Disassembling door to replace plastic outer panel - how to remove handle

On the inside of the door there is a plastic frame that goes around the edge with 2 slots in it that the door latches go through. You have to very carefully pry the frame outward to remove it. First check with a parts supplier to see if your handle is available because some microwave doors are not repairable----you need to purchase a complete door. If the handle is available then attempt to remove the frame as I described before. Once the frame is off you should be able to see the handle screws. If they are still hidden the outer door frame and inner metal door will need to be separated also. They too just pry apart with plastic tabs holding everything together. Replace handle and reassemble. Not hard just time consuming and must be done carefully so as not to break the plastic parts.

HELLO.

THE SOLUTION ON HOW TO REPLACE THE BROKEN HANDLE

THINGS NEEDED.

Phillips screwdriver.
Thin, flat-head screwdriver.
Putty knife.
Replacement microwave door handle.

1 Examine the inside of the door. The handles of some early GE Spacemaker microwave models were attached after the two inner door panels were assembled to the outer door. If you see two recessed screws opposite the handle attaching points, undo them with a Phillips screwdriver and remove the handle. If not, go to the next step.

2 Insert the blade of a thin, flat-head screwdriver into the top, outer corner of the door, between the plastic inner frame and the outer door. Gently pry the inner frame out and slip a putty knife into the exposed opening on top of the door. Slide the putty knife toward the hinges to free the top of the inner frame; repeat on the front and bottom edges of the door and lift the inner frame out to expose a second metal inner frame.

3 Insert a thin, flat-head screwdriver into each of the small square openings on the top and bottom of the inner metal frame, starting at the handle end of the door. Undo the attaching clips by gently levering the inner door away, using the rim of the outer door as a fulcrum. Move the inner door away from the outer door on its hinges.

4 Remove the glass from the outer door. Undo the two screws holding the handle to the outer door with a Phillips screwdriver. Screw the replacement handle onto the door and tighten securely.

5 Replace the glass panel and reassemble the door by snapping the two inner frames back in place.

Thanks.

Hi,
This image might help. If not it looks like you have to disassemble the door until you get to the very outer frame, as that is where the handle screws are

You order parts and find helpful exploded view diagrams here.

I'd recommend that your bookmark this link to your favorites.


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

If the outer door is not broken. All you have to do is replace the handle. You will need to access the door handle mounting screws and remove them to replace the door handle. To access the screws on MOST microwave ovens, you must remove the inner door panel that goes around the perimeter of the glass. This can be accomplished by using a small screwdriver or putty knife and carefully insert along the seam of the inner panel and pry the plastic up. Work your way slowly around the perimiter of the glass to pop the panel loose. Use care not to pry against the glass. The glass is tempered and also has an RF shield that shields you from harmful microwaves.

With the inner panel removed, the door handle screws are visibile and can easily be accessed with a screwdriver. Simply remove the broken handle and install the new one. Re-insert the inner door panel, gradually working your way around the perimeter of the door glass to ensure it snaps back into place and seats properly.

This repair can be done with the door in place, or you can remove it for easier access. If you decide the remove the door, open it all the way and lift straight up at the hinges. The door will lift off of the hinge pins. On some microwaves, you may have to remove the upper grill cover over the door (if equipped) to accommodate door removal. Place on a hard flat surface with some towels under it for padding. This protects the door facing from scatches.

NOTE: Some doors have a hinge pin that needs to be removed, or screws holding the door in place at the hinge.

You can view an exploded view diagram of your microwave at pcappliancerepair.com for reference. Just type in your model number and locate the parts listing for the door. The part number for the door handle is WB15X10020. If the outer panel is damaged, you may have to replace the entire door. The part number is WB55X991. The cheapest web source I have found the handle listed is appliancepartspros.com for $47. The entire door, however, sells for $110 at pcappliancerepair.com.

The RF inside the cavity of a microwave oven is actually controlled by the RF shield in the glass. As long as the glass is intact and the inner door facing is not bowed, warped or cracked, you will not have to worry about RF leakage (even with the handle broken off).

If you have any questions, or require additional assistance, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

They don't show the entire door assembly as being available.

But you can replace the outer door frame (outer door panel)part number 8184319.

At $167.94, it's not cheap. But you can get it here.

You have to separate the door panels (as shown in the attached photo) and then you'll see the previously hidden screw(s) you need to remove.

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

In some cases, you then have to gently rotate the handle to unlock it.

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts 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.

You can order the outer panel. Its available at searspartsdirect.com for about $41. Just type in your model number and look under the "Door Assy" heading. To replace, just follow these steps:

You have to remove the inner door panel that goes around the perimeter of the glass. You can use a small screwdriver to carefully pry the plastic up and work your way slowly around the perimiter of the glass. Most microwave ovens also have grooves in the panel that you can insert the screwdriver into. Use care not to pry against the glass. The glass is tempered and also has an RF shield that prevents harmful microwaves from potentially harming the consumer. If you break the glass, you will need to purchase a new door.

The door handle screws are located behind the inner panel. Remove the door handle and any screws that may be holding the outer panel in place. Some panels are simply snapped in place.

Remove the broken panel and install the new one. Re-install the door handle and re-insert the inner door panel carefully and gradually work your way around the perimeter of the door glass and make sure it snaps back into place.

This repair can be done with the door in place, or you can remove it for easier access. If you decide the remove the door, simply open it all the way and lift straight up at the hinges. The door will lift off of the hinge pins. Place on a hard flat surface with some towels under it for padding. This protects the door facing from scatches.

If you have any questions, or require additional assistance, please let me know. I hope this helps you

The outer door frame CAN be replaced if you like. You can view an exploded view diagram at searspartsdirect.com. Just type in your model number and locate item 10 under the "Door" parts listing. The part comes in various colors so make sure you select the correct one.

The door can be easily removed by opening it all the way and lifting straight up at the hinges. The door will come off the hinge pins and can be laid on a flat surface for easier access. Place a layer of towels under the door to prevent damage to the door.

You will need to remove the door handle to get the outer door frame off. To access the door handle mounting screws on MOST microwave ovens, you have to remove the inner door panel that goes around the perimeter of the glass. You can use a small screwdriver to carefully pry the plastic up and work your way slowly around the perimiter of the glass. Most microwave ovens also have grooves in the panel that you can insert the screwdriver into. Use care not to pry against the glass. The glass is tempered and also has an RF shield that prevents harmful microwaves from potentially harming the consumer. If you break the glass, you may need to purchase a new door.

The door handle screws are located behind the inner panel. Remove the door handle and and locate any screws that may be securing the outer door (front) frame in place. Once you install the new outer door frame, re-install the door handle and carefully re-insert the inner door panel. Gradually work your way around the perimeter of the door glass and make sure it snaps back into place.

If you have questions about this repair, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

To answer your initial question, the microwave should continue to be safe to use as long as the inner door seal and door glass are intact. Make absolutely sure you reinstall the door components back together properly. Not doing so will render the oven unsafe to use. Refer to the web site I provided as a reference for how the door components go back together.

NOTE: This part is listed a bit cheaper at appliancepartspros.com. Use the part number from the first website I mentioned as your search criteria.

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams for most brands by entering your full model number here.

Those diagrams should show if the screen is glued onto the glass, etc. If so, it makes it harder to clean.

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

You don't have to remove door to remove panel. Panel is held in by an outer plastic retainer which can be removed by carefully prying with a small screwdriver. I can be replaced by pushing it back in place after repair is completed. If you cannot open door from the outside, remove cover and you can see latches. Pry up on latch which will let door open.