The most common reason for a whirlpool microwave door sensor not working is a faulty door switch. To fix this issue, the door switch will need to be replaced.
If you rely on your microwave to make quick and easy meals, a malfunctioning door sensor can be frustrating. If your whirlpool microwave door sensor isn’t working, it’s likely that the door switch needs to be replaced. The door switch is an important safety feature that prevents the microwave from operating unless the door is closed properly.
When the switch is faulty, the microwave may not turn on, turn off randomly during cooking, or fail to shut off at all. In this article, we’ll discuss how to diagnose and fix a faulty door switch to get your microwave back in working order.
Signs Of A Faulty Door Sensor
If you rely on your whirlpool microwave every day to prepare your meals, you may suddenly find it unwilling to cooperate. There could be many reasons why your whirlpool microwave won’t start, but one of the most common causes is a faulty door sensor.
In this section, we’ll go over the most common signs that your door sensor is malfunctioning and how to address the problem.
The Microwave Won’T Start Or Turn On
One obvious sign of a faulty door sensor is that the microwave won’t start or turn on at all. This indicates that the sensor isn’t detecting that the door is closed, which means that the microwave won’t function until the problem is fixed.
- The door switch is damaged or broken.
- The door latch is misaligned or not functioning properly.
- The sensor or actuator is not working properly due to dirty contacts or wear and tear.
The Microwave Starts But Shuts Off Without Finishing The Cycle
Another indication that your microwave’s door sensor is not working is if the microwave starts but shuts off without finishing the cooking cycle. If a faulty sensor doesn’t recognize that the door is closed and sends the wrong signals to the control board, the microwave might stop working partway through the cycle.
- The control board is malfunctioning or detecting the wrong signals.
- The door latch is not engaging properly, and the doors aren’t entirely closed.
- The microwave door sensor is detecting an obstruction, so it shuts off immediately to prevent any further operation.
The Interior Light Stays On Even When The Door Is Closed
Another clear sign of faulty door sensors is when the interior light stays on even when the door is shut. Typically, the light should only come on when you open the door and turn off when you close it. This problem may cause your microwave not to turn on because the door switches are meant to cut power to the lamp and other functions when the door is closed.
- The switch contacts are dirty or faulty.
- The actuator is not pushing the door switch far enough.
- The switch housing or assembly is worn out, misaligned, or broken.
When your whirlpool microwave door sensor is not working, it disrupts your routine and makes cooking more difficult. Most door sensor problems can be solved by cleaning or replacing the sensors. It’s essential to turn off the power and unplug the unit before attempting any repairs. Any repairs should be made by a qualified technician to avoid the risk of electric shock.
How To Check The Door Sensor
Microwaves are among the kitchen’s most used appliances. They’re great for heating up food and cooking meals in minutes. That’s why it can be frustrating when your whirlpool microwave door sensor stops working. When this happens, your microwave won’t start, and it’s time to start troubleshooting.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to check the door sensor for signs of damage or wear and what to do when you detect them.
Unplug The Microwave Before Checking The Door Sensor
Before you begin inspecting the door sensor, you must unplug the microwave.
- Locate the plug and pull it out of the wall socket.
- Alternatively, switch off the circuit breaker that controls the kitchen’s electrical power.
By following these steps, you’ll avoid getting an electric shock when inspecting the door sensor.
Locate The Door Sensor And Inspect It For Signs Of Damage Or Wear
The door sensor is often located in the top corner of the microwave’s door opening.
- Open the microwave door and locate the door sensor.
- Check the door sensor’s plastic housing for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or discoloration.
- Inspect the sensor’s prongs and clean them with a soft cloth if they’re dirty or dusty.
If you notice any visible signs of wear or damage, you might need to replace the door sensor entirely.
Use A Multimeter To Check The Door Sensor For Continuity
One way to check the door sensor is to use a multimeter.
- Set the multimeter to the continuity setting.
- Touch the two multimeter probes on the door sensor’s prongs.
- If the multimeter displays a reading of zero or near-zero, the door sensor is working correctly.
- If the multimeter displays a reading of infinity or a value above zero, the door sensor is faulty.
If the door sensor doesn’t read a continuity value of zero or near-zero, you should replace the sensor.
Replace The Door Sensor If Necessary
If you’ve detected that your door sensor has signs of wear or damage, or it fails to display a proper continuity value, you need to replace it.
- Purchase a replacement door sensor that’s compatible with your whirlpool microwave model.
- Unplug your microwave from the wall socket.
- Remove the screws that attach the door sensor to the microwave’s control panel.
- Disconnect the old sensor’s wires, and connect those from the new sensor to the microwave control panel.
- Reattach the microwave control panel and screw it back in place.
- Plug the microwave back into the wall socket and test the new door sensor to ensure it’s working correctly.
By following these simple steps, you can check if your whirlpool microwave door sensor is working correctly or not. If it isn’t, you can solve the issue by replacing the door sensor. Always ensure the microwave is unplugged before inspecting or replacing the door sensor to avoid any accidental electric shocks.
Troubleshooting Steps For A Faulty Door Sensor
If you’re experiencing issues with your whirlpool microwave’s door sensor, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem in order to determine the cause. Here are some troubleshooting techniques you can use to fix the faulty door sensor.
Clean The Door And Latch To Ensure They Are Not Obstructed
Sometimes, dirt and grime can accumulate around the door and latch and can cause the door sensor to malfunction.
- Unplug the microwave from the wall outlet to avoid electrical shocks.
- Clean any dirt or debris from the door and latch with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Check the latch for any signs of damage or warping that might prevent it from closing properly.
- Plug the microwave back in and try opening and closing the door.
Check The Hinges And Replace Them If Necessary
The hinges on your whirlpool microwave can wear out over time and may need to be replaced to ensure the door sensor is working properly.
- Disconnect the microwave from the wall outlet to prevent any electrical shocks.
- Locate the hinges on the side of the door and microwave and inspect them for any visible signs of wear or damage.
- If the hinges are damaged, order new ones from the manufacturer and replace them.
- Once the hinges are replaced, plug the microwave back in and check if the door sensor is still malfunctioning.
Verify That The Door Is Aligned Correctly And Adjust If Needed
If the door on your whirlpool microwave isn’t aligned correctly, it can cause the door sensor to malfunction.
- Unplug the microwave to prevent any electrical shocks.
- Open the microwave door and inspect it for any signs of damage.
- If the door is damaged, replace it with a new one.
- If the door isn’t damaged, check its alignment to make sure it’s level and flush with the microwave.
- Adjust the door if necessary by tightening or loosening the screws on the hinges.
- Once the door is aligned, plug the microwave back in and check if the door sensor is working properly.
Replace The Control Board Or Wiring
If none of the above troubleshooting steps fix the problem with your whirlpool microwave’s door sensor, it’s possible that the control board or wiring may be at fault.
- Unplug the microwave from the wall outlet.
- Open the microwave door and locate the control board near the top of the microwave.
- Inspect the wiring for any visible signs of damage or wear and replace any defective wires or connections.
- If the wiring appears to be in good condition, replace the control board with a new one from the manufacturer.
- Plug the microwave back in and check if the door sensor is working correctly.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to fix any issues with your whirlpool microwave’s door sensor and ensure it’s working properly.
Whirlpool Microwave Door Sensor Not Working : Hiring A Professional
A functional microwave is your ticket to a quick, convenient meal. So, when your whirlpool microwave’s door sensor stops working, it could be frustrating. If your microwave is not responding correctly when the door is opened or closed, hiring a professional technician may be the best solution to get it up and running again.
When To Seek Help From A Professional Technician
Although some people might want to attempt to repair their microwave’s door sensor themselves, this may not always be the best idea.
- If you have no experience with repairing microwaves, don’t try to fix it yourself.
- If your microwave is still under the warranty, don’t try to fix it yourself. Rather, contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- If you have tried the basic troubleshooting methods, such as checking the power source and ensuring the door is properly closed, and still have issues, then it’s a sign to consider professional help.
How To Find A Qualified Repair Technician
When it comes to finding a qualified technician to fix your whirlpool microwave’s door sensor, there are a few things to consider:
- Look for a licensed technician: find someone who is trained and experienced in repairing whirlpool microwaves.
- Check online reviews: before hiring a technician, look up reviews for them online.
- Ask for referrals: a quality technician should have a list of satisfied customers that can vouch for their skills.
- Contact the manufacturer: whirlpool may have a list of certified technicians who are trained to handle repairs on their microwaves.
Expected Repair Costs For Door Sensor Replacement
The cost of repairing your whirlpool microwave’s door sensor depends on various factors, such as the extent of the damage and the cost of replacement parts.
- Average cost of a service call: $80 – $100
- Door sensor replacement cost: $100 – $150
- Total repair cost: $180 – $250
Hiring a professional technician to repair your whirlpool microwave’s door sensor may be the most practical and cost-effective option. Consider seeking help from a licensed technician to ensure your microwave is properly repaired and safe to use.
FAQ For Whirlpool Microwave Door Sensor Not Working
Why Is My Whirlpool Microwave Door Not Closing Properly?
If your whirlpool microwave door is not closing properly, it could be due to a faulty door latch or switch, which may need to be replaced. Another possibility is that the door hinge is damaged or bent, preventing it from closing securely.
How Do I Know If My Whirlpool Microwave Door Sensor Is Faulty?
If your whirlpool microwave door won’t open or close, or if it won’t start cooking, the door sensor may be faulty. You can test this by using a multimeter to check whether the sensor is receiving power. Alternatively, you can have a technician diagnose and repair the problem for you.
Can I Fix My Whirlpool Microwave Door Sensor Myself?
While it’s possible to fix a faulty door sensor on a whirlpool microwave yourself, it’s generally not recommended. This is because working with electrical components can be dangerous, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could cause more damage or even injure yourself.
It’s best to hire a professional technician to handle the repair for you.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Whirlpool Microwave Door Sensor?
The cost of replacing a door sensor on a whirlpool microwave can vary depending on the model and the repair service you use. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 and $350 for this type of repair. However, prices may be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances.
Contact an authorized whirlpool technician for a quote.
Conclusion
Having a malfunctioning door sensor in your whirlpool microwave can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can easily fix it. First, ensure your microwave is unplugged and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for disassembling the door and inspecting the sensor.
You may need to clean or replace the sensor, or consult a technician for more complex repairs. Remember to always prioritize safety and seek professional help if necessary. In addition, proactively maintaining and cleaning your microwave can prevent future sensor issues.
By taking the necessary steps, you can get your whirlpool microwave back in working order and avoid having to buy a new appliance. So, don’t give up on your microwave just yet – with a little effort, you can get it functioning like new again.