I opened the door on my sharp microwave and now it wont latch. it sounded like something snapped off where the door latches to the microwave, not the door itself . Even if the door is held shut the light stays on and it wont work

It may be the latch head spring or the door open lever or button.

DOOR SPRING LATCH HEAD HOOK

If you gently push up on the door latch heads (hook-like devices sticking out of the door) there should be spring tension. If they just flop right up, the spring is off inside.

Normally the problem is not the spring, but a broken spring mounting tab on the door latch head (hook) assembly or the inner door panel.

If it's the door panel, it's usually easier and cheaper to use epoxy and some kind of hardware to fashion a new spring mount.

The door latch head (hook) is easy to replace or repair if that's the issue.

you have to separate the door panels (as shown in the attached photo) and then you'll see how it goes together.



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

DOOR OPENING BUTTON LEVER

What usually breaks is the door open lever, but it may also be that the rear side of the door open button has worn down too far to work.

On a counter top model, the outer cover will need to be removed to diagnose and repair this. On an over-the-range model, only the control panel needs to be removed.

Please unplug the oven first.

Once it is apart, you'll be able to see how the door open button would press against the door open lever, which would then lift up against the door latch heads (hook-like projections on the door) and the door should open.

You can usually find exploded views and part numbers for Sharp models by entering your model number at the Sears parts site.

If not, let me know. We have many Sharp manuals and if we have yours, we can link you to it at no charge.

The best place to order Sharp parts is Encompass (formerly Tritronics).

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
Microwave Oven Control Panel Repair Nationwide