20 Most Recent KitchenAid KCMS185J Microwave Oven Questions & Answers

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?

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.

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.
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