KitchenAid Microwave Display Not Working? Here’s What to Do

KitchenAid appliances are known for being durable and long-lasting, but just like any appliance, they can malfunction. Problems with the microwave display are relatively uncommon but are particularly frustrating when they occur. A display fault means that your microwave is pretty much unusable, even though all the important parts, like the magnetron and turntable, are still functioning. Thankfully, there are some simple fixes you can try to fix the issue – read on for our top tips!

This guide applies to all common models of KitchenAid microwaves, including:

KHMC1857BSS1

KHMC1857WSS0

KHMS155LSS0

KHMS155LSS1

KHMS155LSS4

KHMS1850SSS0

KHMS1850SSS1

KHMS1850SSS2

KHMS2040BSS0

KHMS2040WSS0

KHMS2040WSS1

KHMS2050SSS0

KHMS2050SSS2

KMHC319ESS0

KMHS120ESS

YKCMS1555SS1

YKHMS147HWH2

YKHMS175MW1

YKHMS1850SB0

YKHMS2050SS0

YKHMS2050SW0

How Do Microwave Displays Work?

Before we get started on how to fix a faulty display, let’s get into the basics of how a KitchenAid microwave display functions. Most microwaves use LED displays that portray letters and numbers on a small screen. The display is linked to the control board and the touchpad – when buttons are pressed on the touchpad, then the display is updated to reflect this. 

How To Tell If Your Display Is Malfunctioning

If your microwave display isn’t working, it can be hard to tell if the fault lies with the display itself or if the entire microwave is malfunctioning. Here’s how to tell if the problem is the display or something else:

• If the interior light turns on when the door is open, this is a sign the microwave is still functioning in some way, even if the display is blank. 
• If the microwave display is flickering or only partially displaying the numbers. 
• If the microwave display is stuck on a particular number and will not change even when you press buttons on the touchpad. 
• If the microwave is displaying random symbols or the numbers are changing erratically. 

What To Try If Your Microwave Display Is Not Working

Once you’ve determined that the display is the culprit, there are a few fixes you can try to get the display working again. The problem may lie in a software error, a touchpad problem, or a control panel glitch.

Reset Your Microwave

If your KitchenAid microwave display appears to be stuck, or if it is flickering or displaying strange symbols, your microwave might be experiencing a software error. This can happen if your home experiences a power surge, or can just occur randomly. The quickest and easiest way to solve this is to reset your microwave – in many cases, this will completely solve the issue. 

• First, unplug your KitchenAid microwave from its power source. 
• Leave the microwave unplugged for at least five minutes to allow the components to fully discharge and reset. 
• Plug the microwave back in and check to see if the display issues have been resolved. 
• If the microwave display seems to be functioning, test it out by heating some food or a cup of water. If the display remains functional, the problem is solved!

Check For Stuck Buttons

If your KitchenAid microwave is displaying numbers but does not appear to be responding to the touchpad, you could have a jammed button. Note that this step only applies to older models of microwaves that have pressable buttons – it won’t work for touchscreen microwaves. To fix this:

• Unplug your microwave.
• Take a microfiber cloth dipped in a mild detergent mixture and thoroughly clean the button display. 
• Gently massage each button on the microwave, feeling for any stuck places. Pay particular attention to the corners of the buttons, as these are where they are most likely to get jammed. 
• Once you’ve finished, restore power to your microwave and check to see if the display is now working. 

Replace The Touchpad

If your touchpad still does not work after the above step, it may need to be replaced. Only DIYers who have experience working with wiring should attempt this repair, as it is quite complex. 

1. Order the replacement touchpad from an appliance parts retailer. Make sure it is the correct part for your KitchenAid microwave model. 
2. Gather the tools you will need for the job. This includes a screwdriver, the replacement touchpad, and work gloves. 
3. Unplug the microwave and discharge the high-voltage capacitor. If you are unsure of how to do this, we recommend talking to a professional technician to ensure your microwave is safe to work with. 
4. Remove the control panel and the control board. Make sure you take careful note of the wiring and connections – we recommend taking a picture with your phone to refer to when you put it back together. 
5. Now, you have access to the touchpad membrane. Peel away the malfunctioning membrane and put the new one you purchased in its place. Apply the new membrane carefully, ensuring it is smooth and unwrinkled. 
6. Put the microwave back together and test to see if the display is now responding to the touchpad. 

Replace The Control Panel

If nothing else has fixed your display issues, you may have to replace the control panel. The control panel is the ‘brain’ of your microwave and controls all of the components, including the display. As this is a pretty major repair, we recommend weighing up if it makes more sense to replace your microwave. If it is older than about seven years, it may make more sense to purchase a new one. 

To replace your control board:

• Source a replacement control board. 
• Unplug your microwave from the power source and discharge the high-voltage capacitor, as above. 
• Remove the front panel and the control board. Take note of how the control board is connected to make connecting the new one easier. 
• Put the new control board in place, then replace the front panel. 
• Restore power to your microwave and test to see if the display issue has been fixed.