My 20 month old KitchenAid microwave will not work. I give it a time and press start, it runs for about 18 seconds, gives error code F7 and stops running.
I had a technician come out, he called the magic number and was told it is the inverter board. They want $176.55 for the part, $120.00 to fix it and charged me $78.00 for the first service call. All for a $600.00 appliance!
Am I being ripped? I checked the warranty and in the second year it only covers the ;electric element and solid state touch control system parts". No mention of an inveter board.
I don't see it on recall either. So, any ideas? I hate to pay $400.00 to fix a $600.00 microwave that is not even two years old!
Help!
>No, the service guy did none of the things you suggested.
Just as I suspected...
The "element" as it is so inaptly misnamed in the case of this warranty document, is actually the "magnetron", which should normally have an extended warranty beyond the normal 1-year (I assume) parts and labor warranty anyway.
The magnetron may be the culprit here, but a thorough check of the points on my previously posted list is in order to determine the actual cause of the problem.
Since your husband is an engineer, I would suggest that he invite a colleague over to help and to provide some backup for any heavy lifting if it should need to be removed from the wall.
Safety first after all!
You can
download Kitchenaid Whirlpool owner's manuals and installation
instructions here in case it needs to be taken down during troubleshooting.
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.
If you don't find yours, or if you want to look at it without disassembling the oven, you can download it here.
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.
You can find
helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full
model number here.
We're
happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your
thoughtful rating of our answer.
Having same problem. Can I buy the part needed myself and replace it? How would I figure out which part that is? Also have a Kitchenaid Fridge (I have repaired myself) and a Kitchenaid Stove/Oven (I have repaired myself). Thought these things were high end!!?? Anyway, maybe microwaves are more complicated so not sure if I should work on it or not.
Thanks to the previous posters who shared their info and knowledge. I'm having the same problem with my KitchenAid microwave; but I am only getting the F7 error intermittently. I don't have my model # handy at the moment, so not sure if it is the same model - it's been in light-duty service for about 6 years. Sorry I don't have solution yet; I'll post back if I get this solved. I'm not impressed with KitchenAId appliances at all. My dishwasher is also KA, and also JUNK! No more KA for me - EVER.
Have some further info re: this issue. Discovered that the F7 ERROR was occurring when the "blade stirrer" was not turning. This is the metal propeller looking part, that you can see through the round transparent plastic cover/window located on the top ceiling, inside of microwave. When the mic is operating properly, this stirrer propeller slowly rotates. Mine is frequently "sticking", causing the F7. .
The low tech solution, which I do not really recommend, is to tap the top of the microwave ceiling with a closed fist; this seems to free up the stirrer to rotate. Another low tech solution, which I haven't tried yet, would be to use a strong enough magnet on the outside of the "window", to manually turn the stirrer, to free it up, so to speak.
A better solution would be to replace this part(s). The "stirrer motor kit" is Whirlpool part # AP3135927 ($86.49 as of today) - "includes new motor, stirrer cover, plastic rivets and hardware to install upgrade kit." If you only need just the "blade stirrer", the part # is AP3133620. I suspect if your stirrer is sticking that you would need the whole kit.
To prevent this problem in the future, don't buy anymore Kitchenaid/Whirlpool junk.
Hope this helps someone.
Note:
The solution above applies to Kitchenaid microwave Model KHHS179L. Should you also have a propeller stirrer issue, be sure to check replacement part numbers for your specific model.
×
4,905 views
Usually answered in minutes!
Model is KHMS 2050 SSS
Thanks for the attempt to help. No, the service guy did none of the things you suggested. He walked in, opened the microwave door to get the serial # and Model, then did as I explained, i.e. ran the thing for about 18 seconds until the error code came up, then called KitchenAid's service tech number and told them the error code and the accompanying message: "Error Code F7, HV SMPS feedback, call for service." They asked him for the info, he told them and they said it was the Inverter Board. He then asked for payment ($78.00) and left with a promise to call me with the amount for a return visit, plus parts and labor. Next day he called to say it was $176.55 for the part, plus $120.00 for labor, plus tax. So, roughly $400.00 to fix a $600.00 appliance.
Question: Is the Inverter Board the equivalent of an"element" in this microwave or does it actually have an electric element? My warranty covers the "element" in years 2-5, but my husband, an engineer, says he does not believe this microwave has an electric heating element. Is this so? Any help would be appreciated.
Did the technician take the time to do all the tests called for on an error code F7 as shown below?
F7 Power to magnetron interrupted
1. Unplug microwave oven or disconnect power.
2. After 40 seconds, check to see whether this solves the problem.
3. Unplug microwave oven or disconnect power.
4. Check cooling fan operation
5. Check the magnetron.
6. Check P65 connection on the relay control board.
7. Check the P56/P66 connection between relay board and relay control board.
8. Check wiring to the 1200W inverter and control system. See “Checking Inverters.”
9. Check operation of all interlock switches.
10. Replace all parts and panels before operating.
11. Plug in microwave oven or reconnect power.
12. Check voltage at 4903-1 on relay board. If it is 120, unplug microwave oven or disconnect power.
13. Replace inverter.
14. Replace all parts and panels before operating.
15. Plug in microwave oven or reconnect power.
16. If problem persists, unplug microwave oven or disconnect power.
17. Replace relay control board.
18. Replace all parts and panels before operating.
19. Plug in microwave oven or reconnect power.
20. If problem persists, unplug microwave oven or disconnect power.
21. Check for reversed plug connection on controls or loose wiring.
22. Replace all parts and panels before operating.
You say "he called the magic number"? Does that mean he called in to someone for technical assistance?
If so I doubt that he did the tests.
When I checked the voltage at 4903-1 on relay board it was 120 Volts however when the microwave is turned on it drops to t o zero. Should it drop to zero? Should it not maintain at 120V to activate the inverter. Unfortunately, I don't have a spec sheet nor I am able to get access to one. Any help?
×