Kenmore Elite Microwave 721.86003010 No Power

[robl45]

Hi, my Kenmore Elite Microwave 721.86003010 suddenly died today. I"m guessing from reading that its possibly a fuse. I'm not completely sure where the fuse is, but I do know that I should discharge the capacitor before messing with the fuse. Can someone tell me where the capacitor is and the easiest way to get to it to discharge it? I'm hoping I don't have to take the unit down from the cabinet? Any other suggestions are welcomed as well.

Thanks

Rob

[RobinWinter]

The fuse looks to be toward the back of this model so you'd have to take it down regardless.

 

The capacitor is on the right side somewhere behind the controls, but the cover of the microwave needs to be removed to access anything.  

All that being said, fuses don't generally blow for no reason, they're a safety device that warns you there's a bigger problem and disables the appliance to protect it (and you) from further damage, so you would need to find out what that is.  I would start with the interlock, specifically the latch board.  Examine the two openings where the latch hooks on the door fit into, are there grooves worn into the latch board from those hooks?   That can prevent the interlock switches from being actuated properly.  This scenario blows the fuse by design to prevent the microwave from running if the door is not closed and latched properly.  If it is worn badly, that latchboard assembly should be replaced, switches included.

Edited August 3, 2023 by RobinWinter

[RobinWinter]

I should say too, Microwaves have the potential to be the most dangerous appliance to work on, you're dealing with voltage in the thousands here.  Modern units are designed to discharge the capacitor automatically but as with all things that's not a guarantee.  Don't take chances you don't have to and never have the unit plugged in while the cover is removed.  I honestly suggest not doing this yourself.