The door button on my whirlpool microwave is broken (locked in the pushed in position) and I can’t open the microwave door as needed to replace the handle. Can you help?

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Nov 02, 2006

SOURCE: Stuck Microwave door

In most cases this is due to a broken door opening lever or loose or broken door latch / hook parts. They can only be accessed and examined if the cover is removed from the microwave. In many over the range models, you can access the door parts by removing the control panel assembly. Sometimes you may be able to get it open by pushing up gently on the bottom of the door while pushing the button, in case you need to empty it.

SOURCE: Broken latch microwave door - won't open

I have a semmins microwave working in great condition, last night the latch mechanism inside the microwave don't allow the door latch to close.Only the top portion, bottom portion is ok.

SOURCE: Microwave broken door handle.

To replace MOST microwave oven door handles all you have to do is open the door and remove the inner plastic panel around the glass. This is accomplished by taking a small screwdriver and carefully inserting it along the perimeter to pop it loose (there are usually some grooves you can insert the screwdriver in).

NOTE: DO NOT pry against the glass. The glass is tempered and has an RF shield that protects the consumer from the microwaves being generated by the magnetron. Breaking it, requires a new door replacement.

With the panel removed, you will be able to access the screws that hold the handle in place. Once the new handle is in place, carefully reinsert the inner plastic panel by snapping it back in place all the way around the perimeter of the door glass.

If you have questions, or if your door is configured differently, please let me know. If you have the ability to send photos, that helps too. A model number may also be useful so I can identify how your door is assembled. I hope this helps you,

SOURCE: Door handle broken away from microwave unit.

The door handle can easily be replaced. This is a common problem with microwave oven doors. You would think the manufacturer's would make them a bit more durable.

This is a very simple repair. To access the door handle mounting screws on MOST microwave ovens, you have to remove the inner door panel that goes around the perimeter of the glass. You can use a small screwdriver to carefully pry the plastic up and work your way slowly around the perimiter of the glass. Most microwave ovens also have grooves in the panel that you can insert the screwdriver into. Use care not to pry against the glass. The glass is tempered and also has an RF shield that prevents harmful microwaves from potentially harming the consumer. If you break the glass, you will need to purchase a new door.

The door handle screws are located behind the inner panel. Simply remove the broken handle and install the new one. Re-insert the inner door panel carefully and gradually work your way around the perimeter of the door glass and make sure it snaps back into place.

If you have questions about this repair, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

SOURCE: Replacing a whirlpool microwave door handle! got

To replace the door handle you need to access the door handle screws. On MOST microwave ovens, you just have to remove the inner door panel that goes around the perimeter of the glass. This can be easily be accomplished by using a small screwdriver or putty knife and carefully insert along the seam of the inner panel and pry the plastic up. Work your way slowly around the perimiter of the glass to pop the panel loose. Use care not to pry against the glass. The glass is tempered and also has an RF shield that shields you from harmful RF radiation.

With the inner panel removed, the door handle screws are visibile and can easily be accessed with a screwdriver. Simply remove the broken handle and install the new one. Re-insert the inner door panel, gradually working your way around the perimeter of the door glass to ensure it snaps back into place and seats properly.

This repair can be done with the door in place, or you can remove it for easier access. If you decide the remove the door, open it all the way and lift straight up at the hinges. The door will lift off of the hinge pins. On some microwaves, you may have to remove the upper grill cover over the door (if equipped) to accommodate door removal. Place on a hard flat surface with some towels under it for padding. This protects the door facing from scatches.

NOTE: Some doors have a hinge pin that needs to be removed, or screws holding the door in place at the hinge.

You can view an exploded view diagram of your microwave at pcappliancerepair.com for reference. Just type in your model number and locate the parts listing for the door. If you have any questions, or require additional assistance, please let me know. I hope this helps you.