[MrE]

Fortunately, you have found the very best resource for Newell questions on the Internet. Forgive me if I make suggestions that are way below your level of expertise. The first thing that I would recommend is a clamp multimeter that measures both AC and DC current. Careful if purchasing, most only measure AC current. I found an inexpensive one on Amazon made by TACKlife but they are no longer being sold, could be I bought a lemon, but it's worked for me. This will give you the ability to analyze almost all electrical issues. I was actually able to resurrect my relatively expensive battery charger by finding a bad capacitor and replacing it, a $5 dollar fix only because I had to buy 10 capacitors to get the free shipping.

Totally off subject, but your laminate is probably Wilsonart, available at Lowes and Home Depot. I was able to find an exact match for my '86.