Kenmore Microwave Model 401.85053010 is on but does not heat

[I.M. Caine]

It started when I would open the door and the fan and turntable would spin inexplicably. Then I would put in the time and hit start and nothing would happen. So I hit stop, reset the time and reset the power to 90% and hit start and it worked. Then it worked normal for a day or 2. Now when I hit start I get nothing. Lights are on. But no turntable and no heat. The timer still counts down. 

Is this repairable for a DIYer?

 

[Thirstytech]

How old is it? If more than 6-7 years then time to move on.

[darren412]

what you will need to do is un plug the microwave and de energize it . This will make it safe for you to remove the control panel and check the micro switches for the door latch assembly. There are 3 microswitches for your door latch assembly and most likely one of them is making a bad contact.  if you dont know how to check them and dis assemble the microwave safely, I suggest you hire a qualified person to do the checks. There is a high voltage capacitor in the microwave that can be very dangerous to work around if you do not know how to properly work around a high voltage microwave capacitor. With that said. Test the 3 switches with a meter and you will most likely find that one of them is mal functioning. Usually if you closely look at the micro switch wire connection coming out of the switch,  you can notice that the plastic housing is melted slightly where the contact blade comes out of the switch. That is usually a tell tale sign of the bad switch. If and when you find the bad switch through your meter checks and inspection, you will want to replace all 3 switches and not just one.  The door switch assembly part # that comes with all 3 switches is: SA  DE96-00414A   or   WP DE96-00414A  .   It comes as a Samsung part # and a whirlpool part # also. The # will be the same for both manufacturers.   The Samsung part # is less expensive and the same part.  

[dave2543]

Hi Mr. Caine, in my 35 years with Sears, two local microwave techs were almost killed by microwaves.  Both were experienced and generally cautious guys.  IMHO it is just not worth messing around with.  The first guy was only in the hospital a couple of days because he was a black belt martial artist and health food freak.  The other guy was two days in ICU and two more in extreme cardiac care.  He was an avid hiker, so he was pretty fit.

What is the deductible on your health insurance, versus a new MO?