How to replace the door latch spring on an LG microwave

Is your LG microwave refusing to start? The culprit might be a worn-out door latch spring, which can mistakenly signal that the door is open. Solve this simple yet frustrating issue with our step-by-step guide and watch the quick how-to video just below to get your microwave up and running in no time!

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On an LG microwave, the door latch spring provides tension to the door latch, allowing it to engage with the door switch when the door is closed. If the door latch spring becomes worn or damaged, it may incorrectly register the door as open, preventing the microwave from starting. Fortunately, replacing the door latch spring is a relatively simple repair that should only take a few minutes of your time. By following the instructions provided, you can restore your LG microwave and avoid the need for professional assistance.

Watch here: How To: LG/Kenmore Microwave Door Latch Spring

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

• Putty knives
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needlenose pliers

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 

Replacement steps

Removal

1. Opening up the microwave door. The choke cover is held in place by locking tabs around the outside. Use the putty knives to release the tabs until all of them are freed. Be careful not to damage the door panel. 
2. Once all the tabs are released, carefully pull off the choke cover from the door and set it aside.
3. Locate the screws around the frame of the outer door.
4. Remove the two larger ones at one end and the five screws on the frame.
5. There are four locking tabs across the top of the outer door frame. Use a flathead screwdriver to lift them up, starting from the end.
6. Hold each tab in the lifted position to prevent it from snapping back, and repeat the process for the remaining tabs.
7. With all the tabs released, carefully pull the outer door away from the microwave, ensuring that it is detached from the frame.
8. Locate the door latch spring, which is hooked into both the door and the latch itself.
9. Use small needle-nose pliers to unhook the old door latch spring.
10. Once the old spring is unhooked, carefully pull it off from the microwave.

Installation

1. Take the new door latch spring and position it in the pliers. Ensure that the bottom part is hooked on for easier attachment.
2. Line up the new spring and hook it onto the door.
3. Stretch the spring up and hook it onto the latch.
4. Confirm that the new spring is securely attached to both the door and the latch.
5. Retrieve the outer door and lift it into place, making sure it goes over the hinges.
6. Pull the bottom of the outer door in, followed by the top, to lock it in position.
7. Insert the screws to secure the outer door. Place the two larger screws on one end and the five screws around the door itself.
8. Once the outer door is securely fastened, put the choke cover back on. Lift it into place and make sure that the latches come through the openings.
9. Carefully snap the choke cover around the outer door, making sure it is properly aligned and attached.
10. Close the microwave door and plug it back in.
11. Test the microwave to check for any problems. Check that the door latches properly and the microwave starts without any issues.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the door latch spring on your LG microwave. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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