Have you ever felt the frustration of a microwave touchpad refusing to work when you need a quick meal? Before spending money on a repair service, try troubleshooting the issue yourself. This article provides easy-to-follow instructions for identifying common problems with non-responsive touchpads. Armed with some basic tools and knowledge of electronics, you can save your wallet and get your microwave cooking again in no time!
Tools and Materials
Fixing a microwave touchpad that is not working takes a few special tools. Having the right equipment makes the job much easier. Here is a list of the must-have items:
Multimeter
A multimeter is a tool that measures electricity. It can test if the right amount of power is going to the touchpad. You can use it to check each button and see if it is getting electricity when pushed. Multimeters are not too expensive and can be found at most hardware stores.
Screwdriver Set
Microwaves have lots of screws that need to be removed to get to the inside parts. A set of screwdrivers with different size heads will let you take out all the screws. Make sure you have Phillips and flathead screwdrivers.
Safety Gloves
Wearing gloves keeps your hands safe from sharp edges inside the microwave. Thick rubber gloves work well.
Replacement Parts
Sometimes, pieces like the membrane switch or control board need to be swapped out. Having the right replacement part handy means you can fix it fast if needed.
- Membrane Switch – This is the layer with the buttons printed on it. If it is torn or damaged, the buttons will not work.
- Control Board – This controls the electricity in the microwave. If it is burnt or cracked, it could cause touchpad issues.
Step-By-Step Guide to Diagnosing the Issue
Trying to figure out why your microwave buttons are not working can be frustrating. But don’t worry – with the right tools and some troubleshooting steps, you can get to the bottom of the issue. Let’s walk through the process together:
1. Safety First
Working with electronics can be dangerous if you aren’t careful. So, it’s absolutely essential to unplug the microwave before doing any work on it. This cuts power to the internal components and protects you from getting shocked while testing things out. Never open or repair a microwave that is still plugged in!
2. Do a Visual Inspection of the Touchpad
The first thing to check is if there is any visible damage to the touchpad. Open the microwave door and give the touchpad a good look-over.
- Are any of the buttons cracked or broken?
- Do you notice any loose or jiggling buttons?
- Examine the pads beneath the buttons – are any torn or detached from the surface?
- Check for scorch marks or burned areas on the touchpad.
Look closely at the connections, too. Are any ribbons or connectors visibly frayed or damaged?
3. Test Each Individual Button
If you don’t see physical damage, the next step is to test each button. Go slowly and push each button firmly to see if it responds, and beep the microwave. Make notes on exactly which buttons are not functioning when pressed.
See if there is a pattern, like if it’s a whole row or section of buttons that don’t work. This can provide clues to the root cause.
4. Carefully Remove the Outer Case
To fully diagnose the issue, you need access to the internal components underneath the touchpad. Removing the outer case gives you visibility. Use care not to damage any parts!
- Remove the small mounting screws first – often located along the sides or on the top edge of the frame.
- Slowly detach the outer case from the front of the microwave.
- Carefully set it aside in a safe place.
5. Inspect the Membrane Switch
The membrane switch is a thin film layer that sits right beneath the touchpad buttons. When you press a button, it makes contact with the circuitry underneath. If this switch is damaged, it can make buttons stop working.
- Gently peel back the membrane switch to look for issues.
- Examine it closely for any tears, detached areas, or corrosion buildup.
- Press down on it to see if the switch makes proper contact when a button is pushed.
If damage is present, you likely need to replace the membrane switch.
6. Test the Control Board
The control board is the main circuit board that regulates electricity in the microwave. Problems with this can also cause touchpad failure.
- Use a multimeter to check voltage levels on the control board while operating the microwave.
- Look for any damaged components like burnt spots or loose connections.
- Test contact points between the membrane switch and the board.
If the voltage is abnormal or the board is visibly damaged, a replacement may be needed.
Fixing the Issue
Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, it’s time to get your microwave touchpad working again. Here are the steps for the two most common repairs:
1. Replacing the Membrane Switch
If testing shows the membrane switch is damaged, you’ll need to install a new one.
- Unplug the ribbon cable from the old membrane switch. Remove any screws securing it.
- Carefully lift off the old membrane switch. Be sure not to tear it.
- Line up the new switch in the exact same spot. Lay it flat and smooth with no bunching.
- Secure the new switch with screws if needed. Reattach the ribbon connector.
- Test the buttons to confirm the new switch works correctly.
2. Replacing the Control Board
If voltage testing indicates the control board is bad, a new one is required.
- Label and disconnect all wiring from the old control board. This makes reassembly easier.
- Remove any screws and lift off the old control board.
- Set the new control board in place and screw it securely into the frame.
- Follow your wiring labels to reconnect each wire to the proper spot.
- Power the microwave back on and test the touchpad functionality.
With the right replacement part, you can often get a microwave touchpad working good as new. Just take your time and be careful during the repair.
Also Read How to fix a microwave door that won’t open
Wrapping Up
We covered a lot of steps for figuring out what is wrong with your microwave touchpad and how to repair it. Let’s summarize the key points:
- Safety first – Always unplug before working on a microwave.
- Diagnose the issue – Visually inspect for damage. Test buttons and use a multimeter to check the membrane switch and control board.
- Fix it – Replace the membrane switch or control board if faulty. Carefully install the new part.
- Test it out – After the repair, confirm the touchpad is fully functional.
With the right tools and diagnosis, you can often fix a microwave touchpad cheaply on your own. Taking good care of your microwave helps avoid issues. But if the touchpad acts up, follow this guide to get it working again.
We hope these steps give you the confidence to tackle microwave touchpad problems. With a bit of time and patience, you can save the cost of a repairman and keep your microwave heating for years to come.