold water. If a break is found, the cuff needs to be replaced URGENTLY.
If you are used to making repairs at home, then dismantle the old one and mount a new cuff.
- Open the manhole cover as wide as possible.
- Arm yourself with a slotted screwdriver and hook up the wire clamp - it is located over the collar.
- After prying the collar, slide the screwdriver deeper under it and move it in a circle until you come across a connector with fasteners.
- Loosen the clamp and remove it.
- Take the seal with both hands and pull it out towards you.
For the attention of users: buy cuffs from authorized dealers. The original part will fit into the hatch groove clearly to the millimeter and protect the tank from leaks.
- Unpack the part and insert it into the groove.
Important! Do not use anything sharp so as not to break the seal - do everything ONLY with your hands.
- Once the elastic is in place, quickly slide on the collar and tighten.
- Check if the hatch closes and opens normally.
- Start washing in test mode.
- If it's dry under the typewriter, congratulations, you did it "perfectly"!
If water flows in a vertical type machine, then the reason may not be in the hatch at all - it is on top of it. You will most likely need to disassemble your Whirlpool top-loading washing machine to determine the cause of the leak.
There are a number of other reasons why the washing machine may leak:
- The pump is flowing.
- Depressurization of the tank - crack, hole, corrosion.
- The drain or water intake pipes are damaged.
- Depressurization of the water inlet branch pipe connection.
- Depressurization of the connections between the inlet valve and the powder cuvette.
- Oil seal wear.
- Blockage in the metering hopper.
- Tank drain tube worn.
Most of these breakdowns are simple and you can repair the leak yourself. The most important thing in this case is to correctly diagnose the problem. The trouble codes will help you with this.
The following error codes may light up on the display: F01 or FH, F02 or FA, F03 or FP, F14, FDL, FDU.
If you still have questions about repairing breakdowns of Whirlpool brand washing machines, read our other materials, in which we analyze in detail each individual malfunction.
In this article, we have considered only typical breakdowns that can be fixed without the help of a repairman. And if you are wondering how to change the bearing on the Whirlpool washing machine, watch an additional special video:
Modern washing machines of the famous Whirlpool brand are of high quality and durability. As practice shows, household appliances do not break down often, but there are still cases when parts replacement or comprehensive maintenance is required. It is worth saying that repairing a washing machine is a very time-consuming and expensive process, so many entrust their appliance to an experienced master. In this article, we will tell you in detail how to properly repair Whirlpool washing machines!
The automatic washing machine has a rather complex design, and anything can fail at any time. As practice shows, the repair of Whirlpool washing machines deserves special attention, and the main causes of breakdown can be:
Surely, every owner faced this problem when he put on the wash, and after a while the machine froze, and the water does not leave the tank. What to do in such a situation and what are the reasons for this behavior of the technique?
- The drain electric pump has become unusable
- Sewer pipe or drain hose blockage
- Clogged drain filter or pipe
Before making repairs with your own hands, it is worth finding out what the problem is and what provokes this behavior of the device. In case of stagnant water, you should quickly get rid of the liquid through the emergency hose, which is located near the drain filter. Only after that, we proceed to troubleshoot, performing the following step by step:
- Unscrew the plug and get rid of the dirt on the filter
- Remove the drain hose and clean it from dirt
- Check for blockage in the sewer pipe
In the event that your washing machine has stopped heating water to a certain temperature, you should pay attention to the heating element and thermistor. Follow this way:
- Remove the back cover of the device and the bracket
- Disconnect the wires from the ten and the thermistor
- Measure the resistance of the tena and thermistor contacts with a multimeter
- Having determined the malfunction of the heating element, it should be removed and replaced with a new one.
After turning on the Whirlpool washing machine, started to notice problems with the control panel? Stops working, and sometimes does not respond to touch at all? If you encounter such a problem, immediately unplug the device for a few minutes. If after switching on the problem reoccurs, the contacts in the control board have come off.
Quite often, during the washing process, water begins to flow from under the hatch. In this case, special attention should be paid to the rubber pad, which wraps around the opening and allows the lid to fit snugly. To prolong the life of the cuff, wipe off excess dirt and water that has accumulated on the bottom. Adhering to the rules of use, the material will not crack and will last as long as possible.
Among the majority of boarding houses and small-sized premises, the Whirlpool top-loading automatic washing machines are in wide demand. They are small and easy to use.Also, the advantage is the ability to stop a given program and restart with new settings. But as they say, nothing lasts forever and the device may fail. In this case, you simply cannot do without repair and diagnostics. Please note that modern service centers have services that are not cheap, so we will tell you step by step how to disassemble a Whirlpool top loading washing machine without spending a penny!
If you have a Whirlpool top-loading washing machine, do-it-yourself repairs should be done after a complete inspection, following some simple tips:
- Release the panel from the sides
- Lift the display panel up and pull it towards you
- At a slight angle, disconnect the wires from the board and remove the panel
Self-repair of the Whirlpoo washing machine will significantly save money without leaving your home! Remember, to minimize breakdowns, adhere to safety rules and pay special attention to timely maintenance and cleaning of devices. We hope that now we will not have any questions, and our article will fully and completely cover the topic: Repair of Whirlpool washing machines! Stop overpaying, now you are your own boss!