How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP3038816 / 8169481 Outer Door Frame (White)

Whirlpool microwave model MH8150XJQ-0 manufactured May 2002. The outer door frame and vent grill became brittle, developed cracks and breaks with little pieces around the screws falling off... that sort of thing. It's over 20 years old so no complaints. The rest of the microwave is fine and since it's mounted over the stovetop, I don't want to deal with measuring, selecting, removing, installing, etc. when this one still works. I'm glad AppliancePartsPros had the parts. Anyone considering this needs to be careful removing the old frame because the glass is framed by tabs within that plastic door frame. The door frame is held to the metal door by many plastic tabs on three sides that are integrated as part of the formed door frame plastic. The tabs are a tad long so you have to slide a putty knife or something along while releasing the tabs and slowly work/pry the plastic frame away from the metal door. The plastic frame though is holding the glass but the glass may have a hot glue type substance adhering it to the metal door so keep a close eye that the glass isn't sticking to the metal door while you are pulling the plastic frame that holds the glass away from the door. I don't know what exactly that glue material is but I recommend preserving it on the glass because it's a cushion that absorbs shock when closing the door. If you know what that glue material is and can acquire some, a fresh application would probably be better when reassembling the glass to the new plastic door frame. DON'T FORGET to INSTALL the HANDLE BEFORE putting the new frame back onto the metal door!!! I did not have to remove the door from its hinges. It might have been slightly easier and maybe safer in case the glass fell but I couldn't tell how I could remove the whole door first from the hinges without spending more time researching so I moved slower and more calculated with the door remaining hinged. I also carefully and thoroughly cleaned the glass while it was out. Replacing the vent grill is simple however keep in mind to remove the top screws, tilt the top out first because the bottom tabs are 90-degree downward so they have to be tilted away and out from their bottom holes. 

First, just for safety sake, unplug the unit. I took the three screws out of the latch end of the door and pried both the inner (black) frame off and the outer (white frame) being careful not to crack the inner frame as I wanted to reuse it. I removed the screws holding the old handle on and reused them to fit the new handle to the new frame. I then had to take the glass from the broken frame, clean it, and reuse it on the new frame. You need clear silicone sealer to hold the glass firmly in place after you pop it in place in the frame (it doesn't slide in). I waited 24 hours for the sealer to cure before reassembling the frames to the door. I used a small putty knife and a small flat head screwdriver to pry the frames off. Again, being careful with the inner frame since I didn't order a replacement. The three end screws and the two handle screws require a phillips head screwdriver. The actual work time was not very long and putting the frames back on was immensely easier than getting them off. Both processes take patience and finesse. 

I received the parts from parts pro within 3 days and everything fit perfectly nd all went well Thanks Parts Pro Wayne Mazur Joliet Il 

The instructions were incorrect at the point where it indicated that by opening the door completely, it could be lifted off the hinge pins. Even so I the old broken faceplate to experiment with, and found the repair could be done with the door still attached. 

DISASSEMBLED DOOR ACCORDING TO A U-TUBE VIDEO. THEN REASSEMBLED. HAD TO PAINT TO MATCH BEIGE. ONLY WHITE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. NO ONE TOLD ME THAT I WOLD HAVE TO USE A DREMEL TO CUT THE GRIPS HOLDING THE GLASS IN THE OLD DOOR. ALSO HAD TO USE GE CLEAR CAULK FOR THE ADHESIVE TO HOLD GLASS IN NEW FRAME. WITHOUT THE DREMEL I WOULD POSSIBLY BROKEN THE GLASS. A PICTORAL INSTRUCTION SHEET WOLD HAVE HELPED. PARTS WERE RIGHT ON TIME AND UNQUESTIONABLY CORRECT 

I went to the internet and found the parts I needed for a Whirlpool Microwave. shipment came in a few days and i decided to replace the parts. Problem was the glass in the outer door frame which was glued in brackets. Instructions on how to remove the glass would not work for me. I twisted the brackets braces with pliers after cutting the glue from the brackets. then I could slide the glass out of the brackets on top and bottom of frame. I layed the glass on the new frame sliding the glass in the bottom brackets and I was able to pull the upper bracket off of the glass to slid into place. 

With your parts 

Yes 

I carefully took off the old door and put on the new one.......It went beautifully and the part was an exact match........ 

Got new part- quick delivery- easy install. Looks like new. Thanks!