Upper door latch needs replacing

try online, but the cost will be prohibitive, cheaper to buy a new 1, you can get an all singing and dancing 1 from supermarket for less than 40, we are in a throwaway world now, cost of repairs out weighs replacement, the labour alone is 75 an hr.

It may be a loose or misaligned top door switch or that switch's mount, or possibly a bent or misaligned door.

See our file on door switches.

It would be useful to remove the controller and then observe how the upper door latch head (hooklike device) activates the top door switch when you open and close the door.

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 from the tag on the oven here.

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

it's a replaceable part. the upper and lower hooks are actually 1 part. door will need to be partially disassembled

due to the fact that micowaves produce extreme amounts of high range rayons the units are constructed with several safety features one of the main ones being twin micro switches built into the door latching. when the door is open it sends a signal to the microwave to stop working so unless both latches are in place and strike the switches the unit will think the door is open and not respont to cook. you will have to have the door latch replaced parts are available form www.kenmore.com as well as ebay and as close as your local reapir shop.

best of luck


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thank you and merry christmas

You probably mean the door LATCH broke off. Yes, that will prevent your oven from operating. The door latches operate switches inside to indicate that the door is closed. If the control board doesn't see the right switch settings, it thinks the door is open and won't allow cooking. Replacement latches are available, but you should check with a professional shop to do the repair. If door repairs aren't done correctly, there is a chance of microwave leakage and an unsafe oven.

To open the door, remove the appliance case and with a long small diameter screwdriver, gently lift the catch holder assembly up to release the door catches.
When you replace the door catch, ensure that the door fits correctly.

Part is available,
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/getSubComp.pd?modelNumber=JE1640WA01&productCategoryId=0123245&brandId=0432&modelName=MICROWAVE&diagramPageId=00001&documentId=E2134524&pop=flush
Eric

You have to separate the door panels (as shown in the attached photo) and then you'll see the previously hidden screws you need to remove.

Or you can watch a YouTube video (not a video I made) that demonstrates how it's done.

You can usually 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.

To replace the inner part of the latch is actually quite easy. Remove the glass tray from inside, then unplug the unit. Take to a flat surface and stand on edge so that the door will open flat. On the inside is a plastic trim that is just clipped on. Pop this off carefully and you will now see the assembly you need to replace. Note where the spring is anchored to the door before taking it apart. Put a small amount of lubricant on the guide pins of the new catch (petroleum jelly works great).

I strongly suggest that you do not attempt to adjust the hinges.

The door switch mounts are either cracked or need to be adjusted.

Door switch mount trouble is usually caused by slamming the door.

This may be a little more info that you need and it's from a Sharp service manual, but the general principles apply:

1. Disconnect the power supply cord, and then remove outer case.

2. Open the door and block it open.

3. Discharge high voltage capacitor.

If the door sensing switch, secondary interlock switch and monitor switch do not operate properly due to a misadjustment, the following adjustment should be made.

4. Loosen the two (2) screws holding latch hook to the oven cavity front flange.

5. With door closed, adjust latch hook by moving it back and forth, and up and down. In and out play of the door allowed by the upper and lower position of the latch hook should be less than 0.5mm. The vertical position of the latch hook should be adjusted so that the door sensing switch
and secondary interlock switch are activated with the door closed. The horizontal position of the latch hook should be adjusted so that the plunger of the monitor switch is pressed with the door closed.

6. Secure the screws with washers firmly.

7. Check the operation of all switches. If each switch has not activated with the door closed, loosen screw and adjust the latch hook position.

After adjustment, check the following.

1. In and out play of door remains less than 0.5mm when in the latched position. First check upper position of latch hook, pushing and pulling upper portion of door toward the oven face. Then check lower portion of the latch Figure C-3. Latch Switch Adjustments hook, pushing and pulling upper portion of door toward the oven face. Both results (play in the door) should be less than 0.5mm.

2. The door sensing switch and secondary interlock switch interrupt the circuit before the door can be opened.

3. Monitor switch contacts close when door is opened.

4. Re-install outer case and check for microwave leakage around door with an approved microwave survey meter.

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