Whirlpool is a reliable and most preferred brand among people when it comes to household appliances. Especially when it comes to Microwave. However, it’s far from perfect. Despite the reliability and credibility that the brand has, it still commonly suffers from repeated Microwave door error.
What is Whirlpool’s Microwave door error? Usually, if a message about the door appears in the display of your Whirpool microwave, this indicates that the door has been closed for 5 minutes or more without the microwave oven being started. This is actually a safety feature that the brand implemented to avoid unintended use of the microwave oven. Such as starting on its own without any content inside.
How to fix Whirlpool Microwave Door Error
If you’re having this door error on your Whirlpool-branded microwave, then you’re in luck. We layout all the troubleshooting and things you can do to fix this problem. Without further ado…
Check for soil build-up on the door contact area
As literal as it sounds, you just need to check for soil build-up on the door contact area. Dirt build-up can prevent certain features from functioning properly which ultimately results in system errors.
Ensure that no packing material is blocking the door lock system
Some of us give more value and care to our appliances than most would have. This includes where people tend to keep certain packaging material along the microwave to keep it protected at all times. Unfortunately, what we assume tends to give us the exact opposite of it. In this case, keeping the packaging material.
So better make sure that you removed all packing material that can potentially block the door lock system.
Place the microwave oven on a flat and level surface
Some may have a different opinion when it comes to this but Whirlpool themselves stated that their Microwaves should be placed on an evet flat level surface. The microwave’s placement matters in this case when you have to fix certain errors related to your microwave’s door.
To illustrate, you have to place the microwave on a leveled and flat surface to ensure balance on all of its corners. In addition, placing the microwave on a flat surface ensures that there’s no issue with the angle at which the door opens and closes. If it’s placed on an uneven surface, there’s a risk that the hinges of the door might not connect properly. If there is any form of obstacle that will prevent the door to open or closing, it will result in a door error.
For the most part, people commonly install their microwave ovens on the cooking rack, and most would never notice or ignore that it can hinder the closure and operation of the microwave door. So, it is highly recommended to place your Whirlpool microwave on a level and even surface.
Tightly close the door
Things say as it goes when it comes to this. Literally, all you have to do is to tightly close the door of your microwave. Most people tend to forget about this and simply slam the door with an ample amount of force. In some cases, that will not be enough and the door will tend to bounce back the force which not only did not close, but it can also potentially damage any sensors along the door line.
So when operating a microwave to heat your food or liquid, make sure that the door is tightly shut. Otherwise, door error is likely to occur.
Check the door switch.
One of the common culprits behind a door error for a microwave oven is the door switch. Switches are prone to wear and tear. It’s just a matter of time before these switches start to fail which ultimately results in a door error.
In addition, there are chances that the switches are working properly but are simply having trouble with their contact sensors. Furthermore, there’s also the risk that your door switch is malfunctioning. Nonetheless, no matter which among these is the issue behind the error, this level of the problem requires the attention of a professional which also means you’ll have to replace it.
Unfortunately, that’s not something that you can do yourself, so it’s best if you take the appliance to a repair technician.
Check the door latches
When it comes down to the door error, you need to consider every component associated with the door, and one of them is the door latch. If the door is hanging loose or just won’t close firmly, it’s best to assume that the door latch of your microwave has been worn out or is damaged.
To fix this issue, you have to replace the door latch. Unfortunately, this is another problem that requires the help of a professional or a certified technician. Professionals will make sure that the latches that they will replace for your microwave are compatible.
For the most part, experts suggest that users change the door latches after specific intervals (usually a couple of years) to make sure the latches keep working. There are latch sets available for a few dollars, so we highly recommend purchasing a full set of door latches ahead of time. Not only that this will save you from future hassle, but it will also save you a couple of bucks too.
Microwave overheating
Another common issue that most would tend to ignore is overheating. Whirlpool microwave will show a door error when it is overheated no matter what the case is.
Generally, it happens with older models with weaker or poor efficiency internal components that weaken over time.
On a concluding note, you should always have a technician fix the microwave if you have to repair and replace the components. This is because microwaves and the components inside are generally sensitive. The internal parts that consist of electronics contain a variety of delicate components. If you’re not careful, you might end up causing more permanent damage to the appliance.
Clean the grease filters
Most microwaves on the market come with a grease filter installed on the bottom side of the microwave. These features are easily overlooked by most people.
The grease filters capture any additional grease from your microwave, which results in debris development. In some microwave models, grease built up on your grease filter will result in inefficient functionality of the grease filters. This then ultimately results in a door error.
So at this point, it’s best to know that microwave door errors can be caused by various factors And one of them is a grease filter full of grease.
Fortunately, it is easy to clean or replace the grease filters but don’t forget to wear gloves because washing off the grease from your hands won’t be easy.
For cleaning the grease filters, it is highly recommended to submerge them in warm water and anti-fouling detergent. If you feel like it, you can also add a teaspoon of white vinegar to kill germs-causing bacteria.
You can also clean them in your automated dishwasher but we do not recommend you to do so. If you have no time and no choice, double check with your user manual if it’s allowed by the manufacturer.
On the other hand, if the grease filters have become loose and simply don’t fit in properly, you may want to consider replacing them with a brand new filter. You can buy new filters from your favorite local hardware store or online.
A significant amount of idle time
This last error on our list may sound insignificant but it’s actually more significant than expected. As a matter of fact, some Whirlpool microwaves warn of a door error when the door is left open for an amount of time. In some models, it’s the other way around.
Setting your microwave to a process of use and then leaving it idle after setting your heating settings will result in a door error. That’s why whenever the door error appears on the display screen of your Whirlpool microwave without any abrupt reasons, it’s best to consider how long you have kept the microwave door closed.
But this begs the question as to why is this happening? This is because if you keep the microwave’s door closed with heat settings on set for around five minutes or so without starting the microwave, it can cause an error.
To fix this, all you have to do is to open and close the microwave’s door once or twice before you start heating up your food, especially if it’s been closed for longer periods.
This feature is actually designed with power saving in mind. Quite a thoughtful gesture on the company’s part, as it prevents any needless power usage and ensures that the oven remains safe to use at all times.
Sources:
https://missvickie.com/whirlpool-microwave-door-error/
