The microwave door doesn't close tightly now and the interior light sometimes stays on. How can this be adjusted?
My over the range microwave had a loose door, it sagged when it was open but you could lift it to close. Called repair person he said no it could not be fixed. You could see the bottom hinge was loose and slipping. I loosened 3 screws that holds the bottom on the microwave -you have to do this to change the light bulb also. The bottom hinge on the door was loose there was a hole there, so took a screw and nut to hold the hinge in place..I am a 70+year old woman-if I can you can.
Repairing the loose, detached hinge is simple. First buy a pop rivet tool and 1/8'' or 3mm rivets.
Second remove the door. There is a little plastic pop tab on the inside top corner of the door by the hinge that keeps the door from lifting off of the hinge pins. Use a 1 inch putty knife or maybe a butter knife and pry from the bottom crack. Once tab is off the entire door can be lifted off.
Third, line up the little holes in the bracket with the little holes in the microwave face. Insert a pop rivet in the hole and squeeze the tool till it pops off. I put one 3mm rivet on the top hinge and one on the bottom.
Put door back on and then the anti-door lift tab. No drilling needed on my Fridgidaire PLMV169DCd microwave. I guess u could drill a 1/8'' or slightly larger hole thru the microwave face and the hinge bracket behind it if there isn't one on your model
There are plastic mounts inside the microwave which hold the door switches and onto which the door hooks latch when you close the door. The screws on these mounts may be loose. If they get too loose, the switches will not be activated properly. Usually it's not a loose screw, but instead a broken tab on the switch holder, allowing the switch to rotate just out of position. I would even bet it's in the top switch or holder! *grin* This is especially common on Sharp over-the-range models such as R1460, R1461, R1480, R1481, etc. Feel free to e-mail me with your model number at _ if you'd like to discuss this further. Always happy to help.
I'm sorry to say that this problem is likely to cost you more to fix than simply buying a new microwave oven. You might see if there are any exposed screws that are loose on either the hinges or the latch, but that is a longshot. More likely is either a metal hinge that is bent or a plastic part that is broken. Best of luck. --TechnoJim
SOURCE: safety function activated
This
is usually caused by either a bad door switch, a loose door switch
mount (which are pretty simple problems to fix) or
occasionally a
problem on the control panel.
Even though a door
switch clicks, it may still be bad inside.
Door switch
or mount trouble is usually caused by slamming the door or by opening
the
door while it's cooking without hitting the Stop pad first.
There are
plastic mounts inside the microwave which hold the door switches and
onto which the door latches lock when you close the door.
The screws on these
mounts may be loose. If they get too loose, the switches will not be
activated properly.
Sometimes it's
a broken tab on the switch holder, allowing the switch to rotate just
out of position. This tab
can be hard to see, since it is under the
bottom edge of the switch.
If the switch mount is
broken, it's usually more economical and
safer to add a dab or two of hot glue to the mount to secure the
switch. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before using.
One test that sometimes
helps is to
gently lift up (and/or push down) on the door or handle as you try to
start it. If it works or tries to work, then it's a door switch mount
or
door alignment issue.
See:
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/safety.txt
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/disassembly.txt
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/doorsw.txt
You can find links to helpful exploded view
diagrams and part ordering help
here. I recommend that you bookmark that
link to your favorites.
There
should be a "mini-manual" (tech sheet) hidden inside the unit
behind the
control panel or hidden on the left side behind the grille, which is
very helpful when troubleshooting, testing, and locating
components.
At
our Web site, we have a video
available showing how to remove a typical
over the range control panel assembly in under 5 minutes.
If you don't find yours,
or if you want to look at it without disassembling the oven, you may be able to download it here.
If you only need a
switch, you can order a universal type here for $5 postpaid.
If you think the problem
is on the control panel, we repair these nationwide by mail
for $39.95 postpaid in most cases in about a week or so with a one-year
guarantee.
We're
happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful
rating of our answer.
Hi,
This has happened because the safety feature has stuck.
There is a circuit that must be completed in order to stop people putting their hands in while on.
If you can check that the door sells and connection is clean and clear that may help otherwise unfortunately either a replacement or an electrician is needed for this one.
I know this would not have helped but it is the only way.
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I have the over the range microwave can't remember the model. Anyway, after two minutes of cooking time the door drops just enough to stop it from running.
What might be the cause of this and how do I fix it.
Thanks
Tracy
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