KitchenAid Microwave Troubleshooting Door Error (3 Issues Fixed)

So your KitchenAid microwave door isn’t working and you’re wondering what the problem could be? This post will cover the complete KitchenAid microwave troubleshooting door error to help you fix this problem.

Your KitchenAid microwave’s door fails because there’s a problem with the door latch. The latch may have stuck, the button might have failed, or the lever may have damaged. The latch release rod may also be faulty, making it impossible for the door to remain closed.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to fix the door problems of your KitchenAid microwave and get the unit working properly again.

Let’s get to it.

KitchenAid Microwave Troubleshooting Door Error (3 Problems and Fixes)

	Problem	Possible Quick Fix
1.	Faulty door sensor	Replace the faulty sensor to get your KitchenAid microwave to work again.
2.	Stuck door latch	The door latch is likely dirty. So clean it to remove dirt and debris.
3.	Door latch button is faulty	Remove the current door latch button and replace it with a new one.
4.	Problem with the door latch lever	Get a new door latch lever for replacement
5.	Door latch release rod not working	You should replace the door latch’s release rod with a new one.
6.	Door switch is faulty	Check if the door switch has continuity and replace it if it doesn’t.

1. Kitchenaid Microwave Door Sensor (Or Switch) is Faulty

A KitchenAid microwave door sensor, also referred to as the door switch, is a simple function that prevents the microwave from operating immediately you open the door.

Microwave sensors are about 2CM long and black in color with protruding metal prong terminals.

A KitchenAid microwave can have 3 or 4 door sensors, depending on the model. Once the sensors prevent the microwave from operating, the magnetron antennas don’t energize and therefore don’t burn out.

With the door in closed state, the sensor and the door latch (sometimes referred to as the hook) come into contact thereby activating the door sensors.

Unfortunately, functionality fails if the door sensor or switch is faulty. In such a case, the best thing to do would be to replace the door sensor.

Kitchenaid Door Switch Replacement

You will need to replace the Kitchenaid microwave door switch if it fails the continuity test. Follow these steps to replace the faulty door switch:

Turn the microwave off and unplug it from the power outlet.
Unthread the screws that hold the microwave on the kitchen cabinet, pull the unit from the cabinet, and place it on a sturdy surface.
With a screwdriver, unthread the screws securing the grill, slide the grill to release and remove, and remove the screws securing the control panel and pull the panel forward to detach.
Unthread the screws securing the switch assembly, press the release tab, and actuator to release the defective door switch.
Disconnect the wire connector to release the switch, install the new door switch by first installing the new wire connector, position the new door switch in the assembly, and snap it into place.
Realign the switch assembly to the frame, thread the screws to secure, reposition the control panel, and tighten its screws to hold.
Fix the grill back and re-thread the screws to secure.
Open the door and fix the turntable and its support.

With the repair complete, plug the unit is back to power, and the microwave oven should be ready for use.

2. Problem with the Door Latch

If your KitchenAid microwave door isn’t working as it should, there’s a high chance the door latch is faulty.

The common problems with the door latch are that:

The door latch stuck.
The door latch button is faulty.
The door latch lever is faulty.

Here’s how to fix each issue:

The Door Latch Stuck

The first thing to do if your microwave’s door latch fails to work is to check whether the latch is stuck. Also, check the latch to ensure it can properly connect and disconnect from the microwave door.

To test whether the door latch is stuck:

Press the door button to open the door. If the door does not open, open it manually by pulling. If the door opens by means of manual pulling, it means it’s stuck.

The door latch is stuck because there is dirt and debris stuck within. Clean the door latch to fix this problem.

The Door Latch Button is Faulty

If your Kitchenaid microwave has a door button, it could be that a problem with the button is causing the door latch to fail.

Press the button to feel the resistance.

If the button presses with no resistance, it’s faulty. If the button presses with resistance but you hear a clicking sound, it indicates that the button is not making contact with the door release mechanism.

The only best fix in this case is to replace the door button by getting a new touchpad compatible with your model. To do this:

Turn the microwave off and unplug it from power.
Open the door, and remove the rack, turntable, and turntable support.
Remove the unit from the cabinet and disassemble it to get to the faulty touchpad.
Disconnect the touchpad.
Install the new touchpad/control panels and assemble the unit.
Put the microwave back into the cabinet and secure it.
Restore power to the unit and test the new door button.

The Door Latch Lever is Faulty

Check the door latch lever to see if it has developed any damage. When the door latch button is pressed, it contacts the latch lever, which releases the door.

If the latch lever breaks, the whole door system becomes faulty. In this case, the best solution would be to replace the door latch lever. To do this:

Unplug the unit from power.
Remove the unit from the cabinet and place it on a sturdy surface.
Open the door and remove the turntable and its support.
Disassemble the area around the control panel to access the latch lever.
Remove the broken latch lever and fit in the new lever.
Assemble the control panel.
Put the microwave back into the kitchen cabinet and secure it with screws.
Open the door and place the turntable and its support back into the microwave.
Restore power to the unit

3. Problem with the Door Latch Release Rod

You should replace the door latch’s release rod if the microwave door is not staying closed or struggling to open.

Repair will cost you about $160 give or take. You’ll spend about $50 on a new release rod and $110 on repair service.

Fortunately, replacing the rod doesn’t require professional-level knowledge and skills. You can do it yourself and save the service fee. Follow these simple steps:

Disconnect the microwave from its power supply.
Open the microwave door and remove any racks along with the turntable and turntable support.
Remove the screws holding the mounting flanges to the kitchen cabinet.
Remove the washers as well (if still intact).
Pull the appliance out of the kitchen cabinet and carefully place it on a sturdy surface.
Using a screwdriver, unthread the four screws holding the top access panel and then remove the panel by lifting and sliding forward.
Unthread all the screws holding the right-side panel and detach.
Open the oven door and, with a screwdriver, unthread the screws holding the door switch holder.
Slide the door switch holder off the latch release rod and detach the old rod from the sliding arm lever.
Install the new latch release rod by sliding it into the arm lever then slide the switch into the rod.
Reposition the holder into the frame and secure it with the screws.
Secure the door switch wires in the notch then realign the right-side access panel and replace the screws.
Replace the top access panel and secure it with screws.
Return the microwave into the cabinet and push it into position.
Insert the washers into the holes in the flanges then thread the two screws to secure the flanges to the cabinet.
Replace the support and align the turntable.

That’s it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does a KitchenAid Microwave Have a Door Switch?

Most Kitchenaid microwaves come with at least three door switches or sensors: the monitor switch, the primary switch, and the secondary switch.

The work of these door switches is to prevent the magnetron from energizing whenever you open the microwave’s door.

Switches and door latch in the Kitchenaid microwave are designed in a way that when everything works properly the switches don’t close at the same time as the interlock switches.

2. Why Did My Kitchenaid Microwave Stop Working?

Your KitchenAid microwave stopped working because either it doesn’t have power or an internal component is broken.

The household circuit breaker may have tripped, the socket is defective, the power cord is faulty, or you may have forgotten to have the power cord properly plugged into a power outlet.

Speaking of inner components, your KitchenAid microwave may have stopped operating because the line fuse or thermal fuse blew because of excess current and heat respectively. It could also be that the main control board is dead, but it is a very rare scenario.

3. Why Is My KitchenAid Microwave Door Not Closing?

Your KitchenAid microwave’s door won’t close because there is loose debris stuck on the door, the door latch button is faulty, the door latch lever is broken or the torsion spring is broken.

Fortunately, these problems are easy to diagnose and you don’t need professional skills to replace them.