Door errors in the KitchenAid microwave are common, yet it is easy to fix. If your microwave displays a door error and you want a step-by-step guide to fix the issue, you are at the right place.
If your KitchenAid microwave displays a door error, inspect the parts like the door switch, door latch, and door sensor. Check if they are faulty and replace them to fix the issue. Also, inspect the door for accumulated dirt and debris. Clean the door to fix the door error.
This article will teach you the common cause and detailed steps to fix the issue. So, keep reading.
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This post includes some affiliate links.How to fix the KitchenAid microwave door error?
The KitchenAid microwave is known for its multifunctionality and unique designs.
And they showcase amazing craftsmanship with quality products built with beneficial features.
That said, KitchenAid microwaves are also prone to faults and issues like any other electrical appliance.
If your KitchenAid microwave display door error is the control panel, you must know that you can fix the issue easily by following the fixes below.
Here are the 7 common ways to fix the door error in the microwave.
1. Faulty door switch
The door switch is an important component of the microwave, which acts as an interlock in the door.
It is positioned at the door hinges, and it opens and closes to signal the control panel about the operation of the microwave.
It prevents the microwave from operating when the door is closed, and while it is operating, it helps seal the door tight to prevent the radiation from escaping outside.
If the door switch is faulty, you can’t open and close the door efficiently. It also causes door errors in the microwave.
Check the door switch in your microwave and replace it if it is faulty.
You can fix the door error by replacing the door switch.
Follow the steps below to replace the door switch:
- Unplug the microwave from the electric outlet or turn off the circuit breaker if it is hardwired to prevent any electrical hazards. As the microwave uses electromagnetic radiation, it is unsafe to work in it by turning it on.
- Detach the microwave from the cabinet to replace the door switch.
- Open the microwave’s door, take out the racks and turntable, and secure it in a safe place.
- Remove two Phillips screws holding the microwave to the cabinet using a screwdriver. And with the help of the assistant, lift the microwave and place it on a solid surface to work.
- Next, use a screwdriver to unthread 4 screws securing the top access panel of the Kitchenaid microwave.
- After removing the screws, you can detach the top access panel with your hands and place it in a safe place.
- Now, remove the side panel by unthreading the screws securing it.
- You can locate the door switch behind the side panel. Remove the retaining tabs from the panel to release the switch from the holder.
- And disconnect the wires connected to the door switch to release it. Discard the faulty wire. You can take digital photos to note the wire configuration for future reference.
- In this stage, if you want to check if the switch is faulty, check it with the multimeter. When the multimeter shows no continuity, it is faulty.
- Now, prepare the new switch to replace it.
- Install the door switch and reconnect it with all the wires.
- Make sure the wires and the door switch are secured in the microwave.
- Reattach the side panel and rethread the screws.
- Reattach the top access panel and rethread the screws you removed earlier.
- Position the microwave inside the cabinet and secure it with the screws and bolts. Recheck if the microwave is placed tightly in the cabinet.
2. Faulty door latch
A microwave is a heavy-duty appliance with a door latch to ensure safe cooking.
It also plays a significant role in keeping the door shut while it is in operation.
The door latch is connected to the electrical circuit, which turns on the operation in the microwave only when the door is latched well.
It also keeps the door closed when the microwave is operating.
If the door latch is broken or damaged, the microwave won’t start.
And it also causes door errors in the microwave.
You can fix this issue by replacing the door latch.
Follow the steps below to replace the door latch:
- Unplug the microwave from the electric outlet or turn off the circuit breaker.
- Detach the microwave from the cabinet to replace the door switch.
- Open the microwave’s door, take out the racks and turntable, and secure it in a safe place.
- Remove two Phillips screws holding the microwave to the cabinet using a screwdriver. And with the help of the assistant, lift the microwave and place it on a solid surface to work.
- Detach the door from the microwave by unlocking it from the hinges.
- You can see a plastic outer covering of the door. Unthread the screws holding the plastic panel to the inner door panel.
- Detach the plastic panel from the door using the putty knife. Pry the plastic panel to detach it.
- Locate the door latch at the right edge of the door. You can also see springs and hooks attached to the door latch.
- Inspect if the hook, springs, and latch are damaged or broken.
- If the springs, hooks, and door latch are broken, you must replace all these components.
- Replace the door latch and springs and secure them in slots.
- Reattach the plastic panel and secure it with the screws.
- Reattach the door to the microwave and secure it with the hinges.
- Replace the microwave in the cabinet and secure it with screws.
- Plug in the microwave and turn it on. Check if the issue is solved.
3. Wiring connections
The door switch and the inner door lock mechanism are connected with wires.
These wires act as the communication channel to pass the signals to the control panel.
The electric charges in the wires pass the signal from the door switch to the microwave control panel.
If the wires are loose or damaged, door error may occur.
To fix this issue, check the wires and replace the faulty wires.
Follow the steps below to replace the faulty wires:
- Unplug the microwave from the electric outlet or turn off the circuit breaker if your microwave is hard wires.
- Open the microwave door, remove the racks, and turn the table from the microwave.
- Unthread the screws securing the microwave to the cabinet and remove the microwave from the cabinet with someone’s help.
- Place the microwave on a solid surface to work.
- Unthread the screws holding the top access panel. Slide the top access panel and place it in a safe place.
- Unthread the screws that hold the side panel. Detach the slide panel to access the internal parts.
- Inspect the door switch and sensors associated with the door latch.
- Check if the wires are corroded, loosely connected, or damaged completely.
- Check the wires with the multimeter. If the multimeter shows no reading, the wires are faulty.
- Carefully remove the wires from the switch and replace them with new ones. You can consult a professional while buying replacement wires.
- Reattach the wires and secure the door switch.
- Access the control panel of the microwave. Unthread the screws securing the control panel and tilt it forward.
- Check the wires associated with the door latching mechanism. Replace the faulty wires of the control panel.
- Reattach the control panel and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the side panel and secure it with the screws you removed.
- Reattach the top access panel and secure it with the screws.
Plug in the microwave and check if the door error issue is solved.
4. Dirt and debris accumulation
The microwave is a handy appliance to heat curries and leftover food.
While doing so, the food content inside the bowl boils up inside the microwave.
The boiling food spills out inside the microwave and even in the door.
If you do not clean the dirt and debris particles inside the microwave, they get stuck inside and cause issues.
If debris particles are stuck in the door latch, your microwave won’t latch the door properly.
And it signals the control panel, resulting in the door error.
You can fix the issue by cleaning the microwave once a week or after every use.
5. Check if there is packing material
If you have just brought home your new microwave and tried using it only to see a door error, it would be due to the packing material.
While shipping the microwave from the store, store owners secure the microwave door with the packing materials to prevent it from accidental opening.
Check if the packaging material is still attached to the microwave.
Removing the packaging material from the microwave will fix the door error issue in the microwave.
If the issue persists after removing the packing material, consult the shop owners immediately to fix the issues.
6. Install an exhaust fan
Door errors also occur due to the excess moisture produced in the microwave while cooking.
Even though KitchenAid microwaves come with inbuilt exhaust systems, it is important to check if they are effective.
Excess moisture in the microwave causes damage to the internal components, and sometimes it latches the door, causing door error in the microwave.
To fix this issue, you must check the working condition of the exhaust fan and the fan motor.
Follow the steps below to replace the exhaust fan and the fan motor:
- Unplug the microwave from the electric outlet or turn off the circuit breaker.
- Open the microwave door and remove the racks and turntables.
- Unthread the screws holding the microwave to the cabinet.
- With the help of assistance, remove the microwave from the cabinet and place it on a solid surface.
- Access the rear side of the microwave and, using a screwdriver, unthread the screws securing the rear panel.
- After detaching the rear panel, you will see convection housing. Unthread the screws securing the convection housing panel to detach it from the microwave.
- Tilt the housing and detach the blade from the housing.
- Rotate the motor in a clockwise direction to remove it from the housing.
- Prepare the new motor to replace it in a convection housing.
- Replace the fan motor and turn it counterclockwise to secure it in the slot.
- Reconnect the wires to the motor terminals.
- Reattach the fan blade to the housing. And secure the fan blade with the bolt.
- Reattach the convection housing panel and secure it with the screws.
- Reattach the outer panel of the housing and secure it with the screws.
- Reattach the microwave to the cabinet and make sure you rethread the screws to secure the microwave to the cabinet.
- Plug in the microwave and turn it on. Check if the door error issue is solved. Or, consult a professional to check your microwave.
7. Reset your microwave
Sometimes, glitches in the control panel will cause door error issues.
Resetting the microwave will help clear the control panel glitches and solve the door error.
Follow the steps below to hard reset your microwave:
- Locate the power cord of the microwave. It is usually found at the back of the cabinet.
- Unplug the microwave from the electric outlet.
- Let the microwave stay disconnected from the power supply for 30 minutes. As the microwave continues to charge electric charges even after unplugging it, letting it stay disconnected will help it discharge all the electric charges.
- Replug the microwave into the electric outlet and check if the door error is solved.
You can also do a soft reset by pressing and holding the reset or the cancel button for 3 seconds.
Doing this will reset the microwave.
Final thoughts
Door error is mainly caused by the issues and the faults in the components attached to the microwave door. Inspect the door for visible damage to fix the error of the kitchen aid microwave door. If the door is damaged, replace it with the new one.
Other causes of the door error include faulty door latches, switches, wiring connections, and sensors. Inspect these components and follow the steps mentioned in the article to fix the issue.
Another important cause of door error is the accumulation of dirt and debris in the door. So, it is important to clean the microwave regularly. Consider hiring a professional to repair it if you can’t fix it yourself.
How much does it cost to fix a door latch?
Fixing the faulty door latch ranges from $80 to $200. However, the cost may vary based on whether you fix the issue or hire a professional.
Why does my KitchenAid microwave say open/close door?
It indicates that the microwave has been closed for more than 5 minutes without being started. You can open and close the door before operating the microwave.
