SMH1816S Samsung Microwave Power Problem

[scottdfuller]

Model Number

SMH1816S

I've got a Samsung microwave, model SMH1816S, that seems to be having an electrical problem. It started a couple of years ago when the light bulb on the underside would burn out quickly. I kept replacing and didn't thing too much of it. Eventually when attempting to replace the bulb one time, I realized that the bulb wasn't bad but there seemed to be a loose connection with the bulb. I just accepted that I wouldn't use the light for the time being. Then, we had a point when the microwave just started up randomly. You can open the door and it will stop, sometimes closing it again will start it again, sometimes it will stay off. I'm guessing it's something with the door switch but worried that it's also something with the control panel. If nothing has been input into the panel, how would it start running just because the door switch is bad?

Any assistance is much appreciated.

-Scott Fuller

 

[rickgburton]

Here's the part you need:
DE92-02329F Assy Pcb Main

 

[scottdfuller]

I posted about this problem almost a year and a half ago and we've just dealt with it, thinking that I might eventually just replace the microwave entirely. Now I'm on the hunt to fix it again and would like to see if I can get some additional feedback. I found some options for used replacement panel assemblies (rather than the circuit board only) for $50 but am having a hard time determining the official part number. When I look on Samsung's website it lists two options SMH1816S/XAA OR SMH1816S/XAC and then doesn't have pictures of the parts or a diagram so I can't tell if I'd be buying the correct part.

Also, is it definitely going to be this whole panel that needs to be replaced, or could it possibly be the door switch itself? I'm being cheap and trying to fix this thing for the least $, but if I really just need this DE92-02329F Assy Pcb Main to make all my troubles go away, I'll just suck it up and buy it. Thanks.

-Scott Fuller

 

[rickgburton]

Check the door switches with your meter. I don't think I would pay $50 for someone else's problems. Replace the board and you're done

 

[scottdfuller]

Thanks Rick. Good point about the panel replacement. Can you elaborate on the process for checking the door switch? I just don't want to buy and install the panel to find out that the door switch is the problem. What happens is that sometimes we'll close the door after removing something and the microwave turns on again. The light comes on and it spins, don't know if it's actually cooking, but it's running. We can then open and reclose the door and it usually doesn't start again. Sometimes you need to do it a couple of times. Thanks again.

-Scott

 

[rickgburton]

It's a relay on the board that's sticking but if you still want to check the door switches, check them for continuity.