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SMH7178STE Microwave - Instructions

All Instructions for the SMH7178STE
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Microwave door did not close
Initially I called a Samsung recommended appliance repair outfit to fix the latch. The technician informed me that he does not fix latches. I need to buy a full new door for the microwave for $215 plus he charges $165 to come to my house. I got angry and did some research and it turned out that this is a very common problem. I ordered part PS4229162 "door key" $6.67 then followed the instructions on a youtube video by zimsjeep
"Repair a Broken Microwave Door Latch" to install. At first I struggled a bit hooking up the spring to the frame, but then I used a slim plier to hold the spring (instead of my fingers) and that did the trick.
Parts Used:
Door Key
  • Rozsa from MADISON, NJ
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    30 - 60 mins
28 of 39 people found this instruction helpful.
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Both bulbs burned out at same time
I r/r the bulb cover, I then removed the burned out bulbs w/ a rag in case they broke they wouldn't have cut my fingers. You turn the bulbs lefty loosy. Installation is just the reverse. Install each bulb and turn righty titey, just snug the bulbs into place. Replace Glass cover and insert one phillips screw in plate and re-tighten
Parts Used:
Microwave Light Bulb - 40W
  • JOHN C from NORTH BEACH, MD
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    15 - 30 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
18 of 36 people found this instruction helpful.
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Buzzing noise, no heating of food
Removed control panel, discharged HV capacitor. Removed old diode, tested to confirm failure. Replaced part. Other than the removal of the panel swapping the part was almost as easy as replacing a light bulb.
Parts Used:
High-Voltage Diode
  • Ted from Hudson, NH
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    30 - 60 mins
  • Tools:
    Pliers, Screw drivers
8 of 11 people found this instruction helpful.
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Appears to work, but food not heated
The high voltage tired was shorted. I replaced it with a new one, but that did not solve the problem.

You can test the high voltage tired with a voltmeter and a 9 V battery. Search Search for it on YouTube.

You can also test the high voltage capacitor, the high-voltage transformer, and the magnetron with a multi meter. Search for the procedures on YouTube.

I tested all these high-voltage components with a low-voltage multi meter, and they all checked out OK (after replacing the diode). However the microwave still did not heat food.

When working on a microwave it is important to unplug it and also discharge the high voltage capacitor. The capacitor has a 10 megaohm resister to automatically discharge itself, but it may have failed – – so discharge it manually.

In the end I ordered a new microwave.
Parts Used:
High-Voltage Diode
  • Joel from CAMBRIDGE, MA
  • Difficulty Level:
    Difficult
  • Total Repair Time:
    1- 2 hours
11 of 24 people found this instruction helpful.
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microwave ran with the door open
First I read through the customer comments, reviews, questions, etc. at Parts Select, which is always a good bet. Then I put "samsung microwave door switch replacement" into youtube and watched some videos. They don't even have to be for Samsung. From what I can tell, many of the appliance companies use the same design and the same junk parts, so watching a GE video is almost the same for example. Watch some videos to familiarize yourself with the steps. There are maybe six to disassemble and install the new part. I replaced all three switches. They are not expensive and to replace 3 is only 5% more work than to replace just one; you have to take the microwave apart in either case. UNPLUG THE MICROWAVE FROM THE WALL. Start taking it apart. I use my phone to take a picture of any thing I remove, unscrew or disconnect, especially wires, BEFORE I disconnect them. Thee pictures serve as a reference when I go to reconnect and reassemble. If I am uncertain then I check the picture. Good luck!
Parts Used:
SWITCH-MICRO;125/250VAC, Micro Door Switch
  • david from WASHINGTON, DC
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    30 - 60 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
6 of 10 people found this instruction helpful.
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Microwave would continue to run even when door was open. (even if no time was left on timer)
Unplugged Microwave, Removed vent cover (2 screws on top of microwave, then slide cover to the left, then forward) Removed control panel (1 screw at top of panel) then removed the two screws that hold in the door switch assembly. (these you will only see by opening the microwave). Located lower door switch, removed connecting wires, and pulled switch by releasing small plastic tab which held it in. Put new switch in place, reconnected wires, then reconnected door switch assembly. Reconnected control panel, and then put the vent cover back on. Tested microwave and it no longer runs when the door is open. Super easy fix, and was done in under 5 minutes.
Parts Used:
Micro Switch
  • TIFFINI from BUFFALO, WY
  • Difficulty Level:
    Very Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
9 of 20 people found this instruction helpful.
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Our microwave would turn on after the timer was set but only the light would turn on, nothing else.
I replaced all 3 door switches. Once you remove the top vent then remove the panel. Then remove the two screws holding the door switches in place and pop them out and replace them. It was tricky getting around all the wires but eventually was able to get around them. Took less than 20 mins to do and was less than $40 to fix. Much better than having to replace our over the stove microwave.
Parts Used:
SWITCH-MICRO;125/250VAC, Micro Door Switch
  • Adam from GILBERTS, IL
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    15 - 30 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
3 of 3 people found this instruction helpful.
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Micro kept running when the door opened.......NOT GOOD
After minimum research, it was identified as a micro switch in the door. There is a total of 3, The top and bottom switches are the same in the odd one is in the middle just above the lower switch. Problem i had was one of the you tube videos said to grab the switches with pliers and force them out.;not a good idea. it breaks the lever in the switch holder bar. Solution is to remove the plastic switch holder bar from the door frame removing the 2 screws on the inside of the frame and then you can flip the lever in the bar which secures the switches on the door side. Use a small screwdriver to release the lever and they will slide right out. FYI the plastic switch holder bar is no longer available. I used electrical tape to secure my switches since the levers were broken from forcing them out.

Good Luck
Parts Used:
Micro Switch SWITCH-MICRO;125/250VAC,
  • Paul from Shelton, WA
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    30 - 60 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
3 of 3 people found this instruction helpful.
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The microwave would not turn on or would run with the door open
Other tools that are usefull long needle nose pliers, long thin blade screw driver and small magnetic flashlight. Place the microwave on a work bench and remove the case it cover 3 sides. Place the microwave on a chair so it can stand with the controls up. You are replacing the lower door microswitch. The switch is located behind the control panel in the lower part of the area. The switch is several inches inside this area and your hands will not fit. Take care when moving wires and a couple of sensors. Use the thin blade screwdriver to release a tab holding the switch in place. Do not break this tab. Take the needle nose pliers and remove the switch. Put the wires on the new switch, open the door a short distance so a door lever moves enough to put the microswitch back into the bracket.
Parts Used:
Micro Door Switch
  • Raymond from TROY, OH
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    1- 2 hours
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
5 of 10 people found this instruction helpful.
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Turntable started turn when door opened, then unit wouldn't run when start was pressed
Unplugged the unit. With a screwdriver removed two screws on the top plastic vent. This exposed the screw holding the control panel. Removed that screw to access the switches. Removed the visible connected wiring from the switches. Grabbed each switch with pliers to gentle pull them from their holders. Inserted new switches and reconnected wiring, ensuring the correct orientation of switches in their holders.
Recommend replace all three switches.
Parts Used:
SWITCH-MICRO;125/250VAC, Micro Door Switch
  • Phil from RALEIGH, NC
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    1- 2 hours
  • Tools:
    Pliers, Screw drivers
3 of 4 people found this instruction helpful.
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Received Broken Part
This is the 2nd broken part that I have received in 2 weeks. You cant install something that is broken. I spoke with customer service and advised that they not send the part in a soft pouch.
Parts Used:
Assembly GUIDE ROLLER;SMH717
  • David from BENTON CITY, WA
  • Difficulty Level:
    Very Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    30 - 60 mins
2 of 2 people found this instruction helpful.
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Can't Install Broken Parts
This is the second time that I received the same part broken because of poor packaging at the factory. When I spoke with customer service after the first one arrived in pieces I suggested that they advise the shipping department to change how they ship delicate parts. Nothing changed. Same result.
Parts Used:
Assembly GUIDE ROLLER;SMH717
  • David from BENTON CITY, WA
  • Difficulty Level:
    Very Difficult
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
1 person found this instruction helpful.
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Microwave stopped working - would not heat up
I removed the outer cover and exposed the inner workings. I watched a video on partselect.com to show how to remove and replace the Diode. I followed the instructions and it was very easy to replace.

Unfortunately, the diode was only part of the issue. I ended up replacing the High Voltage capacitor and Magnetron also. Those were a little more complicated but still easy to do.

Now the Microwave works just like new! Cost me less than $100 for all parts.
Parts Used:
High-Voltage Diode
  • louis from PARRISH, FL
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    1- 2 hours
  • Tools:
    Pliers, Screw drivers
4 of 10 people found this instruction helpful.
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filter on microwave
easy to install
Parts Used:
Grease Filter
  • kenny from Blytheville, AR
  • Difficulty Level:
    Very Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
1 person found this instruction helpful.
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CANNOT INTALL A BROKEN PART
I ORDERED THIS PART AND IT CAME SEVERAL DAYS LATER AND IT WAS BROKEN. I SENT IT BACK WITH A BIG NOT SAYING A REPLACEMENT PART MUST BE IN A BOX FOR SHIPPING. THE SECOND PART CAME, NO BOX, AND IT WAS BROKEN. SO AFTER THREE WEEKS PLUS IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO ANY INSTALLATION. I THINK THE SHIPPING DEPARTMENT IS BROKEN AND NEEDS SOME HELP.
Parts Used:
Assembly GUIDE ROLLER;SMH717
  • JOSEPH from ARVADA, CO
  • Difficulty Level:
    Very Difficult
  • Total Repair Time:
    More than 2 hours
1 person found this instruction helpful.
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All Instructions for the SMH7178STE
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