How to Fix a Microwave Touchpad That's Not Working
- Membrane Switch. Need Help Finding Your Model Number? If the buttons on your microwave touchpad do not work, it may be an issue with the membrane switch.
- Control Board. Need Help Finding Your Model Number? ...
- More Repair Parts. Still not sure which part is broken? ...
Full Answer
Why is my microwave touchpad not working?
If you cannot key in numbers on your microwave touchpad but the display is still lighting up, it may be an issue with the control board. The control board supplies the touchpad with low voltage signals. When you press a button on your microwave touchpad, the control board sends a signal to the other microwave components to begin heating.
How to test a microwave touchpad?
After referring to the electrical schematic of your microwave to determine the matrix layout of the membrane switch, test the touchpad with a multimeter. There should be a few ohms of resistance when you test each key on the touchpad.
Can you replace the touchpad membrane in a microwave?
Fortunately, the touchpad membrane is something anyone confident, careful, and precise can replace inside the microwave control panel. Here’s what to do: Start by putting together the supplies you need.
How do you know when to replace a microwave Control Board?
When you press a button on your microwave touchpad, the control board sends a signal to the other microwave components to begin heating. If the membrane switch is functioning as usual, and the connection to the control board looks fine, then the control board likely needs to be replaced.
Can you fix microwave touchpad?
To fix these problems, you'll likely need to replace the membrane switch. Rather than trying to take the membrane apart, your best bet is to replace the entire keypad assembly with a new complete assembly so you don't have to worry about a delicate membrane or precise replacement.
Why has my touchpad stopped working on my microwave?
Another possible cause of microwave buttons not working could be an issue with the membrane switch. The membrane switch is more commonly known as the touchpad and has a few soft touch electrical switches. There is a certain conductive coating on the touchpad which can go defective with repeated usage.
How do I test my microwave touchpad?
How to test a microwave membrane switch with a multimeter:Unplug your microwave before beginning this test.Locate the membrane switch in order to test it. ... After referring to the electrical schematic of your microwave to determine the matrix layout of the membrane switch, test the touchpad with a multimeter.More items...
How do you fix a microwave control board?
1:394:06GE Microwave Main Control Board Replacement #WB56X20629YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the screws removed lift out the old board install the new main control board by positioning itMoreWith the screws removed lift out the old board install the new main control board by positioning it in the housing. Thread the screws to secure.
How do you fix a microwave push button?
2:205:18Frigidaire Microwave Oven Door Release Push Button Replacement ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPanel open the door and lift the control panel up to detach. Now note the orientation of the wiresMorePanel open the door and lift the control panel up to detach. Now note the orientation of the wires connected to the control. Board then disconnect the wire.
How do you reset a microwave keypad?
Press and hold the START/ENTER key again for approximately 4 seconds. The L indicator or lock icon should disappear from the display. If the controls are still not responding, attempt a reset on the microwave by unplugging the unit for 2-3 minutes. Plug the microwave back in and attempt the use the microwave again.
Can microwave keypad be replaced?
If you've worked on other appliances, you can replace a worn microwave touchpad. The all-digital LEDs on the microwave touch pad don't last forever. One or two will go out and then, perhaps, a few more. But you don't have to guess how many minutes or seconds are left when you're using the appliance.
How do I fix the touchpad on my oven?
0:085:26OVEN TOUCHSCREEN NOT WORKING — EASY FIX - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe stove and we're gonna pull it away from the wall a little bit so we can get access to it backMoreThe stove and we're gonna pull it away from the wall a little bit so we can get access to it back you have to remove a couple of Philips head screws to take off the back panel of the console.
How do you open a microwave keypad?
0:304:34GE Microwave Control Panel Replacement, Repair #WB56X20761YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a Phillips head screwdriver to unthread the two mounting screws securing the grill with theMoreUse a Phillips head screwdriver to unthread the two mounting screws securing the grill with the screws unthreaded open the oven door then slide the grill to the left and lift it up to remove.
How do you fix a short keypad on a GE microwave?
2:395:49GE Microwave Keypad Shorted, keypad error, keypad doesn't workYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBoard so in order to reconnect the keypad this ribbon goes around to the front the keypad in orderMoreBoard so in order to reconnect the keypad this ribbon goes around to the front the keypad in order to release the ribbon you have to pull up on this you hear it click. So that's the release.
How do you test a microwave control board?
16:2520:48How To Easily Test Microwave Oven Parts! (Ultimate Guide) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom your continuity tester connect it to one push the button. That's working fine now this terminalMoreFrom your continuity tester connect it to one push the button. That's working fine now this terminal here should be on when I connect the continuity tester. And when I push the button should go off.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a microwave?
The cost to install a new microwave ranges from $110 to $190, plus $100 to $700 for the appliance. Consider a replacement if you have a basic model that can cost as little as $60. High-end microwave models can run from $500 to $1,000, so repairing these devices is often cheaper than replacing them.
How does a microwave touchpad work?
It is a special kind of membrane switch created by two flexible layers, conductive inner coating, and a bubble in between . Each button is a bubble with the flexible membrane on top. Backing the membrane is a conductive coating that contacts the back ...
How to replace a microwave membrane switch?
To remove and replace the membrane switch, open the microwave cabinet by removing the mounting screws and the metal wrap-around cover over the top and sides. Then access the front panel of the microwave.
Why does my touchpad light up?
If you press a touchpad button and the display lights up without data, this is more likely to be a control board issue. This means that the buttons are sending a signal, but the control board doesn’t know what to do in response. The display may light up as blank or nonsense and then fail to take action.
How to open microwave cabinet?
Grab the multimeter and open up your microwave. You will likely need to open the cabinet by removing the mounting screws and the wrap-around microwave cover. From here, you can access the back of the microwave’s front panel which is usually where the control board resides.
What to do if a membrane switch fails a multimeter test?
If the membrane switch fails the multimeter test, then replace it and see if that solves your problem. Should the membrane switch be fine, then move your attention to the control Board. Try the multimeter on the control board to see if it is still handling electricity properly.
What is the control board on a microwave?
The control board is the microwave’s computer brain. Over time, the conductive coating on the back of the membrane can wear away, degrading the ability to make a connection and send a signal. It’s also possible that keypad malfunctions are resulting from a flaw in the control board receiving and processing signals.
Can you replace a microwave handle?
Replacing handles, latches, and switches can often be easier than it sounds. But this is not true for the microwave. Because the microwave is so small and compact, everything is built very tightly and repairs can be difficult. This is why many people call for professional appliance repair services or buy a new microwave if their microwave stops ...
What happens when a microwave pad is depressed?
When a pad is depressed, the voltage signal is switched back to the control board. The control board receives these input signals from the membrane switch or touch pad and uses these commands to turn on output relays that control the various components of the microwave, such as the turntable motor and the magnetron.
Why is my microwave oven not responding?
If the touch pads on your microwave oven do not respond but the display lights up , the problem is most likely with the membrane switch. This component, which is more commonly referred to as the touch pad, is actually a series of soft touch electrical switches.
How to access membrane switch?
To access the membrane switch you will need to unplug the unit and remove the cabinet. The membrane switch is often attached to the control panel and is usually connected to the electronic control board with a flat ribbon style connector.
What happens when two conductive surfaces contact each other?
When the two conductive surfaces contact each other, an electrical circuit is completed to provide an input signal to the control board.
Is the membrane switch on a control board defective?
If you have verified that the membrane switch is fine and the connection to the control board is okay, then the control board may be defective. Replacement will require disconnecting the power and removal of the cabinet and control assembly.
Where to find the serial number on a microwave?
This sticker can be found out-of-sight on the bottom, back, or inside of the microwave cabinet.
Can a microwave short out?
The first and most important safety step is to make sure no electricity is running through the microwave. This way, you can’t get a shock and your microwave can’t short out. Just be careful. Microwaves have a high-voltage capacitor that retains electric charge after the unit is unplugged.
Why is my microwave touchpad not working?
If the buttons on your microwave touchpad do not work, it may be an issue with the membrane switch. This part is made up of soft-touch electrical switches, which are two layers of Mylar plastic with conductive coatings on the sides that face each other. When you press a key on your microwave touchpad, the two surfaces come in contact ...
What happens when you press a key on a microwave?
When you press a key on your microwave touchpad, the two surfaces come in contact and complete an electrical circuit which sends a signal to the control board. The conductive coating on your membrane switch will wear out over time through repeated use, and need to be replaced.
What is a control board on a microwave?
The control board supplies the touchpad with low voltage signals. When you press a button on your microwave touchpad, the control board sends a signal to the other microwave components to begin heating. If the membrane switch is functioning as usual, and the connection to the control board looks fine, then the control board likely needs ...
