F9 almost always indicates a door switch fault. (In some models F9 with another letter behind it means something else entirely).
This
is usually caused by either a bad door switch, a loose door switch
mount (which are pretty simple problems to fix) or occasionally a
problem on the control panel.
Even though a door switch clicks, it may still be bad inside. Its continuity must be checked.
Door switch
or mount trouble can be caused by slamming the door or by opening the
door while it's cooking without hitting the Stop pad first.
There are
plastic mounts inside the microwave which hold the door switches and
onto which the door latches lock when you close the door.
The screws on these mounts may be loose. If they get too loose, the switches will not be activated properly.
Sometimes it's
a broken tab on the switch holder, allowing the switch to rotate just
out of position. This tab can be hard to see, since it is under the
bottom edge of the switch.
One test that sometimes helps is to
gently lift up (and/or push down) on the door or handle as you try to
start it. If it works or tries to work, then it's a door switch mount or
door alignment issue.
If you or someone you know decide to look
into it, we have critical information on safety, disassembly and door
switches at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa:.
You can usually find exploded views and order parts by entering your model number here at the Sears parts site.
A full Sears/Kenmore model number has 3 digits, a dot, then 8 more digits, such as ###.########
There
may also be a "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control
panel or hidden on the left side behind the grille, which is very helpful when troubleshooting & testing.
If you think the problem is on the control panel, we repair these nationwide by mail for $39.95 postpaid in most cases.
We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.
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