The door release button/handle doesn't travel far enough to release the door without pulling on the door

Microwave doors are very important have contact switches that switch off if open or damaged. Interfearing with the door could lead to serious injury. The best way to sort doors tha wont open or close is to replace with old doors of the same make that does not have the same problem.

Most likely you'll need to pull the cover off. If you can't pull the cover off with the unit where it is, then you'll need to take it down.

Hi,

I am confused as to what issue you are having, this unit is a micro combo and which unit are you having issues with? Micro has a handle for a door release and oven has a pull door handle. Please get back to me with more information so I can assist you.
Also Model number is KEMS376 ------- starts with S or T

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gere_bf68e6055dd61249

please follow the instruction and fix it. God bless you

1. Open leverCheck your microwave lever to determine if it is damaged. If it is broken, simply replace the lever to get your microwave door fully functional again.
   
2. Door springResponsible for keeping downward pressure on the door hook, the microwave door spring can begin to malfunction. If this part is broken and prevents you from opening your microwave door, replacement is necessary.
   
3. Door latchOne reason your microwave door may not open properly is a broken door latch. Located inside the microwave, the door latch manipulates the door hook to keep the door closed for safety and top performance. If broken, the door could become stuck in the locked position.
   
4. Door hookIf your microwave door will not release properly, the door hook could be damaged. Located inside the door, the door hook is made of plastic and prone to breakage with extended use or age. As this part is unable to be repaired, the only option is to replace it.
   
5. Button or button springIf the microwave door will not open, it could be an internal failure of the button or button spring. If it is determined that either of these parts is the source, both are replaceable and it is recommended that they be installed at the same time.
   
6. Handle actuatorIf the microwave door will not open the plastic handle actuator could be broken. Connected between the door button and the door latch assembly, this plastic part could become damaged and brittle over time, which makes breaking inevitable. If this occurs, replace the handle actuator to get your microwave fully functional again.
   

see this causes and fix it. God bless you
Open Lever If the microwave door won't open the open lever might be broken. This part can be replaced separately.

Door Spring If the microwave door won't open the door spring may have broken. The door spring is located inside the door and keeps downward pressure on the door hook.

Door Latch If the microwave door won't open the door latch might be broken. The door latch is inside the microwave. The door hook, which is part of the door, engages with the latch to keep the door closed during operation. If the door latch or actuator breaks the door may not open.

Door Hook If the microwave door won't open the door hook might not be releasing properly. The door hook is installed inside the door and normally releases when the door is opened. The hook is made of plastic and will break over time. When this happens it will need to be replaced, it can't be repaired.

Button Spring If the microwave door won't open the button spring might be broken internally. The button spring can be replaced.
Button If the microwave door won't open the button might be broken internally. The button can be replaced.

Handle Actuator If the microwave door won't open the handle actuator might be broken. This is a plastic part which can become brittle over time. This part is connected between the door button and the door latch assembly.

Normally you have to separate the door panels (as shown in the attached photo) and then you'll see the screws you need to remove.

Or you can watch a YouTube video (not a video I made) here that demonstrates how it's done.

From the service manual:

Door Disassembly

1. Disconnect power to oven and remove oven door,
(see "Door Removal" procedure).

2. Pry away choke cover, by placing a tool in the upper
right corner of the door and gently prying outward on
the choke cover. Continue to work around the door
casing until choke cover is completely loose.

3. Slide latch assembly upward and to the left to
release plastic tabs from door frame. Once latch
assembly is loose the spring may be disconnected
from the door frame.

4. Remove screws securing door handle and door
frame to door panel.

5. Remove door frame by releasing tabs around entire
door panel.

Remove door handle by placing a hand on door panel
next to the top of the door handle. Twist door panel
towards the inside of door and pulling on the top
portion of the door handle in a quick jerking motion.

NOTE: When replacing door handle, the bottom portion
of the door handle must be inserted first.

You can find handy exploded views and order parts by model number here.

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

To replace the plastic handle on the KitchenAid KHMS155LSS-3 you pry open the door cover from the inside to release the upper tangs (~10). I used razor blades wedged between the tang point to hold them disengaged. Pull the front cover off the door starting from the handle end. Once the top edge is free, the bottom can be remover. See Pitcures.
Repeat the door cover removes with the handle attached from the front after you lift the tangs.

Hello,On the front of the microwave above the door is a louvered panel. You need to remove the panel ( usually it just pulls straight off ) and inside on the left you will see a metal rod that's bent 90 degrees. That is the lock handle. While lifting on the front of the microwave pull that handle out to release the lock. The front of the microwave will tilt down, you may have to help it start tipping. Once the microwave is tipped down you have to lift the back that is against the wall to unhook it from the wall mounting panel. Be careful to feed the power cord through the cabinet hole as your lowering it. Good luck and let me know how this works.

If you're replacing the handle, then order the choke cover..It's the piece on the inside of the door that covers the handle screws. No matter how carefull you are, it is almost guaranteed to break. If you break it, then you have one, and if not, send it back. DO NOT OPERATE MICRO WITHOUT CHOKE COVER.

I have the same problem- funny when we built we went all Maytag and got a bunch of lousy handles- the stove, micro, fridge, and freezer... I glued the pieces of the handle together and used plumber's putty to fix it. It's MightyPutty, but without the repackaging and cost. Just knead the putty until mixed, fill the cavity of the handle and press on the door where it was... No problem after six months so far.