How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6015897 / WPW10156813 Microwave Bottom 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. 

Checked switch with a voltmeter, determined the switch was bad. Ordered a new switch....watched a short how to you-tube video.....and from there.....it was fixed. 

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. 

1 of the 3 door switches went bad. I replaced all 3 and kept the 2 older ones in case i needed a fix again in the future. While pulling it all apart i damaged both interlocks so I had to replace them also. 

Replaced upper interlock door switch and fuse. The trickiest and most time consuming part is disconnecting and reconnecting the various connectors from the control board, and removing the plastic cover to access the upper support interlock. I found it helpful to take pictures with my phone to record the connections. The switch to the left of the upper interlock support was literally fried, and the fuse blown. Entire repair process for me took a little less than two hours, but overall still worth the effort. 

Ordered upper and lower interlocks. Ordered one upper micro switch and order one lower micro switch. Discovered there were 2 upper switches when I disassembled. Only replaced the lower interlock and switch to fix problem. 

Replaced both interlocking mechanisms