How To Fix a Microwave Light
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- How to replace the light bulb in a Kitchenaid Superba microwave for $2. While inside, we look at all the other replaceable parts.
Shut off the power to the microwave before you begin this project.
Absolutely Fabulous! My bulb was out for years and when my husband said he wished he could see the water boil and missed the light I went looking for a solution and found this video. I have a 21 year old Whirlpool gold and similar to a few others, I didn't have to take off the rails or control board. I did have to sort of wiggle the top plastic rail out of it's position, but pushed it back just a bit to allow for the microwave to come out. It took a little bit to move the microwave out, but I lifted from the bottom and gently wiggled it from side to side. I didn't pull the microwave out any further than necessary and since I have small hands I was able to take the bulb wiring out and then put the new bulb in. Yay!
Like many others, I thought that the engineering of the light-bulb accessibility, something that should be user-serviceable, deserves a D.
Your video, however, deserves an A+. Clear and accurate.
Thanks much.
Thank you, Lou. I figured this out before I got your reply. Yes, it was stubborn. Job completed! Thank you, for your video. It was excellent. My ONLY suggestion: Revise the video to tell new viewers, at BEGINNING of your video to shut off power BEFORE starting project.
Good luck and thank you, again.
Very useful video, I was finally able to change this bulb. The instructions were more complicated than they needed to be, though. My unit looks almost identical (I have some silver where you have black finish), and all the screws were where you indicated. However, the plastic grill with 3 screws that you removed at 1:03 wasn't actually blocking the microwave from coming out - I didn't realize this until I went to put it back in again. If you don't have to remove that plastic grill, then you don't have to remove the two strips on the left and right side, or the upper control panel (which was a real pain to remove and reinstall). If this bulb goes again, I'll only have to remove 6 screws, and be able to slide the microwave right out.
Regardless of these extra steps, I never would've known where to begin without your video, so thank you for the detailed instructions.
Thank you thank you, THANK YOU for taking the time to give those of us in need, additional details which saved a lot of time and headaches. Appreciate your valuable input.
You are exactly correct, I followed your advice and it worked! Did not need to remove the control panel, just as you said. Thanks for the tip! 😊
This video was incredibly helpful to replacing the bulb. Two key learnings:
1: the offset screwdriver was critical in getting out the screw on the side. Even better would be a small ratchet set.
2: I have a stainless steel model (not sure if that makes a difference) but the front microwave panel was impossible to remove. After struggling for 15 min, I realized that you don't need to remove it. Just push it up enough to access the screws/plastic panel in the next step
So I wanted to watch a video on how to change a microwave light bulb and what are the odds that the video I stumble onto is the exact same unit I have in my house? I guess the UA-cam gods are really smiling on me because that is the most convoluted way to get to a light bulb in a microwave and I never would have figured that out without this video.
Lou, this is Justin! So figured I'd change out that burned out bulb in my microwave this morning... Quick Google/UA-cam search, and here you are to show me the way! Wonderful piece of engineering from the fine folks at Whirlpool. Great how-to video. Thanks.
Thanks for your video. Probably saved me half a day of fooling around trying to figure out how to disassemble my Dad’s unit, and I was able to have exactly the right bulb on hand. God bless!
What genius engineer designed that microwave? That's like dropping the engine on a car to change the oil.
Great instructions! Thanks. The last thing I would ever want to do is explain to someone how I hired a professional to change a lightbulb.
Yes, watching this VERY well done, educational video made me call the repairman to do it.
Update: after hearing that it might cost $289 for the repair guy to do it, I decided to buy the dang screwdriver(s) necessary and do it myself afterall!!!
This is a great video, thank-you for taking the time to make it. I leveraged the removal process to replace both the 20A and 15A fuses that blew during a storm induced power surge. This caused the microwave to display "DOOR". In most cases if you get this message one or both of the fuses are blown; not a failed door switch. In any case, while I had this open I replaced the light bulb and replaced the torsion bars on the door, both of which failed years ago. Replacing the control panel was a real struggle; but eventually I got it back. One suggestion -- place some painters tape on the cabinetry around the sides of the control panel. The edges are sharp and all the fussing resulted in some light scratches. Also, wear gloves -- the stainless steel is sharp.
I wish I would have seen this before I did it the hard way. Thanks for the video.
Just to clarify, that is the quartz element on top, not the microwave element.
The magnetron is in the bottom right of the microwave, behind the shield.
This video was SO helpful - no way we could have done it ourselves without your tutorial. Many thanks!
That was amazing! Imagine my surprise to learn you couldn't just unscrew a cover and access the bulb. Terrible design, but this video made it doable. Thank you!
exactly what i needed! thanks for making my life easier, i hadn't been able to find the manual for this microwave on line for sometime.
We received our 'offset screwdriver' and just finished our project! Yeah! I'm sure we could not have done it without your video! Thanks so much for the video and for answering my question so quickly. I'm subscribing to your How-to's!
Gail Kiewit : was it worth it...
Boy, this saved me a lot of $$ and a lot of trouble. Thousand thanks to you HowToLou!
BTW, my oven/MW combo, installed in 2010, pulled out as a unit, rather than the NW pulling out separately. The long thin side panels did not have to be removed. I pulled the oven/MW/panels out about 8 inches, and snaked my longnose pliers in to replace the bulb, as he shows. I used an egg crate to hold the screws in order, so there would be no confusion when I reassembled it.
I've been without a bulb in my built in Micro for about 10 years now (I know, poor me...violins please); A service guy wanted about $200 for the replacement back then. Thank you sooooo much for your video!
Thanks, Lou! Couldn't have done it without you! I'm surprised that this process is so hard to find online.
Thanks Lou - It was almost this easy. Getting the front panel back on can be a tough nut to crack. The plastic grill underneath can interfere and make it difficult, more so because you can't really see why it won't fall into place. Very helpful video.
Exactly the same for Whirlpool “Gold” combo microwave-oven. Because one side of mine is up against a short wall I couldn’t remove one of the small screws that hold the top keypad housing to the unit. I had to remove the 4 small-headed wood screws holding the entire microwave-oven to the front of the cabinet and pull the entire unit out a few inches. This is not a problem as these screws are very easy to get to once you remove the 2 long vertical black trim pieces from either edge of the unit (as shown in video). Before pulling the unit out from the cabinet a few inches you should remove the heavy oven door. This is simple. Just open door; flip back the catches on each of the 2 bottom hinges; and pull the door away from the unit. Now you can get close and lift up the unit a little while sliding out a few inches. Before I slid out the microwave as shown in video I pushed the entire unit back in place and screwed one of the unit's wood screws to hold the unit firmly against the cabinet. Note that the microwave will only slide out about half way due to short wires. It’s enough to get to the bulb though. Below is a link where I purchased the bulb for $1.55 shipped to my door. Whirlpool wants $16 - $20 plus shipping. www.ebay.com/itm/360709485893
Wao... that was a complicated light bulb replacement. Excellent video technique. Thanks
Great instructions! I just replaced my bulb!
Excellent video and a huge thank you for posting. The owner of the Co. I work for wanted his microwave light repaired and sent me your video. It was a tremendous help. I'm a Maintenance Tech (aka fix it guy) but appliance repair was new territory for me. He wanted it done and with the videos help I was able to deliver for him. 👍
Thanks for this video! On model Kitchenaid kems378sss04, there are 2 screws below the control panel and 4 screws behind that panel that need to be removed to access the bulb housing. The bulb is toward the front, so the unit doesn't need to be pulled out to replace the bulb. I broke one of the bulbs while trying to get it back into the housing and was happy I ended up having to buy a 5 pack. You were right about pricing! Your video gave me the confidence to give this repair a try and I'm glad I did. Again, thank you.
Good fix! Yes, a big part of DIY is simply courage!
Just wanted to say thanks for a great how-to video! Changed my bulb this morning.
Thank you so much!. Your video was right on the dot!. It helped me replace my microwave bulb!. 25 mins and I was done!.
Whose the genius designed this microwave that you have to disassemble everything to just replace a light bulb? Great video by the way. My burned out a second time and I said screw it!
Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much.
Thank you very much for sharing this video. It gave me courage to replace the bulb myself.
Excellent video - Thank you! Total effort is about 30min ... just loosen the two screws on the top control panel to slip out the top plastic grill (no need to remove). Horrible KitchenAid engineering.
Awesome help! Thanks, Lou! 👍🏻😊👍🏻
Video was a great help..almost exact instructions for my Whirlpool Gold microwave. Saved a lot of time and money.
Thank you for the video it's appreciated greatly we had light for over 10 years from our bulb after seeing that I can live with out light .... I found a great way to disassemble washing machines spin cycle and a brick
Nice Job. Very clear instructions. Thanks a lot!!
Fabulous--very helpful video! We lived without a microwave lightbulb for *10+ years* because an appliance repair person told us it would take two guys an hour to pull the whole unit out of the wall--$200 labor charge.
I had a really hard time getting the control panel back on. Finally had to remove the rubber covers from the ends of the prongs at the top. Even then, it was very difficult to do. Anyone figure out the secret?
WTF?! All that just to remove a little bulb. Can they not engineer a better access? Amazing.
Welcome to American manufacture! Ridiculous, isn't it.
The engineers who built this must have never herd the famous quote from the architect Frank Loyd Right. ( form follows function.)
It’s called ‘job security’
This was very clear and helpful video. Thanks.
Fantastic video. Worked like a champ, even down to the recommendation for a cheaper bulb. Thanks much.
Absolutely outstanding video! Thank you very much.
Nice job of explaining.
Wonderful! Wondering why ours wasn't coming on and where the lens was up top! My first impression was the small round lens was the light... looks like that's right. Are the lower oven bulbs the same? There appears to be two of them... one on top left... one middle right. Thanks!
Yes, I am sorry to say I own one of these little gems and having to completely disassemble the unit to change a light bulb is very much in line with what I've seen from KitchenAid. I'll be looking elsewhere for replacement products.
Wonderful help. Thanks a lot! Save me lots of money for a service call.
There's another reason these bulbs may have a short life. My unit measured just about 15 VAC at the socket. That seems a bit high to power a bulb designed for 12 V.
Great video, perfect quick pace. However, I did CRINGE when I saw him handling/stuffing the control panel while still powered on!
Lou, at the 1:13 mark you are able to pull out the microwave. When I get to that part, I'm not able to pull it out because it remains attached to that metal piece on top. What screws am I missing?
Did you get it? I'm at the same place. My microwave won't budge after taking out all the screws shown in the video.
This video was a tremendous help. Thank you!!!
Great video. Hardest thing is getting the control panel back. Any tips?
+Buddy Blattner - put the panel in about three quarters of an inch of above where it should go, push it flat against the back, and then slide it down into place. You may have to try a few times. It was kind of tricky.
Very helpful video! Thanks for the help.
In my case, it was easier to just pull out the whole 'double oven' set for this job. No need to remove plastic grills and screws for the microwave. In my model, didn't need to remove the side rails either as the control panel just had two screws on the bottom of it that allowed the metal face plate to be taken out pretty much with the same motion of the video. Once the cover for the front panel was out, I had to take out 4 more screws to lift the actual control panel. Then I was able to get in to change the bulb. This part was not that hard to do.
In my case, I was doing this also to replace the ceramic support of the heating element, part W10120232 (or W10204461). Unfortunately when I ordered it, I received part W10909479 instead, as it is a replacement part from Kitchenaid. What they don't tell you is that the new part has two pieces, and to install it, you have to have access to the top of the oven. So a lot more complicated than the original part which was a simple 5 seconds install from inside the oven. It was painful to do as to get access to it, I had to go through the whole of the light bulb. Was able to do it by using a small wrench to apply pressure to the metal piece (that will hold the ceramic support in place) from the top of the microwave through the light bulb opening. That was the only way to keep it in place with enough pressure so when sliding the ceramic support into place it will actually go into the metallic piece.
Still, thank you for the video. It showed me the basics I needed to have the confidence to get this started!
Thanks SO MUCH Lou for this vid, saved me a lot of cash!
excellent video ,thank you Lou.
HowToLou - Great job demonstrating step by step how to do what should be a simple process of changing a light bulb. Imagine the stupidity of the engineers who designed this. Did they think the bulb would last forever? And how about appliance parts distributors charging over $20 for a bulb available at an electrical parts store for $2.50. I love my microwave/wall oven combination; but, I am very disappointed in Kitchenaid for its design and for not mentioning anything in the owners manual regarding actual bulb specifications and replacement process. When I called customer service, I was told to hire a technician to do the job. That would be a very expensive light bulb!! Steve
I have a Litton microwave bought in 1977, after 35 years, the bulb went out. I repaced it in a couple of minutes.
Thanks for the video. After I followed this video and changed the bulb, my control panel just shows E1 F2 error and the touch pad is not working. Wonder if others have encountered this, and any ideas?
Very likely one of your connectors got pulled loose enough to break contact. Check all connectors. You will probably find one that is a little loose.
thanks mate! just repace mine in 15min.
My husband and I watched the entire video and it worked really well until we got
to taking the side rails off. Then we could not find a bent Philips screw driver
to fit between the wall and the microwave. We searched our local hardware stores
and can't find one small enough to use. Also searched the Internet. Any ideas
about where I might find this tool?
+Gail Kiewit - Look for "offset screwdriver" in your hardware store or on Amazon.. You can get a set of 3 for $5
Hi Lou, What genius engineered this cluster____! Thanks to your vid I got 'er done!
The engineer’s brother must have been a microwave repairman 🙄
Hello your video is excellent. do you know how to replace door springs on this model? thank you
+Oktay Sattarov - thank you. Sorry I have not had to do that yet
EXCELLENT!! THANK YOU!
Thank you for this video
I watched the video and replaced the light bulb like you tube desciibed and worked great. but i did have one problem i reinstalled the middle rail between the microwave and oven but could not reinstall the top rail. you gave no instrructions on reinstalleing the item My product is the 2 piece oven, the microwave on top and the oven below. How do I install the top rail?? Kitchen aid. Mike from Boca "Raton
+Mike Friedman - Hmm. my microwave does not have a top rail. It only has a control panel and vent, on top. If you want to send a few pictures or better yet, a short video, describing the problem, to HowToLou@gmail.com, i might be able to help you figure out what is going on.
Thanks!
I really needed help for this actually!
Really appreciate the video. Thx.
Hi, microwave I have is Kitchen Aid KMBC 140h SS0 - microwave was working before changing the lamp. After bulb was changed and all put it back, microwave control stop working; alarm of 1 buz followed by 3 more is constant. After checking more videos I changed 2 doors switches on the right and still nothing ;pad is not working. Maybe I need to change the 3rd switch as well on the left side of the door. Frustrated with this. The bulb is on when door is open but microwave is dead
Great video BUT when I get to sliding out the microwave the left side comes out about 3/4 inch but the right side wont slide out at all. Looked around for another screw etc and can't find anything that might be holding it in . It's a Model # KEMC308KSS0 circa 2002. Any thoughts what might be holding it in greatly appreciated.
+Stanley Mayper - try pulling the left side out about a quarter inch and then push the unit left. It may be catching on something. If not, this may help you figure out what is holding it in.
Will give it another try and keep ya posted . Thanks.
Did you ever figure this out why it was stuck? Mine is same way and I tried for over an hour shimmying, prying, everything I could think but no luck.
BTW, there is no mention of this in the owner's manual! oy.
Yep, just a description of how the light comes on when you open the door. KitchenAid is so helpful.
Do you have any video for replacing the turntable motor for oven/microwave combo (preferably kitchenaid model kems308sss05)?
+Amirhousein Hazratifar - i'm sorry I don't. However, you probably get into the microwave much the same way, and the motor comes out with two or three screws and is very easy to replace
Not all that complicated, but far more complicated than I thought it'd be.
Yeah. It should not be this complicated. They could have simply made it so you could unscrew the protective glass dome, and replace the bulb from the inside!! Most people have to pay a $150 service call to replace a $2 bulb.
Does anybody know how to change a light bulb on a RMC305PVB01 Whirlpool Microwave Oven Combo, I got all the screws out but still had a hard time pulling the microwave it never came out.
Did you ever get the microwave pulled out (?) Have the same but in stainless (RMC305PVS00) and microwave seems stuck 😝😝
Nice video .
I see lots of comments about the idiotic engineering behind this . To clarify the situation I would like to tell everyone that this is intentionally designed this way. Manufacturers don't want you fixing appliances. They want you to buy new every 5 years.. They engineer the appliance to last past an extended warranty then they have no interest in making your life easy. The easiest way they force you into buying new is by discontinuing the production of parts , especially electronic parts. Imagine how you would feel 7 years after purchasing an 8000 dollar built in refrigerator that the electronic control board that got fried in a power surge is NLA (no longer available).
BTW the control panel doesn't have to come off to change the bulb. Everything else shown does have to come off.
I followed all instructions. I STILL cannot get the microwave to slide out. It seems to hang up on the left side, somehow. Date of build: 2003. Model # KEHC379JBL05. Very frustrated! Why is this hanging up?
+Robert From Ca - Yeah, they can be very stubborn. There may be an extra screw on your model, that you need to take out, before it will slide out. Also try lifting up as you pull out. It may simply be caught of something. If you send some close up pictures or a short video to HowToLou@gmail.com, I will see if I can figure out the issue. -Lou
@0:18 any suggestions for fitting the plastic grille back in place when finished? 🤷♀️
Make sure you have it right side up. Make sure all 4 screw holes are aligned.
HowToLou it is right did up and the screw holes are aligned … removing it required some wiggling and I still cannot wiggle it back into place. 😡
To get it out you have to pull down slightly. To get it back in, start 1/4 inch low and slide up.
Thanks , will try that!
My control pad is not responding after changing bulb, any suggestions??
+Carlos Castano - I am sure you have already tried this, but make sure your breaker is turned on to power the microwave. If that's not it, I bet one of the wires came loose while you were changing the lightbulb. I would suggest opening it back up, and pulling off every connector you can find and pushing it firmly back on. This will also break up any corrosion that was causing a bad connection. Good luck
Thank you. I will try that when i get home from work. Now the light works but i cant use the oven or microwave. I think i rather have the control pad working haha. Thank you again and happy holidays. Great video.
@@carloscastano5095 Curious, what did you do to fix this? I have the same issue. After changing the bulb, it just shows an error code E1 F2.
Pure trash just to get at the bulb. Just got involved with a 20 yr old walloven with a blown bulb.
Bulb was blown. Put new bulb in and it wont light up. I walked away from it at that point
That is a dumb way to Chang a light bulb
Lot of work to replace a bulb
Yep, changed to "Dislike" for leaving me hanging on putting the control panel back on. Hopefully someone else has posted a video of the WHOLE process of fixing the light.
INSTEAD of "Since it's open let's take a look around the microwave"...you should have given detailed instructions on HOW to put the Control Panel BACK, since most of us nuckleheads followed your instructions on removing it to do this DIY bulb replacement and now CAN'T put the #@!! thing back! Howz about editing your video to include HOW to put the Control Panem BACK????
Your VIDEO FAILED when you didn't take the time to show how to put the Control Panel back. What's the trick?
The video is very helpful. I had some difficulty sliding the microwave unit out but was able to wiggle it free. Now, after replacing the bulb, I am unable to completely slide the microwave unit back in. It slides in almost the entire depth except for the last 1/4 inch. I tried using a hammer to tap at the bottom mounting plates under the microwave oven but it won't slide in any further. What could possibly be preventing the microwave oven from sliding in the full depth?
+badstink - Hmmm. I am not sure without seeing it. I would try lifting up while pushing in. Usually stuff like this is stuck along a bottom edge. If that does not work, try pushing down on the front with a twisting motion so the very back edge of the microwave lifts up a bit as it's going in. It may be catching at the rear of the microwave. Of course, also try slanting the microwave slightly left or right to see if it's catching on something on the sides. If none of that works, get some blue painters tape, and tape it firmly all the way around the edge of the microwave just behind the front face. Press the microwave in as far as it will go, and then pull it back out and see where the tape is ripped. That should show you where it is catching. Good luck!