How to repair cracked plastic rim on outside of door? Is it safe to use crazy glue?

Donna, I would use crazy glue or similar strong glue. I think it should be safe but read instructions.

Yes, the door panel comes off easy (3 screws on the side). Mine was cracked so I ordered a new one. Not the vent above it is cracked. Cheap plastic!

I have a similar unit and I removed the outside of the door by loosening two flat head screws on the narrow where the handle is located. There are several screws yet holding the outside plastic housing too. Once these are removed the plastic door will come off. Then the handle will be accessible.
The same issue started with my oven too and I replaced the original handle with larger screws and using a high quality plastic glue.
This held for a while. The plastic door cover seemed to have changed dimensions during its life and warped. I ordered a new door and it lasted a short while. I then asked for a new door under warranty.
Bottom line they wouldn't sent a new cover but they returned my money. Apparently the doors all had crappy plastic issues. Currently we are using the microwave with out the door front. It still works like new after 10 years though.

I just had that problem. It is the plastic workings. One of the plastic posts that holds the pivoting lever had to be epoxied. That plastic rejects crazy glue, don't waste your time. Just epoxy and as much as you think can fit under the electronics and the metal plate you will have to pull out.

My suggestion is take pictures of every step so that you can hook all the electrics back up. There are some testy switches that must be unsnapped too.

www.ianklepsch.ca

Not to much can repair / remove the crazy type glues once they are applied to plastics and plastic overlays. Some people attemp to use these not knowing that some types of plastic will not bond. most of the solvents that can desolve the glues will also damage the panels.

Dear Vasilyk,
I feel your pain. I successfully repaired mine but don't know how long it will last (3 days now). Behind the touch pad there are two arms that the push button pivots on. The arm on the right was cracked where it attaches to the back of the touch pad. This allows the arm to move/give which shortens the amount of travel the button can make when you push it. After researching glues online I settled on hot glue to repair. I am hoping it holds up to the heat but from what I found out this is about the only glue that will stick to this type of plastic. I removed the back of the button and put a substantial amount of hot glue all around the base of the cracked arm and as far up the arm as possible. The arm is now stiff again and does not flex/give. I reassembled, and low and behold, it now works again. Like I said though, I don't know how long it will last and do not have a lot of faith in hot glue. I have called Panasonic numerous times to price the part but every time I call they give me a different part number with price varying $8-$40. To get the new arms I believe the entire touch pad has to be replaced. Also I could not figure out how to remove the actual button that you push without damaging it, which does not come with the touch pad. When I release it from the rear and try to push it out through the front it seeems to catch on a lip or something, did not want to damage it so gave up. The button does not need removes to repair but I think it will need removed to replace touchpad. Hope this helps.

Sounds like part of the peg broke off and is left inside the recepter slot area where the sensor switch is. If it is the lower door plastic hook thing (inside bottom) that broke off, it is possible to re-attatch it to the door if you save the broken piece. Drill a small hole the size of a small wire or nail you have lying around to make a splint - Cut the nail or wire to about 1/2" to use it as a hidden "bone" or skeletal support inside the broken plastic. Glue the nail half way into the broken plastic using modelers glue. Closely align the nail peg to where the plastic broke off and mark it for drilling. Drill carefully making sure you are centered so that your wire "bone" will allow proper alignment of your plastic. Insert the pinned piece into the newly drilled hole checking for alignment, if it looks close enough you can glue it in place and you should have a strong enough repair. Dangerous to use a wooden peg to fool the internal switch. As it will be running even when the door is open and you don't want to get zapped.

The outer door frame CAN be replaced if you like. You can view an exploded view diagram at searspartsdirect.com. Just type in your model number and locate item 10 under the "Door" parts listing. The part comes in various colors so make sure you select the correct one.

The door can be easily removed by opening it all the way and lifting straight up at the hinges. The door will come off the hinge pins and can be laid on a flat surface for easier access. Place a layer of towels under the door to prevent damage to the door.

You will need to remove the door handle to get the outer door frame off. To access the door handle mounting screws on MOST microwave ovens, you have to remove the inner door panel that goes around the perimeter of the glass. You can use a small screwdriver to carefully pry the plastic up and work your way slowly around the perimiter of the glass. Most microwave ovens also have grooves in the panel that you can insert the screwdriver into. Use care not to pry against the glass. The glass is tempered and also has an RF shield that prevents harmful microwaves from potentially harming the consumer. If you break the glass, you may need to purchase a new door.

The door handle screws are located behind the inner panel. Remove the door handle and and locate any screws that may be securing the outer door (front) frame in place. Once you install the new outer door frame, re-install the door handle and carefully re-insert the inner door panel. Gradually work your way around the perimeter of the door glass and make sure it snaps back into place.

If you have questions about this repair, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

To answer your initial question, the microwave should continue to be safe to use as long as the inner door seal and door glass are intact. Make absolutely sure you reinstall the door components back together properly. Not doing so will render the oven unsafe to use. Refer to the web site I provided as a reference for how the door components go back together.

NOTE: This part is listed a bit cheaper at appliancepartspros.com. Use the part number from the first website I mentioned as your search criteria.

remove door handle

On almost any microwave oven door if you open the door,on the inside part of the door,theres a square plate thats plastic that is a one piece unit that goes all the way around the edge of the door . That held on by little plastic clips that are molded right on the suround and easy to break, so take a small screw driver(of course the ovens unplugged by now) and start at one end and start prying it out inch by inch. Being care full not to crack it. If yop do crack it, you must replace it, but its not that expensive. Once you have off the cover surround, you will see the screws that hold on the handle. If you need help getting the part go to http://www.repairclinic.com as even if its not listed get the phone # and call them and they will assist you. Good Luck