721808 Kenmore - Instructions

Unplug the unit before servicing. Need phillips screwdriver. Open door. Use step ladder to access and remove 2 small screws from top of the room air diffuser at top of unit. Slide diffuser slightly to the left to align the diffuser's plastic tab on the left side to rotate toward you. (The wires for the front control panel are at the far left side of this difuser, but difuser is slotted for easy removal). Once the difuser is removed you will see 1 screw at the top that secures the pannel cover on the left side of the unit. Remove screw and slide this panel slightly up and out. This exposes the plastic frame that holds the upper and lower door switches. To locate the door switches and observe how they work, close and open the door and watch the door (bayonets) open and close the micro switches. Do the (red) buttons on top of the switches move up and down when the door bayonets push and release? If the buttons do not "pop" up when opened the switch is defective. The switch frame is secured with 2 screws. Remove screws and rotate the unit out for easy access to the micro switch(s). The internal (spring?) on my unit that is suposed to allow the red (visible) button on top of the switch to "pop" up when the door is opened was broken. Carefully pry the switch outward while being careful to lift the plastic holder-piece that holds the switch in place. Be careful, there is a small pin on the frame, so rotate the switch OUT toward you while lifting (carefully) the plastic holder-piece (you will see it on top of the switch). You can use an ohm meter to test the continuity of the switches. But if the buttons don't "pop" they are defective. Replace switch and reassemble.

ordered on the part select web site, came quickly, order was correct

new glass tray

I replaced the whole component with all three switches in it even though only one switch was bad . Taking out one switch out of the holder unit would probably have damaged the unit that was holding the switches. Easy install and it works great again .

Watched a couple of repair videos on Youtube by searching for the model number. Found out what to do in order not to get shocked by the powerful capacitor.
Ordered the two switches (To be sure, I could have ordered a third switch as suggested in the videos.)
Bought a tamper-proof star bit to get the cover off. Followed the directions to replace the switches. - I broke the harness and had to use some super glue, but it's all good. I should have removed the harness instead of trying to get a switch out while it was still in place.
It's all back together, and the wife is happy!!

Assisted experienced and knowledgeable local repair shop technician. Had no issues during repairs. Microwave worked properly after repairs were completed.

diagnosed defective 'door-shut switch' in the switch holder assembly. rather than replace switch, replaced entire locker holder assembly which made for a very simple and easy repair...not to mention very inexpensive.

Unscrewed one screw that held the bulb cover over the bulb. Removed the cover, removed the bulb, inserted new bulb, replaced cover, replaced the retaining screw.

Over the stove microwave installed in top cabinet row.
1. Unplug device.
2. Two people to remove from wall/cabinet (remove two, large, top mounting screws and rotate entire microwave down and off the wall mount). Should be some wood spacers between top of device and bottom of cabinet.
3. Remove screws from sheet metal cover.
4. Remove one screw holding blowers in place and rotate out of the way, in order to gain access to 2 of 5 screws that hold the magnetron in place.
5. Unplug magnetron and remove the 5 screws.
6. Drop in new magnetron and re-assemble microwave in reverse order (steps 5-3).
7. Two people restore micro to wall/cabinet. Replace wood spacers, re-install two, large mounting screws (finger-tight). Test device. Secure the two large screws.

Not knowing which of the switches to replace I ordered all three in the assembly. Replacing the full assembly was easy, first unplug the microwave. Then remove the top cover to access the screws that hold the control panel in place and let the control panel hang. There are two screws that hold the assembly in place - remove those. I used needle nose pliers to pull the wires off of the switches and immediately put the wires on to the new assembly so there was no confusion on what wire went where. Place the assembly back in position, replace the two screws to hold it in, put control panel in place and secure screws. Replace top cover and plug in.

Took old ones out, threw away and put new ones in easily.

All I needed to do was replace the bulb in our microwave. But, the bulb for this unit (Kenmore Elite, which I traced to being manufactured by LG) was one I had replaced before, several times, with the closest thing I could find at the local big box stores. That bulb type matched (pin size) but wattage was a little lower which I didn't think would be a problem. However, those bulbs burned out in a month or two. So, I ordered bulbs from PartSelect that were OEMs that exactly matched the original specs. So far so good. Be aware if you are replacing a microwave bulb & are not finding an exact match at your local hardware store.

Unplugged the microwave. I opened the door. I used a butter knife to pop the bezel off the inside of the door. I pushed the locker up and to the left and used the butter knife to pry it loose. Disconnected the locker from the spring, and reversed for the installation.

unscrewed the bottom of the microwave and unplugged old part then took the screw out and put new one in. Super easy!

Read the troubleshooting section on this site. Figured it was an interlock problem because the food was not getting hot (magentron not turning on) and the carousel was not turning. Did not think both the carousel motor and magnetron failed at same time, thus indicated an interlock problem. The interlock switches are actuated by the door latch. Replaced the assembly locker piece with all three switches (only a $20 dollar part) and microwave was fully operational again. Wife and kids think I am a hero.