How do I remove the front of the control panel so I can replace the keypad

You can do this without removing unit from wall. First unplug unit. Next remove the two screws on the top of the unit closest to the front. These screws simply keep the up facing vent in place. Next slide the vent to the left (plastic latches on bottom hold in place) to allow vent to be removed. You should now see a single screw above the control panel. Remove it then open the microwave door. Gently slide the control panel up which will disengage the plastic latches on the panel sides. Suggest if you are going to remove the controller and replace take a picture before removing it so you know exactly how to reconnect all the wires.

If I understand you, the front keypad is not responding. In that case you will need to replace the keypad control board.

"SE" error means you have a shorted membrane keypad.

The full model number from the tag on the oven should be one of these:

SMH9151B/XAA (service manual)
SMH9151B/XAC (service manual)
SMH9151BE/XAA (service manual)

I've included the service manual link for each one for your convenience. They'll help you with disassembly and in getting part numbers.

You can order parts by entering part numbers or your full model number from the tag on the oven here.

There are three ways you can fix this, with the last probably being the best:

1. Replace the membrane keypad ("switch membrane"). The cheapest way but the hardest. If you (or someone you know) might want to replace it yourself, I have uploaded a handy guide with pictures showing you what's typically involved. It's here.

2. Replace the control panel frame assembly ("assy control panel"), which comes with a new keypad on it already. Pretty easy, not expensive.

3. Replace the entire controller ("assy control box"). Very easy, and usually not much more than option 2.

No matter which option you prefer, 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.



Some connectors on the relays may have a lock:



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

Most microwaves use a membrane type keypad that is glued to the front panel..they can be expensive though, but aren't too hard to replace...it involves removing the cover...unplugging the keypad ribbon cable...removing the old keypad...and reinstalling the new keypad

It may be a weak VFD tube or it may be that the rear of the display window and front of the display glass are very dusty.

Sometimes you can clean it inside to brighten it up.

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.

Then you can detach the keypad connector (as per attached photo) then remove the control panel screws.

Be careful not to crack the glass display when handling it, or it's a goner.

Then you can use a soft cloth (not a paper towel) and a mild cleaner (not ammonia-based) to clean the front surface of the VFD display glass and the rear side of the clear bezel (display window) that's attached to the keypad.

Direct spraying of cleaners on the keypad and steam from the cooktop can damage the controls.

I always recommend that you spray non-ammonia cleaner on a soft cloth (not a paper towel which can scratch) and gently wipe the keypad.





If that cleaning didn't help, then you have a weak VFD.

On some models, we can replace the VFD tube with a good used type to provide many years of good service.

Otherwise, you can replace your control board / smart board.

You can find links to helpful exploded view diagrams and part ordering help here.

I'd recommend that your bookmark this link to your favorites.

Feel free to contact me directly (and please include your full model number from the tag in or on the unit) for a free estimate.

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

William E. Miller
[email protected]
http://www.microwavedisplay.com

front key pad needs replacment. it fits like a sticker on the front panel. Before you can remove it, remove the outer cover and disconnect the ribbon cable.Once done, peel off old keypad from front and reverse proceedure with new one.Reconnect ribbon cable.

Does the display say F3? You probably have a shorted keypad.

If you might want to replace it yourself, I have uploaded a handy guide with pictures showing you what's typically involved.

It's at http://www.microwavedisplay.com/keypad_replacement.pdf

We have critical safety, disassembly, and troubleshooting info at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

Essentially you unplug the oven from the wall outlet, and remove the control panel assembly as per the instructions at the site linked above.

(Remove the grille from across the top, remove the top screw in the control panel frame, then lift up & out).

There should also be a very helpful "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel or hidden on the left side behind the grille.

Then unplug the keypad from the circuit board, heat up the keypad from the front with a hair dryer, then peel the old keypad off.

You have to make sure all the old adhesive is off or the new keypad will not stick.

I use paint thinner or mineral spirits, then follow up with isopropyl alcohol to be sure the panel face is squeaky clean and dry.

Then peel the backing paper from the new keypad and carefully press the new keypad in place.

You need to be precise - you cannot apply it, peel it off, then reapply it.

If you would like to have us do this for you, we do that for $39.95 plus part costs.

We're happy to help and we appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

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

Your membrane keypad has probably failed.

If you might want to replace it yourself, I have uploaded a handy guide with pictures showing you what's typically involved.

It's at http://www.microwavedisplay.com/keypad_replacement.pdf

We have critical safety, disassembly, and troubleshooting info at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

Essentially you unplug the oven from the wall outlet, and remove the control panel assembly as per the instructions at the site linked above.

(Remove the grille from across the top, remove the top screw in the control panel frame, then lift up & out).

There should also be a very helpful "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel or hidden on the left side behind the grille.

Then unplug the keypad from the circuit board, heat up the keypad from the front with a hair dryer, then peel the old keypad off.

You have to make sure all the old adhesive is off or the new keypad will not stick.

I use paint thinner or mineral spirits, then follow up with isopropyl alcohol to be sure the panel face is squeaky clean and dry.

Then peel the backing paper from the new keypad and carefully press the new keypad in place.

You need to be precise - you cannot apply it, peel it off, then reapply it.

If you would like to have us do this for you, we do that for $39.95 plus part costs.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you need more help.

We're happy to help and we appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

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

We have *critical* safety & disassembly info at our site. You'll find a link to our site in our listing here on FixYa: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

Essentially you unplug the oven from the wall outlet, and remove the control panel assembly as per the instructions at the site linked above.

(Remove the grille from across the top, remove the top screw in the control panel frame, then lift up & out).

There should also be a very helpful "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel.

Then unplug the keypad from the circuit board, heat up the keypad from the front with a hair dryer, then peel the old keypad off.

You have to make sure all the old adhesive is off or the new keypad will not stick.

I use paint thinner or mineral spirits, then follow up with isopropyl alcohol to be sure the panel face is squeaky clean and dry.

Then peel the backing paper from the new keypad and carefully press the new keypad in place.

You need to be precise - you cannot apply it, peel it off, then reapply it.

We're happy to help and we appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

We have *critical* safety, disassembly, and troubleshooting info at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk

Essentially you unplug the oven from the wall outlet, and remove the control panel assembly as per the instructions at the site linked above.

There should also be a very helpful "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel. It's very helpful when troubleshooting.

Then unplug the keypad from the circuit board, heat up the keypad from the front with a hair dryer, then peel the old keypad off. You have to make sure all the old adhesive is off.

Then peel the backing paper from the new keypad and carefully press the new keypad in place. You need to be precise - you cannot apply it, peel it off, then reapply it.

If you would like to have us do this for you, we do that for $39.95 plus part costs.

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

We're happy to help and we appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.