How To Fix a Loose or Broken Microwave Door

Microwaves get used constantly in many households, and this makes them susceptible to breaking down and needing to be repaired or, in some cases, replaced. Since the door on your microwave is being opened and closed regularly, it can often become loose or broken. When this happens, it will need to be repaired or replaced.

If your microwave door is loose or broken, you’re in the right place. To help you find the cause of the problem and then fix it, we’ve put together this extensive guide. Simply start with the first possible cause and work your way down the guide until you’ve fixed your microwave door.

Before you get started, it’s important to point out that repairing microwaves can be a very dangerous undertaking due to the risk of electric shock. If you’re not experienced in working with microwaves, you should consider taking your faulty appliance to a repair shop instead.

Check the door latch

When trying to fix a faulty microwave door, the first component to check is the door latch. The purpose of the latch is to ensure that the door can close properly when you turn your microwave on. If the latch gets stuck, loose, or breaks completely, your microwave door won’t be able to function correctly.

Here’s how to check the door latch:

1. Try to open your microwave door. If the door doesn’t open easily, gently pull the door handle to see if the latch will disconnect, allowing the door to open.
2. If the door opens, check that nothing is stuck in the latch area. If there is something stuck, remove it. If the door latch is broken, it will need to be replaced.
3. If the door doesn’t open, the door button might be the cause of the problem, so you can move on to checking that component (see the next section).

Check the door button

If your microwave door won’t open at all–even when you pull it–the problem might be caused by a faulty door button.

Here’s how to check the door button: 

1. Start by pressing the door button so you can check if there is any resistance. 
2. If you’re able to press the door button very easily, without residence, this means the door button is faulty and will need to be repaired or replaced. If there is resistance, but you can hear a clicking sound, this means you’ll need to check the door switch to see if it has become loose from the door mechanism. If there is resistance and you don’t hear a clicking sound, move on to checking the next component in this guide.
3. To check the door button, start by switching the microwave power off.
4. Next, remove the door button component from your microwave and check if the button is properly connected to the door mechanism and that parts of it are broken. If damaged, the door button will need to be replaced. If you don’t have experience repairing microwaves, you should consider taking it to a qualified technician for them to repair it.

Check the door latch lever

The next component that could be faulty is the door latch lever. The lever is the small plastic component that goes up and down to let the door open and to secure it closed. When it becomes faulty, your microwave door will become loose or broken.

Here’s how to check the door latch lever:

1. Switch the power off to your microwave (this is important, as working on microwaves is dangerous).
2. Remove the control panel from your microwave so that you can access the door latch lever. If you’re not sure how to do this, consult your user manual or consider taking your microwave to a qualified technician to repair it.
3. Locate the door latch lever and check it for any damage or if it has become stuck.
4. If the lever is stuck, remove whatever is obstructing it and then check if the latch lever is working properly. If so, put your microwave back together and make sure your door is working properly.
5. If the lever is broken, replace it. 
6. If your microwave still isn’t working even after repairing or replacing the door lever, check out the next component in this guide.

Check the door springs and hinges

The next components to check are the door springs and hinges. These components help the microwave door to open and close. When they become defective, your door will become loose and might not even work at all.

Here’s how to check the door springs and hinges:

1. Switch the power off to your microwave (this is important, as working on microwaves is dangerous).
2. Remove the microwave door by loosening the hinges. If you’re not sure how to do this, check your user manual or consider taking your microwave to a qualified technician to be repaired.
3. After the door has been removed from your microwave, you should be able to inspect the door hinges and springs for any signs of damage.
4. If you find any damage, the faulty components will need to be replaced. If the hinges and springs aren’t damaged, you will need to take your microwave to a repair shop for a qualified technician to give it a thorough inspection to find the cause of the problem.