How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6012094 / WP8206419 Microwave Top Interlock Support

After checking other reviews, we decided it was best to replace the interlocks, cam and all three switches. You're going to need a phillips screwdriver, star driver, small screwdriver and needle nose pliers. You need to remove the ONE Phillips screw above the control panel inside the vent. The contol panel is on hinges that you can slide up and towards you. Using caution remove the wires noting how they're connected. Pinch the top of the white connectors and wiggle them free. We couldn't get the power wires removed, didn't want to break the panel. Remove the ground wire with a Phillips screwdriver. Set the control panel aside. Using a Phillips screwdriver remove the two Phillips screws to remove the black plastic cover. There are two star screws that hold the interlock switch assembly in place. Remove one at a time We assembled the new parts by looking at the original assembly which made it much easier. Make sure the cam is in the proper position! You want small open space, just enough for the door piece to slide in between the plates. Be very careful with the switch wires they can be difficult to remove. We found the best way is to use a small flat head screwdriver and wiggle/pry them loose slowly. We removed one wire at a time and put it in the same location on the replacement switch assembly. This ensured we wired it correctly. Hook the switches back to the plate and secure with the star screw and driver. It took about 45 minutes to complete the repair. The microwave works perfectly now. No flickering light and turns off when the door is opened. 

It is difficult (if not impossible) to remove the electronic switches from the hard plastic latches. I replaced all three switches and both the upper and lower latches I also replaced the main 20 amp ceramic fuse which blew out when the latch/switches failed. 

I replaced the three switches and two supports inside the control panel. 

Google search turned up hints that it could be one of the door interlock switches gone bad. Further research showed how to access them. Found the bad switch and in the process of removing it from the bracket I snapped off one of the switch hold down prongs (there was a warning about this but the plastic is very brittle and easy for this to happen without extreme care and likely having a helper). Found the parts on a number of sites but only AppliancePartsPros had both and they were in stock. The delivery blew me away.. ordered late day on a Thursday and was here on Friday. Awesome! Repair went smooth but be sure to draw wire diagrams. Mine had 3 door interlock switches and god help you if you mix up the wiring. 

Replaced the 3 micro switches and the switch interlocks. I would recommend when changing these out to purchase the new interlock holders. The microswitches snap in place but when try to remove the side clips snap. For the extra 20.00 for both interlock holders well worth it. I had to order after the fact but received the next day. Within 30 minutes I was done and microwave works perfectly. Thanks for the great prompt service. 

One of the 3 switches was not working consistently. Of course it was the one that was hardest to get at. Had to remove the keypad panel (one screw at the top), and then push up the panel to remove. There’s an inside plastic shield with two screws to remove as well. Had to unscrew the top switch interlock star screw to get at the switch that was defective. Manually activated the switches on and off with a screwdriver. The good ones had a crisp click, and the bad one made a softer click and sometimes didn’t click at all. Confirmed it was defective with a multi tester for continuity. Replaced switch. Now working. Broke one of the two tabs when removing the switch, so had to replace interlock support and cam as well. So be gentle! 

After locating an electrical circuit diagram, determined the 1st area to look at where a direct short could occur would be the door interlock switches. Testing and then disassembling the switches showed two of the three micro switches were welded closed, definitely, a higher rated switch could be used in this circuit. Replaced the micro switches AND the interlocking support where the 2 switches mount ( I ordered the interlocking support because I assumed the plastic retainers would break when changing the switches - and they did!). 

I found a bad micro switch, related to the door safety interlock. I decided while I had it apart I would replace all associated parts used by the interlocks. This Whirlpool unit is 6 years old and I have had intermittent problems with it since it was new. I'm glad it finally cratered, so I could identify the problem. I watched a DIY video which helped a lot to dismantle the built in microwave, enough to expose the interlock switch's. I also took pictures of the wiring that goes to the control board and to the switch's. It makes it easier if you remove the control board and helps protect it from damage while you are trying to remove the switch's and housings. I think once you tear into it, you will decide to replace all that you can, and the parts are not that expensive. Good Luck 

I removed the face pans behind the door & accessed the switches & replaced them after watching a u tube video. All the switche are different so you have to make sure that the switches match up with the mfrs diagram. The repair was easy once you figure out what has to be done. 

Looked on u tube to see how to get to the switch. Then replaced it. Now the microwave works fine