If the outer door is not broken. All you have to do is replace the handle. You will need to access the door handle mounting screws and remove them to replace the door handle. To access the screws on MOST microwave ovens, you must remove the inner door panel that goes around the perimeter of the glass. This can be accomplished by using a small screwdriver or putty knife and carefully insert along the seam of the inner panel and pry the plastic up. Work your way slowly around the perimiter of the glass to pop the panel loose. Use care not to pry against the glass. The glass is tempered and also has an RF shield that shields you from harmful microwaves.
With the inner panel removed, the door handle screws are visibile and can easily be accessed with a screwdriver. Simply remove the broken handle and install the new one. Re-insert the inner door panel, gradually working your way around the perimeter of the door glass to ensure it snaps back into place and seats properly.
This repair can be done with the door in place, or you can remove it for easier access. If you decide the remove the door, open it all the way and lift straight up at the hinges. The door will lift off of the hinge pins. On some microwaves, you may have to remove the upper grill cover over the door (if equipped) to accommodate door removal. Place on a hard flat surface with some towels under it for padding. This protects the door facing from scatches.
NOTE: Some doors have a hinge pin that needs to be removed, or screws holding the door in place at the hinge.
You can view an exploded view diagram of your microwave at pcappliancerepair.com for reference. Just type in your model number and locate the parts listing for the door. The part number for the door handle is WB15X10020. If the outer panel is damaged, you may have to replace the entire door. The part number is WB55X991. The cheapest web source I have found the handle listed is appliancepartspros.com for $47. The entire door, however, sells for $110 at pcappliancerepair.com.
The RF inside the cavity of a microwave oven is actually controlled by the RF shield in the glass. As long as the glass is intact and the inner door facing is not bowed, warped or cracked, you will not have to worry about RF leakage (even with the handle broken off).
If you have any questions, or require additional assistance, please let me know. I hope this helps you.
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JS,
Thanks for responding. I didn't think that the handle would still be available since the MicroWave is at least 12 years old. There is now a hole in the door where the handle broke off and my decision to replace the entire unit is based on my fear of microwave leakage. If there is a way to fix this for $50, please provide the part number and where I can purchase it. Thanks in advance.
Pete
You're replacing an entire oven for a broken handle? Sounds like an awful llot of trouble over a simple part. Did you know that the handle can easily be replaced and only costs about $50?
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