Open Microwave Door & Kenmore Turns On!

Microwave Repair
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1

This Kenmore microwave worked fine for 4 years until yesterday. Now, when you open the door, the thing turns on, the platter turns, and it is microwaving. When you close the door, and it stops. If you need to cook food, it still works normally with the door shut - even turns off on time. But open that door, and it turns on again.

Obviously, this is not safe, because I think microwaves are escaping.

My initial impression is a circuit board malfunction. It almost acts like it needs to be reset - or rebooted as with a computer. I don’t know how to do that, however, and unplugging the thing for a minute and plugging it back in does not make a difference.

Mechanically, the door opens and closes normally, and the latches look OK.

Please let me know any ideas on this odd problem. Such as, what parts might be at fault, and how to fix it.

Thanks,

TWA

3

— Begin quote from TWA;23174

… when you open the door, the thing turns on, the platter turns, and it is microwaving…

— End quote

How did you know it is "microwaving" when the door is open?

Gene.

4

Gene, I checked to see if food became hot when the door is open and the fan and turntable are working. In fact, the food did not heat up, so I think you are right, and I’m now hopeful there is an easy solution here.

The microwave works properly on the timed cooking when the door is closed.

When the door is opened, the fan continues to run, and the turntable continues to turn. Interestingly, when you open the door repeatedly, the turntable changes directions almost every time. One time, however, the turntable did not move, and the fan did not turn on. So, now I wonder if there is something stuck in there that a bit of WD-40 might cure. In particular, I wonder about the lower door latch, which seems to have something to do with this problem. I don’t have a diagram, and the manual is no help.

I’m very interested to read your suggestions before I take this thing apart and start spraying WD-40.

Tom

5

Tom,

After you installed the new switches, with the control panel removed, check how they are engaged by the door latch and adjust it if needed.

  • The part number for the interlock switch is AP3153831

This switch can be used as a replacement for a monitor switch as well. You have to break off an unneeded terminal.

Gene.

6

This is a duplicated thread.

Answered here: http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/microwave-repair/22960-microwave-not-heating.html

Gene.

7

I still need an answer. I couldn’t figure out how to reply or find my prior note. Can you help?

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— Begin quote from Gene;24564

Hi Tom,

I’m glad you were able to fix it.

Gene.

— End quote

I have the same problem with my GE Profile model JVM2070SH001. does it mean to replace both switches and the switch monitor?
thanks in advance…

9

It could be the same solution but it’s better to check the switches before replacing them.

Gene.

10

thanks, gene… i’m gonna try to get the parts immediately. i’ll test the switches first, that’s for sure. meanwhile, is it safe to use the microwave for now? thanks again…

11

It’s better not to use it until it’s fixed.

Gene.

12

Can someone point me to diagrams or instructions on
Removing parts needed to get to the door switches.
I can’t get link to work.
Thanks ron

13

Hi, Ron.

What is the complete model number of the microwave?

14

kenmore 40185053210 I have 3 switches the 2 upper ore Normally open the bottom one seems to be normally closed. when i make the switch it doesnt completely go open. it always seems to read some amount of continuity in the switch. So I ordered the switch from your sight last that is normally closed.
Really appreciate your reply and would still like to see some diagrams or something of that nature.
thanks ronnie

15

Per the description on the problem, the cause is a faulty switch which should be Normally Open (very top one). The Normally Closed switch is the monitor switch and is not connected to this problem.
The Normally Open switch AP4044834

Good luck.
Gene.