Where is the charcoal filter?

Let me just say that you can get charcoal like is in most water and air filters in the aquarium section of pet supply stores. Don't know what it's housed in, but if it's possible, take apart the old one and see if you can clean the enclosure somehow. Or modify a replacement.

This is billed as the Use & Care Manual for the Frigidaire FMV156DC Microwave Oven:

ftp://ftp.electrolux-na.com/ProdInfo_PDF/Springfield/316495004en.pdf

Not sure it is the correct one but you will find instruction for cleaning the exhaust filters on page 19.

Below is the Use & Care Manual for a model direct from the Frigidaire site:

http://manuals.frigidaire.com/prodinfo_pdf/Springfield/316495057en.pdf

This is more helpful as on page 20 it includes illustrated instructions for removing the charcoal filter to change the oven light. Disconnect from power, remove the ventilation grate at the top to access the charcoal filter, slide back and lift to remove. With the grate removed carry out any required cleaning.

Your grease filter or charcoal filter may be clogged.

I would refer you first to the owner's manual, then if everything is set up right, you may need to clean the filter (if it's a grease filter) or if it;s a charcoal filter, it will have to be replaced.

You can find links to helpful exploded view diagrams and part ordering help here.

I recommend that you bookmark that link to your favorites.

Charcoal filters cannot be cleaned. They must be replaced.

I'm assuming you have a Whirlpool brand microwave since you posted in a Whirlpool microwave category.

You can download free owners manuals and installation instructions for several brands (including Amana, Frigidaire, Jenn-Air, Kitchenaid, Litton, Maytag, Roper, Tappan, Thermador and Whirlpool) here.

You can find handy exploded views and order parts and accessories (such as charcoal filters) by entering your full model number here.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

Grease filters change from the bottom side of the unit.

Charcoal filter is changed as follows:
To Remove Charcoal Filter
To remove the charcoal filter, disconnect power
at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel or
pull the plug.
Remove the top grille by removing the screws
that hold it in place and sliding the grille to the
left (opening the door makes grille removal
easier). Slide the filter towards the front of the
oven and remove it.
To Install Charcoal Filter
To install a new filter, remove plastic and other
outer wrapping from the new filter.
Insert the filter into the top opening of the oven as
shown. It will rest at an angle on 2 side support tabs
and in front of the right rear tab. Replace the grille
and screws.

It's Part No. WB06X10359.

I also have a Sharp over the Range Microwave oven that requires a charcoal filter. But my diagram shows that the charcoal filter goes behind the slotted panel at the top of the microwave. To reach the filter, you must remove a screw on the top edge of the microwave. This allows the panel to come off. Your charcoal filter goes there. Since your oven is new, you do not need to change this filter yet because it's not dirty. I would save it for future use.
According to my book, there are two kinds of filters with this oven. The charcoal filter is the one behind the front panel. The Grease filters ARE the two metal mesh ones. They can be cleaned with hot soapy water, or I put mine in the dishwasher.

You mean NNS254? You can download your owner's manual here.

On page 4, it says, "If this appliance is to be vented inside the kitchen, be sure the charcoal filter kit is installed in the unit before you operate."

Also, on page 28, "The Charcoal Filter cannot be cleaned and should be replaced periodically every 6 to 12 months, or more often if necessary."

So the answer is "yes".

We're happy to help you and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

External vent systems have the charcoal filter removed, generally at the time of installation, as it is not needed for this application.
The charcoal filter removes odors from internal recycled airflow.
There should be an aluminum grease filter that you can remove to clean in a warm soapy solution, let dry, and reinstall.

That sounds like the charcoal filter. It cannot be cleaned, and must be replaced. From the owner's manual:

CHARCOAL FILTER REPLACEMENT

If your oven is vented inside, the charcoal filter should
be replaced every 6 to 12 months, and more often if
necessary. The charcoal filter cannot be cleaned.

To order a new charcoal filter, contact the Service
Center.

1. Remove the two vent grille mounting screws.
(2 middle screws)

2. Tip the grille forward, then lift it out

To get a new filter, you can try local appliance parts stores or see customer service or find servicers here: http://us.lgservice.com

We're happy to help and we appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

William E. Miller, AS-EET
[email protected]
http://www.microwavedisplay.com