Control panel indicates "keypad shorted service may be needed"

The SE error code means the microwave has had a Key short error. The control panel or smart board will need to be replaced.
Not really a DIY job. Microwaves can retain up to 2200V even when unplugged.
control panel frame assembly ("control") , which comes with a new keypad already installed lists for $59.99 fyi.

You should be sure that you leave the breaker off for about 15-30 seconds when doing a reset.

If it still won't work right, you either have a defective board or a shorting keypad.

Try the rest several times and note whether the display comes up that same way every time or what.

We can help you with a repair either way.

Details of our service are at our Web site, along with a video showing how to remove a typical over the range control panel assembly in under 5 minutes.

Feel free to contact me directly with your brand, full model number and symptoms.

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

An F3 error code indicates that the keypad for the control panel is bad or has a short. This will cause the microwave to beep continuously after the set clock message appears.
On many models of microwave oven means a problem with the touch panel, (tact switches).

Replace the switch panel to fix the fault.


Hope this helps.

It means the keypad detects an electrical short. It's the equivalent of holding your finger to a number button for more than 40 seconds. It will cause an error. You have to remove/clean/repair whatever is causing the short. Try cleaning the front keypad with isopropyl alcohol. If it doesn't work, remove the front panel with a 1/4" socket wrench and T15 torx screw driver. Remove the LED/clock board with philips driver. Then clean the entire back of the keypad panel with ispropyl alcohol. Allow the alcohol to dry completely or use a hair dryer to dry the alcohol completely before plugging in stove again. I did this with my stove and it fixed the problem.

F3 on a GE / Hotpoint microwave means you have a shorted membrane keypad. It can be intermittent.

On some models, the keypad can be replaced as a separate part.

If you (or someone you know) might want to replace it yourself, I have uploaded a handy guide with pictures showing you what's typically involved.

But on some GE models, the membrane keypad is not available as a separate part, so you would have to order the control panel frame assembly which comes with a new keypad.

In this case, you simply move your circuit board into the new frame. That is a simple do-it-yourself job.

At our Web site, we have a video available showing how to remove a typical over the range control panel assembly in under 5 minutes.

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

Feel free to contact me directly (and please remind me of your full model number from the tag on the unit) for more information & help.

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

William E. Miller, AS-EET
[email protected]
http://www.microwavedisplay.com
Microwave Oven Control Panel Repair Nationwide

F2 on a newer Whirlpool / Kitchenaid microwaves means you have a shorted keypad.

If and when an oven is coming on or doing anything by itself, this is very dangerous and can result in a fire.

So until it is repaired, please leave it unplugged or leave the door open when it's not in use, and please do not leave it running unattended.

If you (or someone you know) might want to replace it yourself, I have uploaded a handy guide with pictures showing you what's typically involved.

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

There should 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 would like to have us do this repair for you, we do that for $39.95 plus part costs.

But please note that for some models, the membrane keypad is not available as a separate part, so you would have to order the control panel frame which comes with a new keypad.

In this case, you simply move your circuit board into the new frame.

At our Web site, we have a video available showing how to remove a typical over the range control panel assembly in under 5 minutes.

Feel free to contact me directly (and please remind me of your full model number from the tag on the unit) for more information & help.

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

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

F2 on a Kitchenaid microwave means you have a shorted keypad.

You have a failed keypad.

If you (or someone you know) might want to replace it yourself, I have uploaded a handy guide with pictures showing you what's typically involved.

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

There should 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 would like to have us do this for you, we do that for $39.95 plus part costs.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you need more help.

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

William E. Miller
[email protected]
http://www.microwavedisplay.com

Replace keypad

F3 indicates a failed touch panel. It usually comes up after the key is shorted for 30 seconds.

We have *critical* safety, disassembly, and troubleshooting info at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk

Essentially you unplug the oven from the wall outlet, and remove the control panel assembly as per the instructions at the site linked above.

There should also be a very helpful "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel. It's very helpful when troubleshooting.

Then unplug the keypad from the circuit board, heat up the keypad from the front with a hair dryer, then peel the old keypad off. You have to make sure all the old adhesive is off.

Then peel the backing paper from the new keypad and carefully press the new keypad in place. You need to be precise - you cannot apply it, peel it off, then reapply it.

If you would like to have us do this for you, we do that for $39.95 plus part costs.

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

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

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

I'd say you have a contaminated or failing keypad or possibly residue on the boar dor where the keypad connects to the board.

Is it possible that some spray cleaner got into the controls?

I always recommend that users instead spray cleaner on a soft cloth then wipe the control panel.

Also, I always recommend non-ammonia cleaners since ammonia can crack and damage plastic.

Otherwise, the spray can get into the controls and lock it up or make it act odd.

If it does not dry out over time, it may need to be manually dried or blown out.

The keypad may be damaged or worn out, or control unit may be damaged.

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