72180599401 Kenmore Microwave - Instructions

Removed the retaining clip that keeps the door on, took the door off. Removed the plastic rim that is clipped into place. Removed old screws holding on handle and replaced.

Unplug the unit before servicing. Need phillips screwdriver. Open door. Use step ladder to access and remove 2 small screws from top of the room air diffuser at top of unit. Slide diffuser slightly to the left to align the diffuser's plastic tab on the left side to rotate toward you. (The wires for the front control panel are at the far left side of this difuser, but difuser is slotted for easy removal). Once the difuser is removed you will see 1 screw at the top that secures the pannel cover on the left side of the unit. Remove screw and slide this panel slightly up and out. This exposes the plastic frame that holds the upper and lower door switches. To locate the door switches and observe how they work, close and open the door and watch the door (bayonets) open and close the micro switches. Do the (red) buttons on top of the switches move up and down when the door bayonets push and release? If the buttons do not "pop" up when opened the switch is defective. The switch frame is secured with 2 screws. Remove screws and rotate the unit out for easy access to the micro switch(s). The internal (spring?) on my unit that is suposed to allow the red (visible) button on top of the switch to "pop" up when the door is opened was broken. Carefully pry the switch outward while being careful to lift the plastic holder-piece that holds the switch in place. Be careful, there is a small pin on the frame, so rotate the switch OUT toward you while lifting (carefully) the plastic holder-piece (you will see it on top of the switch). You can use an ohm meter to test the continuity of the switches. But if the buttons don't "pop" they are defective. Replace switch and reassemble.

Open the door and start at the outside perrimeter of the plastic moulding by inserting the putty knife and gently prying up.I started at the 2 latches that secure the door when it closes.Work your way around to the top and bottom. I was able to leave the portion of the plastic moulding by the door hinges still intact while removing the screws for the handle and replacing with the new one.After handle is on gently snap moulding back in place.Remember start at the inside of the door in the small opening at the outter edge of the door.

ordered on the part select web site, came quickly, order was correct

It was really simple. I used the putty knife the seperate the plastic trim, paying particular to start near the latches as someone else posted. Once the trim was pulled back Wow the screws were right there. I unscrewed the broken handle and attached the new handle. It was really easy and my wife thinks I'm amazing thanks for the help.

new glass tray

Watched a couple of repair videos on Youtube by searching for the model number. Found out what to do in order not to get shocked by the powerful capacitor.
Ordered the two switches (To be sure, I could have ordered a third switch as suggested in the videos.)
Bought a tamper-proof star bit to get the cover off. Followed the directions to replace the switches. - I broke the harness and had to use some super glue, but it's all good. I should have removed the harness instead of trying to get a switch out while it was still in place.
It's all back together, and the wife is happy!!

With the amount of force needed to open the microwave door I can see this repair repeated. Some of the handle was still attached to the door so I could open it easy enough. there is a flamge covering the scerws to remove the handle. using a small flat blade screw driver aids in the removal of the flange to expose the screws. the square flange surrounds the entire frame of the door.remove the screws located in the recessed edge along the outside edge of the door.do this by viewing the location of the peices still attached to the door. after removing the screws and broken parts of the old handle,place the new handle in the cutouts where the handle is located,replace the screw,this may take some force since the handle is new. reposition the flange to the framevia the snaps along the edges and becareful not to force it because damage to the snaps are possible.thats it,two minute repair.

Removed the inside door cover by taking a putty knife and inserting it by the door levers all around the door while pulling forward to seperate the cover so the screws that held the handle on could be reached. However, the part did not fit and had to be returned. Replaced cover by pinching it back in place.

Used putty knife to unsnap tabs to separate inner trim on top, bottom and handle sides (left the hinge side attached), removed upper and lower screws, replaced handle, reinserted screws (tight fit, big fingers, several dropped screws, one under the stove = 15+ minutes), re-snapped trim

tested all 3 of the door switche for continuity, the top switch was faulty, replaced it,for approx $4.00 and saved a $350 dollar microwave.

Separated the two elements on the front door. Then inserted the new handle and reconnected the front door. It was an easy installation.

Took old ones out, threw away and put new ones in easily.

Removed outer cover

removed lower door switch

installed new switch

Wa La!

Removed some cosmetic panels. Removed the assembly with micro switches. Examined the faulty switch by checking the clicking action of switch. Two others were ok by this method. Replaced the switch with new one. Works fine so far. Thanks to web site and YouTube videos.