How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP3137838 / 8184264 Microwave Door Handle

I opened the door and first removed 3 phillips head screws from the side of the door closest to the handle. The next part was a little tricky. Starting from side of the door closest to the handle, I carefully started to pry open/separate the black frame (containing the glass) to the gray inner frame. I used a pry bar and a small putty knife for this. It takes some time and patience to separate the 2 pieces to gain access to the phillips screws holding the handle to the door. Finally after the 2 pieces came apart, the 2 phillips screws holding the handle on can be removed and replaced. The black frame can be pressed back on the gray inner frame and the 3 phillips screws replaced on the side of the door. Job completed!. 

Had to pry the door apart to gain access to the screws. 

I received with in four days of ordering - When installing I first could not understand how to get the door apart. I call Appliance Parts Pros and they instrucked me as to how to take the door apart. I still had a little difficulty prying the door apart. But in the end it was very simple to do. I would say the biggest challenge was knowing the steps to take in getting the door apart. Total time with this replacement was one hour. Would I do it again and the answer is YES! One Final Comment the Customer Service was Great. The Customer Service People go above and be on what you normal experience with other business. Good Experience. 

Pretty easy fix for the most part. Unscrewed the 3 screws that held door together and then gently disconnected door along the top. This exposed handle screws. 

I did this repair without uninstalling the microwave from the cabinet. (The hinge attaching screws are inside the cabinet.) The most difficult part was the removal of the inner frame. I used a small flat screwdriver and a putty knife but it was tedious. To save time, just order an inner frame and don't worry about trying to save it. Be careful when removing the outer frame to preserve the glass and its retainer. Assembly was 5 minutes. Total cost was about $100 for a nice color coordinated microwave that you cannot buy any more. (The whole kitchen is done in biscuit color.) 

Replaced the Door Handle. 

Repair company said that we had to buy the whole door. Ordered a replacement handle on Tuesday and received it on Wednesday. Replaced after lunch in about 30 minutes. 

Went to u tube and followed the directions 

Replaced outer door and handle 

Total time to remove and replace handle took approx. 45 minutes. Initial seal (plastic) on inside of door took the most time separating from glass and frame. Once that seal is removed, one must pry up internal lock tabs restraining main glass frame on door. Again, a very slow process to ensure plastic and metal is not broke or distorted.