Install panasonic over the range microwave

You missed something while reading the installation directions but that won't fix it. since you already drilled holes in the wall lower the mount down as needed then drill new holes in the mount to match the holes you drilled in the wall. The problem would have been worse if you were off left or right... up and down is easier. Remember you maybe just not dropping the microwave low enough to fit in the slot at the bottom of the wall mount before you tilt the micro up.. check it one more time...including the directions before you re-drill

It is much easier for two people to remove the microhood. If attempting alone, please move the range out so you can get under the micro to support the weight. If the range stays in place, protect the top from damage.
1. make a landing site to the side, to protect the floor when putting the micro down after removal.
2. Disconnect the power cord in the cabinet above.
3. loosen the two screws in the bottom front corners of the cabinet above. When removed the front of the micro will drop, be ready for the weight. Busy times, tools in hands microwave coming down in front.
4. tilt the front down. pull the cord out of the upper cabinet.
5. with micro still tilted down in front, lift the back of the unit upward to free it from the wall plate.
6. remove the fasteners in the wall plate and remove.
Congrats, begin celebration.

If it's a US model, and you've lost your owner's manual, you may be able to download one here.

If it's a non-US model, look at the support links for your country via Panasonic.net.

the link below will take you to the installation instructions if needed.
It is much easier for two people to remove the microhood. If attempting alone, please move the range out so you can get under the micro to support the weight. If the range stays in place, protect the top from damage.
1. make a landing site to the side to protect the floor when putting the micro down after removal.
2. Disconnect the power cord in the cabinet above.
3. loosen the two screws in the bottom front corners of the cabinet above. When removed the front of the micro will drop, be ready for the weight. Busy times, tools in hands microwave coming down in front.
4. tilt the front down. pull the cord out of the upper cabinet.
5. with micro still tilted down in front, lift the back of the unit upward to free it from the wall plate.
6. remove the fasteners in the wall plate and remove.
Congrats, begin celebration.
http://www.managemyhome.com/mmh/lis_pdf/OWNM/L0211226.pdf

Hi Lowell,

Being 10 years old, any money you put into it would be a waste. It has served you well, time to replace it.

Since you can't get a paper template for remounting your microwave, I can offer you my tips for doing this, as I've had to reinstall many of my customers microwaves, after they've done a kitchen remodel.

You can use the metal mounting bracket as your "new" template. Just unmount the micro and remove the metal bracket and you can then position it on the wall or under the cabinet where you are looking to mount the microwave. However, before you remove it from the wall, simply measure the distance from the edges at the top and both sides of the bracket, where it is presently mounted and you'll be able to easily remount it in a new location.

If you've already removed it from the wall, not to worry, simply place it on the back of the microwave and measure the distance from the edges of the bracket to the top and both sides of the microwave's canbinet edges. Allow for 3/16" additional distance and you should be able to then remount the bracket at the new location with ease.

Please remember that you want to get the bracket secured into a wall stud so it can hold the weight of the microwave once it's installed and fastened to the bracket. I also recommend that you use wall anchors at the side edges at both the top and bottom corners to help secure the bracket IF there are no wall studs behind the predrilled holes for mounting the bracket to the wall.

If you have trouble using the metal mounting bracket, you can always trace the entire bracket onto a piece of heavy paper or cardboard, but frankly, I find this unecessary and time consuming, since you've already got the mounting bracket right there with all the holes and such.

Also, don't forget to measure the location of the power cord at the top or back of the microwave and remember you'll need to drill a hole in order to be able to pass the cord thru the cabinet. If your microwave has screws at the top front edge that help secure it to the cabinent above it, again, simply measure the distance of these mounting locations from the sides and back of the microwave cabinet and drill holes thru the cabinet, using a drill bit that is twice the diameter of the mounting bolts. You should add washers to these bolts to help prevent the bolts from pulling thru the cabinet bottom.

Mounting a microwave is best done with at least two people, as holding it in place while someone else puts the bolts in it isn't easy to do by yourself. Also, it is much easier to do, when installing it over an existing range, if you move the range out of the way first, so you can stand under the microwave, instead of having to lean over the range while trying to install it. Not to mention the fact that should you drop the microwave, you'll not only damage it, but could destroy your range at the same time.

Hope you find this Very Helpful and best regards!

There is a considerable amount of weight to lower. It is an easier removal with the range pulled out and moved to the side. If you choose to move the range, be sure to protect the floor. Unplug the microwave. The plug should be in the cabinet above the range. There are two screws in the cabinet above that screw down into the top and support the front. These are the only fasteners that hold the machine directly. An assistant would be nice to have to help with the weight. While supporting the microwave, remove the two screws and slowly lower the front of the microwave pulling the cord out of the cabinet above as you go. Once the cord is free, tilt the machine down in front until the back can be lifted up off the plate that is fastened to the wall.

We put false doors on the back of the peninsula, mounted the wall mounts on the inside of these doors and then connected it to the top.

I just removed mine. There should be two long screws coming down from above into the unit. Remove them completely and then lift the microwave up towards the cabinet and slide forward. Sometimes some jiggling will help.
Leave the hanger assembly on the wall. It has the two prongs that go into the "insert" slots

Your model weighs 41 pounds empty.

That - plus maybe adding another 8-10 pounds for safety - us what your installation needs to be able to handle.

I would think the average cabinet could handle that, but it may be better to add a small steel plate or large washer surrounding the mounting screws to help disperse the weight load.

The owner's manual describes the installation kit you can use to mount it in a cabinet or in the wall, etc. That may be helpful.

If you don't still have your manual you can download it here.

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