When trying to use any of the cooking functions (microwave, popcorn button, etc), the display shows a message "safety function activated" and to open/close the door to retry.
Doing that makes no difference and the same message comes back on the screen. Also, the interior light on the microwave doesn't come on when the door is opened, so my guess is there's something wrong with the door close sensor.
This
is usually caused by either a bad door switch, a loose door switch
mount (which are pretty simple problems to fix) or
occasionally a
problem on the control panel.
Even though a door
switch clicks, it may still be bad inside.
Door switch
or mount trouble is usually caused by slamming the door or by opening
the
door while it's cooking without hitting the Stop pad first.
There are
plastic mounts inside the microwave which hold the door switches and
onto which the door latches lock when you close the door.
The screws on these
mounts may be loose. If they get too loose, the switches will not be
activated properly.
Sometimes it's
a broken tab on the switch holder, allowing the switch to rotate just
out of position. This tab
can be hard to see, since it is under the
bottom edge of the switch.
If the switch mount is
broken, it's usually more economical and
safer to add a dab or two of hot glue to the mount to secure the
switch. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before using.
One test that sometimes
helps is to
gently lift up (and/or push down) on the door or handle as you try to
start it. If it works or tries to work, then it's a door switch mount
or
door alignment issue.
See:
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/safety.txt
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/disassembly.txt
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/doorsw.txt
You can find links to helpful exploded view
diagrams and part ordering help
here. I recommend that you bookmark that
link to your favorites.
There
should be a "mini-manual" (tech sheet) hidden inside the unit
behind the
control panel or hidden on the left side behind the grille, which is
very helpful when troubleshooting, testing, and locating
components.
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.
If you don't find yours,
or if you want to look at it without disassembling the oven, you may be able to download it here.
If you only need a
switch, you can order a universal type here for $5 postpaid.
If you think the problem
is on the control panel, we repair these nationwide by mail
for $39.95 postpaid in most cases in about a week or so with a one-year
guarantee.
We're
happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful
rating of our answer.
This is usually caused by either a bad door switch, a loose door switch mount, or a problem on the control panel.
Even though a door switch clicks, it may still be bad inside.
If you or a friend decide to look into it, we have critical information on safety, disassembly and door switches at our site, linked here on Fixya: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk
You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383
For more help from Emerson http://www.emersonradio.com ; Get help using your appliance 1-800-898-9020 ; Get help locating a servicer or parts 1-800-695-0098.
Many Emerson microwave manuals are available here: http://www.emersonradio.com/owners/MWO%20manual/
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