Microwave Door Problem

[Quidam]

I have an odd microwave problem and thought I'd troll for advice before uninstalling it (over the range model).

Last evening, while not being used, the door just unlatched and popped open on its own. Now, the door will not latch closed. My guess is that some interlock sensor or switch is faulty. I had to replace the big magnetron capacitor a few months ago, so I'm familiar with the interior of the unit. My plan is to spend an hour max looking for the problem then either order a part or put it on the treebelt and get a new one (it's 5 years old).

Any tinkerers out there? Your advice or insight is appreciated.

[fyxxer32]

Sounds like more of a latch problem than microswitch problem. Possibly you might check sear's website for an exploded view and parts #s. Even if it isn't sears brand.
If you swapped out the mag yourself you oughta be able to handle this. Post your brand and model # and I will look about.Another thing to try is talk to my buddies here.

[Quidam]

Hi fyxxxer32,

Thanks for the attention.

I still have the parts diagram and schematic from my last repair. The latches (2) seem OK. It's the weirdest thing. We just heard this click/clunk from the kitchen, investigaed, and the door had swung open.

The hassle of pulling the unit out and poking around inside was not on my list of things to do this week. Although this repair should be less scary than dealing with a cap the size of a deck of cards and that burnt plastic smell!

[fyxxer32]

The latches MIGHT have an adjustment. Hard to say without seeing it.

Are you sure it's not a haunted microwave?

Ohh ghost in a microwave! It will sell on ebay!

[Redwolf]

Then get returned once they see it's the same ghost from 'Ghost in the Machine'

You might want to try to look behind the latches and close the door, so you can see the latches close. Latches are so simple, it's sometimes hard to miss what's wrong with them.

[Quidam]

I will do my 'exploratory surgery' (or autopsy if things don't go well) tonight. If I find a 'Ghost in the Machine", I'll call "The Police".

[Quidam]

Good News: Problem solved
Bad News: I removed the microwave unnecessarily.

The culprit was the latch spring inside the door. One of the plastic mounting posts had broken. A simple fix.

Thanks for the tips and levity!