Kenmore Elite Microwave 970C85373310 works, OTR fan & lights do not!

SOURCE: kenmore elite microwave oven displays "Locked" and will not respond

My Kenmore Elite microwave (don't have the model number in front of me) also mysteriously locked its own keypad (we were sitting in an adjacent room, heard a strange beep, and got up to find the LED reading "Locked."). I pressed and held down the Stop/Clear button for ~10 seconds and it returned to normal.

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Jan 18, 2009

SOURCE: Owners manual for Kenmore Elite Microwave Model 66462

A full Sears/Kenmore model number has 3 digits, a dot, then 8 more digits, such as ###.########

You can just enter your full model number at the Sears parts site.

On the resulting page, look to the right for the blue "View manuals" button. Click there.



That Sears-related site has many free manuals. While the manuals they list there are all free, they will ask you to register.

Many times, the owner's manual will have the installation instructions inside.

If yours is not listed there for free, you would have to order it through the Sears parts site.

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

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Jun 17, 2009

SOURCE: Frigidaire Microwave OTR FMV145KS2 not heating

Chances are it's a defective high voltage rectifier diode or magnetron.

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.

Here are some links you or someone you know can use for test help, but read their safety warnings first:

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/diode.html
(if it's not shorted or burned, it's probably okay)

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/mag_test.html

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/xformer.html

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/cap_test.html

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number from the tag on the oven here.

You can download Frigidaire owner's manuals and installation instructions can be downloaded through the links here. where you can also locate a nearby authorized servicer if you choose.

The magnetron has a 10-year part warranty, but you would have to pay labor.

If nothing else, you can save about $75 by taking it to the shop yourself.

Good luck.

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

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Jul 13, 2009

SOURCE: Ewave OTR Microwave Oven, Model KOT-153UW. Light

We see (and repair) this a lot. The problem is on the control panel, which we regularly repair nationwide by mail for $39.95 postpaid in about a week or so.

At our Web site, you can get details of our service, plus we have a video available showing how to remove a typical over the range control panel assembly in under 5 minutes.

This light failure often occurs when a bulb goes out and the filament shorts, or when the bulbs are removed or installed without first unplugging the oven from the power line. Either can cause such a failure on the controller.

The lights can can be inoperable or stuck on or no bright, too. Sometimes this will similarly affect the exhaust fan operation or inside light, too.Feel free to contact me directly (and please remind me of your full model number from the tag on the unit) for more information & help.

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

William E. Miller, AS-EET
[email protected]
http://www.microwavedisplay.com

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Jul 13, 2009

SOURCE: Kenmore Elite Advantium 120, model # 363.63693301,

You probably just have a bad primary interlock (upper door switch) or its mount is loose or broken.

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.

We have the service / repair manual for this model and have uploaded it to our site here to help you.

It will give you safety info, step by step help in disassembly, troubleshooting tips, and part numbers.

Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need the free Adobe Reader.

For more on door switches & mounts, see: http://www.microwavedisplay.com/doorsw.txt

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number from the tag on the oven here.

If a switch is all you need, we offer a universal type for only $5 postpaid which you can order here.

But if you need any cosmetic parts, enter your full model number at the Sears parts site.

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