Make an informed repair decision
Find your model number and rating plate
“Samsung A16” or “Bosch fridge” may be too broad to identify a replacement part. Start with the complete model code on the device. A clear photograph also preserves suffixes that are easy to miss when copying it.
This guide was prepared with AI assistance using the sources listed below. It does not replace an inspection of your device. Method and limitations
Three numbers with different purposes
A rating plate is the manufacturer’s identification label. It may include the model, electrical ratings and manufacturing details. A number printed on it is not necessarily a spare part number.
| Identifier | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Model / Type / E-Nr. / PNC | The device version. Keep all letters, slashes and suffixes. |
| Serial number / S/N | Identifies an individual unit. Some service checks need it, but it should not appear in public examples. |
| Part number / Part No. | Identifies a component. A number on a manual, box or circuit board might instead identify a document, seller listing or manufacturing revision. |
Where to look first
Locations vary by manufacturer and model. Check accessible labels first. Do not remove covers or pull out a heavy built-in appliance just to find its number.
| Device | Common places to check |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | An inside wall, often near the lower drawers; sometimes the side or rear. |
| Washing machine | Door opening or door frame; sometimes the rear or an access flap. |
| Oven | The frame visible with the door open. Check only with the oven off and cool. |
| Television | Rear label or device information in the menu. Do not take a wall-mounted TV down alone. |
| Smartphone | Settings → About phone or device information. Use the packaging only if it definitely belongs to that unit. |
| Power tool | A housing label, often near the handle or battery slot. Switch off and remove a removable battery as instructed by the manufacturer. |
Take a photo you can actually read
- Expose the label without aggressive cleaning; keep the camera lens clean.
- Use soft light from the side. If glare hides the text, switch off the flash and move the light source slightly.
- Keep the camera roughly parallel to the label, tap the text to focus and hold still. Moving back a little can help the camera focus.
- Include the whole label with a margin. Enlarge the photo afterwards: can you distinguish 0/O, 1/I and the final suffix? Do not guess an unreadable character.
Blurred: similar characters cannot be distinguished.
Glare: a bright patch hides the model line.
Cropped: the /02 suffix is missing.
Usable: the full model line is sharp and free of glare.
What to give FixNavi
Include the brand, complete model and observed fault. In the Bosch example, /11 belongs to KGE39ALCA/11. Samsung A16 and A16 5G are different model families. Mention the market if the device was imported.
Keep serial numbers, IMEI numbers, Wi-Fi passwords, unknown QR-code contents, invoices and account details out of public examples. Model and suffix are usually enough for an initial lookup. Share a serial number only when needed through a private, official service channel.
Sources and further information
Sources checked on 9 September 2026. Manufacturer guidance and specialist repair sources support the examples; they do not approve a part or repair for your particular device.
Examples from the repair library
Bosch KGE39ALCA/11
Bosch KGE39ALCA/11: Lower door shelf is broken
Bosch KGE39ALCA/11: Lower door shelf is broken. Bosch confirms bottle shelf 00704760 for the complete E-Nr. KGE39ALCA/11. For the broken lower door shelf, the position and…
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G, probably SM-A165M / SM-A165M-DS
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G: Replacing the display
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G: Replacing the display. Samsung lists SM-A165M as an official support model. No specific Samsung replacement-screen number is confirmed here for this Galaxy…
Make an informed repair decision
Identify your device, check the part and choose a suitable repair route.
Check a spare part number before you buy
Check the model suffix, component position, part number and included items. Learn why finding your device does not prove that a replacement part fits.
Genuine, OEM or compatible: compare spare parts
Understand part labels and compare traceable origin, condition, package contents and possible functional differences before choosing a replacement.
When should a professional handle the repair?
Recognise DIY limits around electricity, batteries, heat and pressure. Prepare the model, symptoms and questions needed for a useful repair estimate.