72185032111 Kenmore Microwave - Instructions

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.

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

The original cover was burned and actually caught on fire. Research informed me that food can splatter and stick to the cover. The particle will get hot enough to ignite the plastic cover. I ordered the cover and included the fan since it was so cheap, Replacement was super easy. Done in 10 minutes and made my wife happy. She was ready to buy a new microwave because she thought something was wrong with ours but food splatter was the cause. Parts were less than $10 + $6 shipping. Keep the inside of the microwave clean!!

I replaced the whole component with all three switches in it even though only one switch was bad . Taking out one switch out of the holder unit would probably have damaged the unit that was holding the switches. Easy install and it works great again .

new glass tray

diagnosed defective 'door-shut switch' in the switch holder assembly. rather than replace switch, replaced entire locker holder assembly which made for a very simple and easy repair...not to mention very inexpensive.

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!!

Just removed and replaced by putting the new turntable and glass in, 1, 2, 3; that's it. I'm so thankful for this site because I would have had to buy a whole new microwave. Thanks a million!

Not knowing which of the switches to replace I ordered all three in the assembly. Replacing the full assembly was easy, first unplug the microwave. Then remove the top cover to access the screws that hold the control panel in place and let the control panel hang. There are two screws that hold the assembly in place - remove those. I used needle nose pliers to pull the wires off of the switches and immediately put the wires on to the new assembly so there was no confusion on what wire went where. Place the assembly back in position, replace the two screws to hold it in, put control panel in place and secure screws. Replace top cover and plug in.

The wrong part was under $20. When I found out I had to replace the whole door for $150. I decided DYI was the way to go. I used JB weld and the door looks and works like a charm. Give plenty of time to cure all water needs to be cured out if exposed to microwaves. No problems so far.

I unplugged the microwave. I did watch a YouTube video to see how the plastic frame around the door could be removed. I used a putty knife to pry it off. The spring was still in good shape, so I hooked it up to the new latch/locker part and onto the microwave. This was just a little time consuming because I was trying to be careful so I wouldn't break anything on the new part. The plastic frame clicked right back on. I plugged the microwave in and it worked right away. If I can do it, you can do it. Sure beat buying a new microwave. Great experience.

I removed the bottom plate which had 9 screws.
than unplug 2 wires to the motor and unscrewed 2 screws, replaced the old motor with the new one and also the coupler. and so far no noise. easy fix. Thanks

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.

Read the troubleshooting section on this site. Figured it was an interlock problem because the food was not getting hot (magentron not turning on) and the carousel was not turning. Did not think both the carousel motor and magnetron failed at same time, thus indicated an interlock problem. The interlock switches are actuated by the door latch. Replaced the assembly locker piece with all three switches (only a $20 dollar part) and microwave was fully operational again. Wife and kids think I am a hero.

After checking all three switches for continuity I determined that the plastic door lever had warped or gone out of wack. After shutting off power at the breaker box I removed the door, the inside trim piece around the inside of the glass. Removed the black two prong door lever, reattached the new door lever and then reinstalled the trim piece and all screws. Works fine now. Easy fix just make sure your switches are all ok then replace the door lever.