As an owner of LG microwave like me, you may encounter a common problem: the door latch does not work correctly. This can help prevent you from always opening or closing the door or cause the microwave to stop heating.
The door latch is a mechanism that consists of two or more hooks that engage with the door switches when the door is closed. The door hits and signals the control board to start or stop the microwave operation.
There are several reasons why the door latch may malfunction. You may not have noticed this, but the reasons below may explain why this has happened.
- The door latch is broken or worn out
- The door latch is misaligned or loose
- The door switches are faulty or damaged
- The control board is defective or corrupted
Fortunately, you can fix the door latch yourself with essential tools and skills. This blog post will show you how to diagnose and repair the door latch on your LG microwave. I will also provide some tips and tricks to prevent the problem from happening again.
Step 1: UL.G.lug the Microwave
The first and most crucial step is to unplug the microwave from the power source. Doing this guarantees your safety and averts the possibility of experiencing electrical shocks or damage. Never attempt to repair a microwave while it is plugged in or running.
Step 2: Remove the Door
The next step is to remove the door from the microwave. This will give you access to the door latch and the door switches. You must have a screwdriver and a putty knife to remove the door successfully.
- Kindly unlatch the door and remove the surrounding trim using a putty knife or a flat-bladed screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the frame or the door.
- Lift the door and pull it out. You may need to wiggle it to release it from the hinges.
- Place the door on a flat surface and inspect the latch and switch.
Step 3: Replace the Door Latch
The most common cause of the door latch problem is a broken or worn-out door latch. You can easily replace the door latch with a new one. You will need a screwdriver and a replacement door latch. You can order a replacement door lock online or from a local appliance store. Make sure you get the suitable model and size for your LG microwave.
- Take out the screws on the left side of the door, which hold the door handle in place.
- Pull the door latch out of the holes. You may need to use a pair of pliers to pull it out.
- Insert the new door latch into the holes. Make sure it is aligned and secure.
- Reattach the door handle and the screws.
Step 4: Test the Door Switches
Another possible cause of the door latch problem is faulty or damaged door switches. The door switches are small devices that are attached to the microwave frame. They detect whether the door is closed or open and signal the control board. The microwave may not start or stop heating if the door switches malfunction. You can test the door changes with a multimeter. You will need a screwdriver and a multimeter.
- Locate the door switches on the microwave frame. There are usually two or three door switches; the model of your LG microwave is a determining factor. They are typically located near the bottom or the top of the door opening.
- Remove the wires from the door switches. You may need a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull them out. Make sure you label the cables or take a picture before removing them so you can reconnect them later.
- Adjust your multimeter to either the continuity or resistance mode. Gently place the multimeter probes onto the terminals of every door switch. You should get a reading of zero or close to zero when the door is closed and a reading of infinity or open circuit when the door is open. If you get a different task, The faulty door switch requires replacement.
Step 5: Replace the Door Switches
If you find one or more of the door switches are faulty, you can replace them with new ones. You will need a screwdriver and replacement door switches. You can order replacement door switches online or from a local appliance store. Make sure you get the suitable model and size for your LG microwave.
- Remove the screws that hold the door switches in place. You may need to use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry them out.
- Pull the door switches out of the slots. You may need to use a pair of pliers to pull them out.
- Insert the new door switches into the slots. Make sure they are aligned and secure.
- Reconnect the wires to the door switches. Make sure you follow the labels or the picture you took earlier.
Step 6: Reinstall the Door
- Secure the hinge pins onto the hinges affixed to the microwave frame to reattach the microwave door. You may need to wiggle the door a bit to align it properly.
- Reattach the trim to the door by locking the bottom side first, followed by the top. You may need a putty knife or a flat-blade screwdriver to snap it in place.
- Plug in the microwave and test it. Make sure the door latch works appropriately, and the microwave heats up.
Tips to Prevent the Door Latch Problem
To prevent the door latch problem from happening again, you need some extra tips to make it happen. Below, we have provided you with some tips you can follow.
- Avoid slamming or forcing the door. This can damage the door latch or the door switches.
- Clean the door latch and the door switches regularly. Dirt and grease can interfere with the mechanism and cause it to malfunction.
- Check the door alignment and the door seal. If the door is not aligned or the seal is damaged, the door may not close properly, and the door latch may not work.
- Replace the door latch and the door switches if they show signs of wear and tear. This can prevent them from breaking or failing.
Conclusion
I believe the helpful tips and instructions I provided in this blog post will greatly help you resolve any issues you may be experiencing with your LG microwave door latch.
By following these steps, you can diagnose and repair the door latch and save money and time. After reading this guide, I hope you have some questions or comments; please leave them below.
