Ordering the right part the first time: serial/production breaks, superseded numbers and why the number stamped on the part misleads

Makers change parts during a production run without changing the model number, so the same model can use two versions of a board, motor or bracket; the serial number, production number or date code on the rating plate tells which one you have, and which number is needed varies by brand. Old part numbers are often replaced (superseded) by a new number that may look different but does the same job. The number printed on the component itself is usually the component supplier's code, not the appliance maker's service part number, so it is a poor lookup key. Order from the full model plus serial, and confirm the connector and dimensions against the old part before you install.