Are you faced with an unresponsive Whirlpool microwave that won’t open? Does it beep and display “door error” when you press the release button?
If so, you may have a faulty door switch or bad connection, causing the door not to respond. This frustrating trouble is increasingly common among Whirlpool microwaves, which often leaves many homeowners feeling helpless and unable to heat up their favorite foods.
This guide will explore why your Whirlpool microwave displays this error message, the potential causes, and how you can attempt to repair it on your own.
Why is there a Whirlpool Microwave Door Error?
In case you can’t pinpoint the core issue that is causing the door error to appear on your Whirlpool microwave, it is time for detailed troubleshooting.
Our list of the most common Whirlpool microwave issues will certainly help you detect the actual cause of the door error.
1. Faulty Microwave Door Switch
Your Whirlpool microwave will certainly display a door error if the door switch is faulty. The door switch is fitted on the top of the microwave, a safety feature that causes the microwave to turn off if the door is opened while it’s in operation.
If no power is supplied from the mains, then you can try to manually reset the latch by depressing this button with a small implement like a screwdriver.
2. Bad Connection to the Door
A bad connection between the door and the unit also causes a Whirlpool microwave door error. This can happen for various reasons, including:
- The door switch has worn out or has been damaged by use over time;
- There is dirt that has collected in the hinge area, which prevents the connection from being made properly;
- The door has worn out, and the connection is not as strong as it should be.
3. Door Sensor Issue
The door error message can sometimes appear on the Whirlpool microwave screen if you’ve kept the door closed for about 5 minutes (or more) without starting a microwave program.
There’s a sensor that makes sure the door is closed before starting the cooking. If the door is kept closed for too long, this sensor gets confused and gives an error message. This can be fixed by opening and closing the door several times to reset the sensor.
4. The Door wasn’t Properly Closed
The Whirlpool microwave door error can also occur when the microwave’s door is not properly closed.
This error can also happen when the user closes the door too quickly or forcefully, which causes the micro switch on the side of the door to detect that it has been shut, even if it hasn’t been fully closed yet.
Another possibility is that the door was closed carelessly, and a button was hit on the microwave’s control panel before it closed, causing it to incorrectly register that it was fully closed.
5. Faulty Door Latch
A door error code may also indicate a microwave door latch issue. The microwave door is latched by a spring-loaded hinge, which automatically opens when you open it.
If the spring breaks or gets stuck, the latch might not be secure and keep the door from closing properly.
The result may be an error code on your display or just no response from your microwave oven.
Check to see if there are any broken/deteriorated springs or if something is caught in the latch preventing it from working properly.
6. Too Much Moisture Inside the Microwave
If your microwave doesn’t have a proper exhaust system, or you’re simply not turning it on, excessive moisture inside the oven may lead to a door issue.
It is very important to control the moisture levels in the microwave to prevent overheating and damage.
Using the dishwasher or steam from a teakettle can lead to excess moisture in the microwave oven, which must be removed before turning on your microwave again.
7. The Microwave isn’t Positioned Correctly
In case your microwave isn’t positioned on a straight surface, it can cause the door not to close correctly. If your microwave is located at an incline, either up or down, it could cause problems when opening and closing the door accurately.
Alternatively, if there’s an electrical outlet near the microwave, it could be blocked. The microwave has to be positioned far enough from the wall that the door can open and close without getting stuck on anything, such as a chair or a section of the wall.
In case your microwave’s cord is too short, and you plug in an extension cord, it may not be long enough to allow the door to open and close properly.
A longer cord may be needed to reach across the top of any large appliances in your kitchen, such as an oven or dishwasher.
If you don’t use a microwave stand or have your microwave sitting on a granite countertop or another surface with no clearance for air circulation, it can also cause the door not to close correctly.
How to Fix Whirlpool Microwave Door Error
Luckily, the Whirlpool microwave door error is usually something that can be easily fixed and doesn’t point to any big issues.
Let’s jump right into the most effective methods of solving the door issue on your Whirlpool microwave.
1. Check the Door Switch
If the door switch on your microwave is malfunctioning or damaged, the error code “ER” may be displayed.
Note that this is not a common issue, and you should try other troubleshooting methods before replacing the door switch.
In order to replace the door switch, you need to open the microwave by removing its cabinet.
Please refer to your user’s manual for instructions on removing and replacing the door switch on your particular Whirlpool microwave model.
Once the switch has been replaced, and the microwave is turned on, you can confirm that it is working by pressing any button on the control panel. If no error message appears, then your microwave will work properly again.
2. Check if the Connection is Good
If something blocks the door connection, it can cause the error code. So, first, check if something is blocking the door connection area or if any wires are disconnected.
In case there is dirt buildup in the hinge area of the door, clean it using a mild solution of soap and water. You may also need a toothbrush to really get into all the crooks and crevices and scrub the dirt off.
If you can’t get into all the tight areas, you may need to remove the door and clean the hinges. Here are the steps to removing the microwave door:
- Unplug the microwave from power and remove any items that are inside it.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws at the door hinge, and gently lift up the door to detach it from the hinges.
- Clean off any dirt or food particles buildup on all hinges using a soft cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution.
- Reattach the door to the hinges, ensuring that all screws are tightly secured.
- Plug your microwave back in and try rerunning it to see if the error has been resolved. If not, you may need to call a repair technician for further assistance.
If you have cleaned the area thoroughly, but are still experiencing the error code, then you may need to replace the door latch mechanism.
3. Test the Door Sensor
As we’ve explained, keeping the door closed for five or more minutes without starting a program on your microwave may confuse the door sensor. If you have this problem, simply wait for a few minutes, then try to open the door.
Another possibility could be that your microwave’s programming has been corrupted or the sensor itself is broken. In that case, you’ll have to call a repairman to either reprogram or replace it.
4. Check if the Door is Properly Closed
Not closing the door properly may result in an error code, so you must ensure that you’ve closed it tightly.
While opening the door, it should slide down without any resistance. If there is resistance on your part or if you hear a scraping sound, the door might not be closed properly.
To check for this, try to close and open the door again multiple times. This will help remove any excess lint or dirt accumulated in the hinge area or the door latch.
If this doesn’t fix the problem, you may try lubricating the hinges with a dry lubricant spray. This will help keep the door moving smoothly and prevent it from sticking.
5. Check the Door latch
If the door latch is blocked, the microwave will not activate. If you are facing this issue, then you need to follow these steps:
- Open the microwave door and clean out any blockage in the area of the latch. This includes debris from spills, food splatter, or grime. Sometimes even a small piece of paper can keep the latch from engaging.
- Check to see if the door is misaligned in any way. If it is, then you will need to take out a screwdriver and gently move the door back into its original position.
- In cases where your microwave seems to be working adequately, but the error still persists, you may have a faulty latch. In this case, you will need to take out the door and replace the latch with a new one.
6. Use an Exhaust System
The best way to keep the moisture levels optimal inside the microwave and avoid any issues is to activate the exhaust system every time you use the oven.
Remember that excess moisture can lead to a series of issues with your Whirlpool microwave – not just the door error.
7. Ensure that the Microwave is Positioned Adequately
As we’ve mentioned, if the microwave isn’t positioned on a flat surface, it may result in a Whirlpool microwave door error.
You want to make sure that there’s a flat surface under the microwave. It is also important to ensure that the microwave isn’t tilted in any way and that the cord is connected properly.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
