KitchenAid KCMS185J Microwave Oven - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

It may be the oil in the popcorn---do you own one of the covers that go inside to cover so food does not splatter?

If you cannot get something in to release the lever then you will have to take the whole thing apart. I have to believe that if you remove the cabinet to the unit you will be able to release the door.

Magnetron needs replaced. CAUTION: Your microwave oven is capable of giving you a serious electrical shock, even when it is unplugged. We strongly suggest you seek the assistance of an appliance repair technician when conducting any microwave oven repair. Cheaper to buy a new Microwave oven.

Sounds like the microwave's magnet tron (join two words together this page will not allow the correct word) the has gone down. They only last a short time depending on use. Not a great job to do on your own (if you do not know what you are doing) the part cost about 35pounds so most cheap microwaves are not worth repairing, if it is an expensive one it may be worth paying for the repair.

http://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Microwave-Lightbulb

If the unit functions other than the turntable it is likely a bad motor or switch that is engaged when door is closed

This is caused by exposed bare metal, food partical buildup or the magnetron itself, clean interior with warm soapy water until spotless and inspect inside cavity, if okay! test run with a cup of water.

Thanks for the information.

check fusebox?

Does not heat food means a problem on magnetron tube and fuse blown in high voltage area. Have it replaced and it will heat again.
I hope I answer your problem.

Your model number is not complete. On the end there should be two more letters (color code), and another number. The number is changed when something on that unit is changed. I tried a few different model numbers and they all came back with the part number 8172018. The price is about $40.00, so you should get the complete model number. It's the number on the unit itself, not the one on the book . If you're a gambler, any appliance store can order one, or you can enter the number on a search, but look at the addresses of your search results to see that it is an appliance related business.
Hope that helped you.
fil

Hi,

Here is a tip that will help you to figure out what is wrong with your Microwave Oven....

Basic Microwave Oven Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101

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Hi,
Here is a tip that will help you to figure out what is wrong with yourMicrowave Oven....

Microwave Oven Basic Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101
sgsgh

on the side of the over should be a small door with screws in it

Most probable failure is this VERY expensive part:
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/part_details.aspx?part_id=4327040&image=1

This is what controls the Magnetron operation via the relay on the PCB. If the Magnetron is operational without programming it usually is the cause of the problem.

I would recommend that all wiring to the control board be verified before considering replacement of the board. The price of the board to me is off the charts in cost! Not sure what the original purchase cost was but the price of this board would make one consider unit replacement vs component replacement when you add in the cost of the service call.

I am sure this is not what you wanted to hear.

Thanks for using FixYa,

Kelly

there are few sensors inside that might go bad but do not try to fix it yourself its got 4000v !!! sorry :( your life worth more then this microwave.

this problem oven gun can not make high voltage or check Fuse.Replace it or buy a new gun.

What usually breaks is the door open lever, but it may also be that the rear side of the door open button has worn down too far to work.

On a counter top model, the outer cover will need to be removed to diagnose and repair this. On an over-the-range model, usually only the control panel needs to be removed.

Once it is apart, you'll be able to see how the door open button would press against the door open lever, which would then lift up against the door latch heads (hook-like projections on the door) and the door should open.

You can find links to helpful exploded view diagrams and part ordering help here.

I'd recommend that your bookmark this link to your favorites.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

The problem could be caused:
top door micro-switch
or
Answer: First, make sure your microwave is plugged in and getting an ample supply of power. If the power is on, but it does not work check to make sure the door closes and aligns properly. Microwave door switches have metal terminals on the end that make contact with the door hook or latch. This completes the circuit which allows the microwave oven to run and without this contact the microwave will not operate. A simple misalignment might be breaking the circuit causing the microwave not to operate.
If you suspect that the thermal fuse has blown, call a professional appliance repair person. Even an unplugged microwave oven can kill or seriously injure someone. This is because there is a high energy capacitor inside the microwave oven case. If it is not discharged properly, you could be electrocuted.
If your microwave buzzes or hums but does not produce any heat, it could be a faulty defective diode, triode, high-voltage capacitor, or even a faulty magnetron. However, this problem usually means a bad means a bad magnetron, followed by a bad diode. Call a professional appliance repair person for assistance.
Warning: Microwave ovens are probably the most dangerous of consumer appliances to service due to the very high voltages (up to 5000 V) at potentially very high currents. If you have any doubts about your knowledge and abilities, replace the oven or have it professionally repaired.

can you prove with documents and bills that the a&e tech mis-judged repairs? if so send them to the microwave manufacture w/all repair bills and they might give you some relief