GSC278PJT4 Whirlpool Microwave Oven Combo - Instructions

Verify power is off to the oven, turned main power supply off for the oven at the breaker panel, located the securing screws for the defective element, used a Phillips screw driver to remove the screws, pulled the element slightly out unit wires are exposed, verify 0 volts at the element wiring terminals, used pliers to remove the wires to complete the uninstalling process, reinstall the element in the reverse order, restored power at the breaker panel

I was able to remove the old element and planned it with what little time off that I could. This would have been maybe 20-30 minute repair at the most. HOWEVER! I was extremely irritated screws were not included? When I called to ask if they were missing they said they didn’t come with the element. Cost me a very annoying trip to the hardware store. Not sure if I missed it on the site that they don’t provide screws - would have been nice to know that before I started. Still scratching my head as to why screws wouldn’t be included? My old ones were as beat up as the element I replaced. I was so irritated I was looking for a spot to leave feedback. Product is fine. Shipping was fine. Sending these products out as they do? Zero stars on that.

Just put it in

Originally ordered just the spring assuming that might be it and it was the cheapest way. However after getting in I found that the latch assembly had a broken 'tit' that is intended to hold the metal latch in place as it moves. Attempted to glue w/ epoxy but as i expected there was too much pressure to hold it in place. So....ordered the assembly.

TURN OFF BREAKER.....

1) Remove the two side rails by removing screw on the inside bottom of rails.
2) It helps to remove the door to get it out of your way but not required. To do this open door fully and insert two nails or similar into holes on each hinge. Close the door until the hinge contact nails. Lift the door up and out.
3) remove the top control panel by removing screw on either side (outside of oven)and screws on the underside of panel behind upper door.
4) It help to completely remove the panel to have more room to work but not required. If you do it is a good idea to photo the cable locations so it is easy to recall where they go. For the most part they only fit one location but always a good idea.
5) remove the latch by removing all spade connectors and two screws in front.
6) place new latch and reassemble.

I put the tray in the microwave???? Pretty easy.

First remove the side trimmings by opening the oven door and taking out the two screws near the bottom. Remove the bottom trim by removing the two screws now exposed. Here's the hard part .. The outer glass is held by 4 screws 2 at the top and 2 through U brackets at the bottom. You must remove the 2 bottom ones first and then VERY carefully, whilst supporting the glass remove the 2 top ones and then gently pull from the bottom to release the glass at the top and pull away. The rest is straightforward. There are 4 glass pieces to remove, make sure you clean the finger marks off as you replace them. I would suggest 2 people to replace the final outer glass 'to be safe"

We followed the instructions given by Parts Service. The only problem we had (Whirlpool left two screws out of spacer bracket and it fell out requiring further removable of inner glass to replace spacer. Process took about twenty minutes.

Unplugged old element unit and plugged in new element. Took two needle nose pliers and a flexible body. Took about 5 minutes. Works fine. Anybody can do it. Make sure power is off at the box.

My oven (late 90's/early 2000's model) didn't have the flip-down hinge locks shown in the video. It seems Whirlpool/Kitchenaid changed the hinges even though they didn't change the model number of the oven. With my style hinges, you have to put Allen wrenches or bent nails in the holes just behind the hinge pins. Then close the door almost all the way and lift it out to separate the hinges. Spring force holds the nails in tightly until you replace the door. This video was very helpful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7oRZdIN6m0

Also, my door had 3 different kinds of sheet metal screws. Two of them have similar heads but different threads. Keep track of which is which for when you put everything back together.

The tech said he used No 2 Phillip's. Once I took the door off and removed the racks I quickly learned a Phillips was not going to work. I am now the proud owner of a Kobslt star and square ratchet screwdriver.

Watched the repair video and started the project. Ran into a problem when trying to remove the interior panel off the door to reach the broken interior glass. On this model Kitchen Aid there is another section that is screwed in holding the exterior glass pieces in place. It prevents the interior panel from coming off the front of the oven door. So we had to flip over the door and unscrew the glass retaining bars to get the interior panel off and reach the glass. This allows the entire door to come apart in pieces so you have to carefully line up everything to re-assemble the door. Part of the issue with this is some of the retaining screws are not very long so you have to press the pieces back together to make sure the screw will catch in the original hole. We had to do this twice to ensure the interior door glass was laying flush on its mounts. A bit fiddly for sure, and if I was working alone it may not have been successful. But at least we know how the door is put together!

we live in Venzuela the ordered windows come to us via a forwarder in the US, one glass (the outer glass) still has to arrive. Very pleased with the service of PartSelect, one glass was in stock, the inner glass had to be ordered with the manufacturer. This glass is on its way and will arrive here in Venezuela by the end of May. As I have to travel to Europe next week, I will install both glasses upon my return somewhere in August next. I will sure inform you about the repair which will be done by myself.
regards,
Titus

Thanks to video provided by PartSelect the repair was fast and easy. My second experience with an appliance repair with parts and video from PartSelect. I am a happy customer.

I watched the video on the product page and followed it step by step. Not difficult at all.

Ordered a new motor. Removed the outside trim of the oven-microwave combo. 2 screws at the bottom of the trim. Removed the screws that held the combination micro and oven unit in place. Removed the top and bottom black plastic grill of the microwave. 3 screws each. Pulled the entire unit out about 1 inch exposing the screws at each side of the microwave that hold it in place.
Snapped off the top control panel which exposed the wiring connecting the control panel.
Unplugged a couple of wire harness units to free the control panel.
Be sure to label the units to know which goes where during reassembly.
Remove the microwave unit from the housing and place it on its side.
Remove the metal plate that houses the motor. 4 screws hold the motor in place. Disconnect the 2 wires from the old motor and you are ready to install the new motor. Be sure to TURN OFF THE POWER to the unit at the breaker box and remove the turntable from inside the microwave.