I have model KBHC109JSS03 "Superba", in-cabinet installed type. The interior light lasted about 3 years and now my food cooks in the dark. I tried to grab the lamp but it's got a clear cover over it. Once when I did this the light came back on (loose connection?) but it only lasted a few more days. Kitchen Aid says this item is a "non consumer servicable item". What idiot designs an oven that you have to call a repair service to change a light bulb (and how many repairmen does it take?), sorry....anyway the lamp is a small two-prong halogen and it's priced as high as $55.15 on some repair part websites. Has anyone dismantled their oven to replace the bulb or is it more trouble than it's worth? I can just imagine what a service call AND part would cost. Shudder... The "torsion spring(s)" in the door also broke so you gotta be carful opening the door. It looks like there's two of them in the door (from the parts drawing) and those are priced at $36.10 EACH. Two metal pieces fell out and it looks like the two ends of the couple springs from the bottom of the door. Real quality. I could rant for days about KitchenAid junk; I've got a KitchenFull and had problems with almost all of them. I'll save that for another day, thanks in advance for any tips. Roger

Hey Roger,

Yup the lamp is a small halogen bulb that must be replaced by getting to the top of the microwave. Not to hard to do, just a bit difficult to explain, but looks like you need torsion springs too so you need to take off most of the same items to do both of them anyway.

You are going to need a new lamp, along with the right and left torsion springs. The right one is more expensive because it is strong due to the stainless door panel it has to hold. The prices in these links are a bit more reasonable and well below what a service company is going to charge. Once you get the parts, let me know and I can provide you with some guidance and photos to get this done yourself.

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TechnicianBrian



AllTechAppliance.com

Technician Brian,

Could use your help with the same problem. We have a KitchenAid Superba microwave/oven built-in combo, model #KEMS308GSS3 (tag is located on the inside oven door, right side). Can't find a separate model # on the microwave door...guessing that's because it's a combo. Anyway, the microwave door made a loud "pop" sound as my wife described it, and now the door drops down too quickly and w/o any resistance - also found a small, metal piece in the microwave door frame that looks like part of a longer metal spring. I've concluded it's the torsion springs from your post. Can you confirm for me that I'm on the right track, and I'll get the torsion springs ordered. Also, should I replace the light bulb since I'm already there - the bulb is 5+ years old but still working? Do you have any diagrams, photos, etc. that will help me w/ the repair? Thanks for your help.

bstew111

Hey bstew111

Yup, sounds like you need a new spring. Most likely it is the right side that had the end break off, but you would need to remove the door panel to know for sure. I usually recommend replacing both as a set so they are tensioned the same and then at least you should have another 5+ years before you get to do it again. I wouldn't change the bulb if it is working, but this would be a convenient time to do so if you wanted to prevent a possible failure in the near future. I have seen those bulbs last a year, and others still working from the factory after many years so when it will fail is purely a guess. I do have photos showing the process to change the springs and will get them posted to my site (with a link here) in the next couple days.

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TechnicianBrian



AllTechAppliance.com

Thanks Technician Brian...the springs are on their way. I'll replace both as you suggest. I'll check out your photos, etc. when the parts arrive. thanks, again!

bstew111

Hey bstew111,

Here is the post Replacing Microwave Torsion Springs I mentioned. Hope it helps.

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TechnicianBrian



AllTechAppliance.com

TechnicianBrian,

thanks for the post...the tension springs arrived today ahead of schedule and I'm going to jump into this tonight. Looks pretty straight forward. I'll let you know when I've got it done.

bstew111

Thanks for your help TechnicianBrian. The new springs went in just fine. Your instructions were right on the mark. The job took me about 2 hours (don't quit my day job, right!) and all is working fine. Thanks, again!

bstew111