Microwave oven repair

[stickybones]

Anyone know anything about microwave ovens?

I have one of those built in ones over the stove that acts as a vent too. It always worked fine. Yesterday, my girlfriend was cleaning the touchpad control and now there is no response to any buttons on the touchpad.

I looked on line, but couldn't find any help. Put in a ticket at the repairclinic.com, but don't expect much.

It's a Kenmore. Talked to Sears service center and of course they want $70 just to make a service call. Parts (and labor too) will be extra. A new built in microwave goes for like $300 low end. As I said, this one worked fine until yesterday's cleaning. Did the touchpad somehow get contaminated? Unplugging it didn't clear it either. I'm not much of an eletrical wizard, but if I knew for sure it was just a snafu keypad I think I could handle replacing that. Anyone got advice or a site or something I can visit to investigate? I'd just hate to drop big cash on this when it seems like it could be such a simple fix. BTW, the touchpad isn't completely dead. It just shows some settings (like % power, "stage", and a blinking "time") but doesn't respond to anything.

I can send a picture of the "final" display and other info on the microwave if someone thinks they can help.

Thanks
Mike

 

[GNandGS]

http://www.thisoldappliance.com/micro.html

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/Ch13.html

Whoops!: http://www.westchesterbldgcorp.com/microrecall/microrecall.htm
It would seem some have a "mode" or two... just like printers and other appliances with minimal keys/buttons you might get lucky with the right combo. The above link might offer inspiration when it says:
1. To activate the Child Lock-Out Function for Touch Control Models:
Step 1. Touch START and HOLD down for 5 seconds.
Step 2. Two tones will sound and a picture of a lock will appear on the display.

2. To activate the Child Lock-Out Function for Dial Control Models:
Step 1. Turn the dial to select Options.
Step 2. PRESS for next screen.
Step 3. PRESS to select Child Lock (icon will appear on the display screen) TURN dial LEFT to CLOSED.
Step 4. LOCKED will appear when you try to start the oven.

http://www.mrappliance.com/corporate/repairmanual/sbrvrs/olman.htm has this little warning: Use extreme caution when working on microwave ovens! Even when unplugged, the high voltage capacitor can store up to 2,000 volts just waiting to discharge into your body. Discharge the capacitor before doing anything else inside the box!

I do not promise you will find anything helpful in the above. Blahblahblah