How to Fix Microwave Buttons Not Working

If any buttons stop working on your microwave, it’s most likely the result of a faulty control panel, membrane switch, or main control board. While they are repairable, if you have an old microwave, you should probably consider purchasing a new one instead of fixing it. This is due to the complexity and cost of repairing any of these components.

But if you want to proceed with trying to repair your device, follow our step-by-step instructions below. This guide should cover all major microwave makes and models with electronic buttons. 

Replace the Control Panel

The best place to start is to replace the control panel. The easiest way to know the control panel is faulty is when some buttons work, but others don’t. Since you cannot replace individual buttons, your only real option is to replace the control panel entirely.

Before you replace the control panel, we need to note that working on microwaves can be very dangerous due to the chance of electric shocks. Never open up and work with the internal components if you’re not experienced or qualified to do so.

Follow these steps to replace the control panel in your microwave:

1. Unplug your microwave from the power socket.
2. Remove the cabinet from the appliance. This will give you access to the control panel. If required, remove the front grill too. Both compartments can be removed by unthreading the screws that hold them in place, and then they should clip off.
3. Make sure the capacitor is fully discharged. This can be done by leaving your microwave for 48 hours before testing the control panel or discharging it instantly by shorting it. Again, if you’ve never worked with a microwave before, don’t proceed any further. Instead, call a technician to come and inspect your microwave. 
4. Remove the front panel control panel. This can be done by removing the screws that secure it and then disconnecting the wires to it. You will need to unscrew the ground connection too.
5. Next, locate the touchpad membrane on the control panel and peel it off.
6. Attach a new membrane where the old one was located.
7. Next, attach the new control board in position and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.
8. Reattach the wires to the control panel.
9. Reattach the microwave cabinet and front grill.
10. Switch the power back on.
11. Check if your microwave buttons now work. If not, check the membrane switch.

Check the Membrane Switch

The next step is to check and, if necessary, replace the membrane switch. The membrane switch (or touchpad) activates controls when you press certain buttons. If the switch becomes faulty, one or several buttons will stop working. 

Just like all other repairs in this guide, please take extra care when opening and checking internal components. There is a high risk of electric shock when not handled properly.

Follow these steps to check the membrane switch in your microwave:

1. Unplug your microwave from the power socket.
2. Remove the cabinet from the appliance. This will give you access to the membrane switch. If required, remove the front grill too. Both compartments can be removed by unthreading the screws that hold them in place, and then they should clip off.
3. Locate the membrane switch.
4. Unplug the wires connected to the membrane switch.
5. Test the membrane switch with a multimeter.
6. If the switch has continuity, it’s working fine, and you can reattach the wires to it and proceed to replace the main control board. If it doesn’t have continuity, replace it.
7. Replace the switch by removing the defective one from your microwave and replacing it with a new one. You can purchase replacement switches at most major hardware stores.
8. Once the new switch is installed, put your microwave back together, turn it on, and check if the buttons can now operate. If not, proceed to replace the main control board.

Replace the Main Control Board

The main control board is the final component you can replace to get your microwave buttons working again. This component sends voltage to the membrane switch, so the control board knows what to do when you press the buttons. Replacing the main control board is a long shot but can sometimes fix the problem of buttons not working.

Follow these steps to check the main control board in your microwave:

1. Unplug your microwave from the power socket. 
2. Remove the cabinet from the appliance. This will give you access to the control panel. If required, remove the front grill too. Both compartments can be removed by unthreading the screws that hold them in place, and then they should clip off.
3. Locate the main control board.
4. Remove the main control board. This can be done by unthreading the screws that hold it in place and disconnecting the wires.
5. Replace the main control board by removing the defective one from your microwave and replacing it with a new one. You can purchase replacement control boards at most major hardware stores.
6. Once the new control board is installed, put your microwave back together, turn it on, and check if the buttons can now operate. If not, you will have to get a technician to inspect your appliance or purchase a new one.