This is a Panasonic microwave that is about 10 years old.
It works just fine.
The problem is that it has become fussy to open
In the picture at the link you can see the inside portion of the gray
opening button. It has a small projection that lifts the part of the latch
mechanism that is white. The latch works ok. The part of the gray
plastic does not seem to lift the white latch part high enough to release
the latch.

If I just reach in and raise the latch mechanism by hand from the right
place, the door unlatches ok I have tried putting a small piece of Lucite on
top of the gray actuator, to increase the throw, but that is not
particularly successful. It almost seems as if there is a bind .in the whole
thing. At its age I am pretty sure that part replacement is a lost cause.

All this is done with the unit unplugged and I am staying well away from
voltage carrying areas.

Except for the latch release the unit works as it should. All the safety
switches are in place and operating.

I am looking for informed opinion on how to proceed.
Please do not tell me it is dangerous. I know and have worked around high
voltage environments before.
Don't tell me to buy a new one. I can figure that out by myself.

Answers to the Newsgroup only. We can all learn from each other.

http://cbress.home.comcast.net/mwave.jpg

Many thanks

Charlie

Have you gone to www.repairclinic.com to see if the parts are available?

Also, even though you specifically asked this opinion not be given -

I recc. either buying new or taking it in for repair. For me, there are
different categories of DIY, and one category I consider before I make
an attempt is: Can this thing kill me when I'm working on it (plugged
in or not), or can it kill me later after I *think* I've fixed it?
Obviously, almost any repair can be thrown in this category, but some
appliances carry a clear risk when attempting a DIY.

Microwaves and furnaces fall into the "Death risk" category (IMO).

I'm guessing you can probably fix your latch and all will be OK. On the
other hand, what if during the repair the door alignment gets wacked?
Service centers always perform a test after they repair a microwave, to
ensure that nothing is leaking.

Just my .02

Charlie Bress wrote:
This is a Panasonic microwave that is about 10 years old.
It works just fine.
The problem is that it has become fussy to open
In the picture at the link you can see the inside portion of the gray
opening button. It has a small projection that lifts the part of the
latch mechanism that is white. The latch works ok. The part of the
gray plastic does not seem to lift the white latch part high enough to
release the latch.

If I just reach in and raise the latch mechanism by hand from the
right place, the door unlatches ok I have tried putting a small piece
of Lucite on top of the gray actuator, to increase the throw, but
that is not particularly successful. It almost seems as if there is a
bind .in the whole thing. At its age I am pretty sure that part
replacement is a lost cause.
All this is done with the unit unplugged and I am staying well away
from voltage carrying areas.

Except for the latch release the unit works as it should. All the
safety switches are in place and operating.

I am looking for informed opinion on how to proceed.
Please do not tell me it is dangerous. I know and have worked around
high voltage environments before.
Don't tell me to buy a new one. I can figure that out by myself.

Answers to the Newsgroup only. We can all learn from each other.

http://cbress.home.comcast.net/mwave.jpg

Many thanks

Charlie

Assuming you know enough to drain any large capacitors in there and know
what you are doing, I rank this one as one of those projects that you can
only do by making guesses and decisions as you go based on what you see at
each step in the process. My only real warning is to make sure you don't
deactivate any safety device when working on it.

In the few I have opened up, it was not hard to figure out what parts
did what. I also quickly figured out that in I needed a replacement part, I
doubt if I would be able to find one. Of the three I worked on, I fixed the
first one and the other two were never reassembled since it was clear I did
not find the problem.

--
Joseph Meehan

26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math

I think in the end, it might just be worth it to get another. They are
so cheap these days... and if you take it to a repairman, it just might
cost more than it is worth. Just MO.
The problem with modern electronics... even ones that are 10 years old.

Charlie Bress wrote:
This is a Panasonic microwave that is about 10 years old.
It works just fine.
The problem is that it has become fussy to open
In the picture at the link you can see the inside portion of the gray
opening button. It has a small projection that lifts the part of the
latch mechanism that is white. The latch works ok. The part of the
gray plastic does not seem to lift the white latch part high enough to
release the latch.

I have no idea.... BUT

If you can't figure out how to repair the thing, or if parts are not
available, you perhaps could disable the locking mechanism.

The you could install some sort of device, externally, to hold the door
mostly shut: screen-door clasp, velcro strap, whatever.

"JerryMouse" wrote in message
...
Charlie Bress wrote:
This is a Panasonic microwave that is about 10 years old.
It works just fine.
The problem is that it has become fussy to open
In the picture at the link you can see the inside portion of the gray
opening button. It has a small projection that lifts the part of the
latch mechanism that is white. The latch works ok. The part of the
gray plastic does not seem to lift the white latch part high enough to
release the latch.

I have no idea.... BUT

If you can't figure out how to repair the thing, or if parts are not
available, you perhaps could disable the locking mechanism.

The you could install some sort of device, externally, to hold the door
mostly shut: screen-door clasp, velcro strap, whatever.



Nope, that won't work. The safety interlock switches are mounted to the
latch mechanism. That's why you can't operate the oven when the door is not
securely latched.

Charlie

"Lola" wrote in message
oups.com...
I think in the end, it might just be worth it to get another. They are
so cheap these days... and if you take it to a repairman, it just might
cost more than it is worth. Just MO.
The problem with modern electronics... even ones that are 10 years old.


That,s why I am here. This is a DIY project. I am looking for expert advice.

Charlie

Charlie Bress wrote:

I have no idea.... BUT

If you can't figure out how to repair the thing, or if parts are not
available, you perhaps could disable the locking mechanism.

The you could install some sort of device, externally, to hold the
door mostly shut: screen-door clasp, velcro strap, whatever.



Nope, that won't work. The safety interlock switches are mounted to
the latch mechanism. That's why you can't operate the oven when the
door is not securely latched.

So: disconnect, short, or cut the wires to the safety interlock switches.
Rip them sonsabitches right outta there! Safety interlocks were put in by
pussies anyway. So get the commander - whatshisname - Jack Ripper, on the
phone. Why do I have to think of everything?

Charlie Bress wrote:

This is a Panasonic microwave that is about 10 years old.
It works just fine.
The problem is that it has become fussy to open
In the picture at the link you can see the inside portion of the gray
opening button. It has a small projection that lifts the part of the
latch
mechanism that is white. The latch works ok. The part of the gray
plastic does not seem to lift the white latch part high enough to
release
the latch.

If I just reach in and raise the latch mechanism by hand from the
right
place, the door unlatches ok I have tried putting a small piece of
Lucite on
top of the gray actuator, to increase the throw, but that is not
particularly successful. It almost seems as if there is a bind .in
the whole
thing. At its age I am pretty sure that part replacement is a lost
cause.

All this is done with the unit unplugged and I am staying well away
from
voltage carrying areas.

Except for the latch release the unit works as it should. All the
safety
switches are in place and operating.

http://cbress.home.comcast.net/mwave.jpg

Try a Google Groups search of sci.electronics repair for Panasonic
microwave interlock ?

Panasonic's National Parts Center sometimes has very old parts at
reasonable prices, but MCM Electronics or Fox International may have
them as well.

The electrical portion of the door interlock mechanism can be fully
tested with the oven unplugged, by using an ohm meter or low voltage
test lamp on its microswitches (to prevent damage to any electronics,
unplug the switch wires first, noting where they went originally).

Does the mechanism bind less if you retract the microswitch (maybe 2
switches since manufacturers don't want door interlocks to fail in a
dangerous way) manually and then operate the interlock? If so, then
clean the plastic where it rubs against the switch, and it's possible
the plastic should be greased there. Switches and nylon (white
plastic) can withstand common automotive lithium grease, but silicone
grease is more inert. If that doesn't help, I might try disassembling
the mechanism and clean everything (alcohol or brake parts cleaner).
If the parts were originally lubricated, apply lithium grease to them.
Cracks in nylon can't be fixed well with glue but only by heat welding
them with a soldering iron (clean tip). If filler plastic is needed,
shave slivers off the nylon parts because other types of nylon, such as
that in nylon wire ties, probably won't stick well. The grey
pushbutton is probably made of ABS, which is best repaired by solvent
welding it (hobby shops sell liquid glue, but lacquer thinner or
carburetor spray work equally well). Solvent glue should be allowed to
evaporate for at least 12-24 hours before subjecting the plastic part
to stress again. If solvent doesn't affect the grey plastic, then most
likely it's polypropylene, which is also best repaired by heat welding
it.

"JerryMouse" wrote in message
news
Charlie Bress wrote:

I have no idea.... BUT

If you can't figure out how to repair the thing, or if parts are not
available, you perhaps could disable the locking mechanism.

The you could install some sort of device, externally, to hold the
door mostly shut: screen-door clasp, velcro strap, whatever.



Nope, that won't work. The safety interlock switches are mounted to
the latch mechanism. That's why you can't operate the oven when the
door is not securely latched.

So: disconnect, short, or cut the wires to the safety interlock switches.
Rip them sonsabitches right outta there! Safety interlocks were put in by
pussies anyway. So get the commander - whatshisname - Jack Ripper, on the
phone. Why do I have to think of everything?

I see we need a better mouse trap!

wrote in message
oups.com...
Charlie Bress wrote:

This is a Panasonic microwave that is about 10 years old.
It works just fine.
The problem is that it has become fussy to open
In the picture at the link you can see the inside portion of the gray
opening button. It has a small projection that lifts the part of the
latch
mechanism that is white.

Try a Google Groups search of sci.electronics repair for Panasonic
microwave interlock ?

Panasonic's National Parts Center sometimes has very old parts at
reasonable prices, but MCM Electronics or Fox International may have
them as well.

The electrical portion of the door interlock mechanism can be fully
tested with the oven unplugged, by using an ohm meter or low voltage
test lamp on its microswitches (to prevent damage to any electronics,
unplug the switch wires first, noting where they went originally).

Does the mechanism bind less if you retract the microswitch (maybe 2
switches since manufacturers don't want door interlocks to fail in a
dangerous way) manually and then operate the interlock? If so, then
clean the plastic where it rubs against the switch, and it's possible
the plastic should be greased there. Switches and nylon (white
plastic) can withstand common automotive lithium grease, but silicone
grease is more inert. If that doesn't help, I might try disassembling
the mechanism and clean everything (alcohol or brake parts cleaner).
If the parts were originally lubricated, apply lithium grease to them.
Cracks in nylon can't be fixed well with glue but only by heat welding
them with a soldering iron (clean tip). If filler plastic is needed,
shave slivers off the nylon parts because other types of nylon, such as
that in nylon wire ties, probably won't stick well. The grey
pushbutton is probably made of ABS, which is best repaired by solvent
welding it (hobby shops sell liquid glue, but lacquer thinner or
carburetor spray work equally well). Solvent glue should be allowed to
evaporate for at least 12-24 hours before subjecting the plastic part
to stress again. If solvent doesn't affect the grey plastic, then most
likely it's polypropylene, which is also best repaired by heat welding
it.


I had considered silicone spray, but I am always hesitant to just rush in
without the voice of reason backing me up.
Nothing seems to be broken. A little judicious silicone may very well prove
to be the answer.
I have made a quick search for part replacements , but that has been stymied
by the inability to locate a model number anywhere. I have looked on the
door frame, the back of the box and the bottom. All I have found are the
safety and regulatory labels.

Thanks for a helpful post as compared to some of the drivel that gets
posted.

Charlie

Charlie Bress wrote:
"Lola" wrote in message
oups.com...
I think in the end, it might just be worth it to get another. They
are so cheap these days... and if you take it to a repairman, it
just might cost more than it is worth. Just MO.
The problem with modern electronics... even ones that are 10 years
old.

That,s why I am here. This is a DIY project. I am looking for expert
advice.
Charlie

I doubt if there is any expert advice available. Expert advice usually
comes from someone who has a fair amount of experience in the subject. The
fact is there are few if anyone with that experience since it is just not a
practical thing to do with the falling prices and better equipment being
made. Add to that the fact that the manufacturers and not designing the
units to be repaired and needed parts are just not available.


--
Joseph Meehan

26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math

On 1/14/2005 8:34 AM US(ET), Charlie Bress took fingers to keys, and
typed the following:

wrote in message
roups.com...


Charlie Bress wrote:



This is a Panasonic microwave that is about 10 years old.
It works just fine.
The problem is that it has become fussy to open
In the picture at the link you can see the inside portion of the gray
opening button. It has a small projection that lifts the part of the


latch


mechanism that is white.





Try a Google Groups search of sci.electronics repair for Panasonic
microwave interlock ?

Panasonic's National Parts Center sometimes has very old parts at
reasonable prices, but MCM Electronics or Fox International may have
them as well.

The electrical portion of the door interlock mechanism can be fully
tested with the oven unplugged, by using an ohm meter or low voltage
test lamp on its microswitches (to prevent damage to any electronics,
unplug the switch wires first, noting where they went originally).

Does the mechanism bind less if you retract the microswitch (maybe 2
switches since manufacturers don't want door interlocks to fail in a
dangerous way) manually and then operate the interlock? If so, then
clean the plastic where it rubs against the switch, and it's possible
the plastic should be greased there. Switches and nylon (white
plastic) can withstand common automotive lithium grease, but silicone
grease is more inert. If that doesn't help, I might try disassembling
the mechanism and clean everything (alcohol or brake parts cleaner).
If the parts were originally lubricated, apply lithium grease to them.
Cracks in nylon can't be fixed well with glue but only by heat welding
them with a soldering iron (clean tip). If filler plastic is needed,
shave slivers off the nylon parts because other types of nylon, such as
that in nylon wire ties, probably won't stick well. The grey
pushbutton is probably made of ABS, which is best repaired by solvent
welding it (hobby shops sell liquid glue, but lacquer thinner or
carburetor spray work equally well). Solvent glue should be allowed to
evaporate for at least 12-24 hours before subjecting the plastic part
to stress again. If solvent doesn't affect the grey plastic, then most
likely it's polypropylene, which is also best repaired by heat welding
it.




I had considered silicone spray, but I am always hesitant to just rush in
without the voice of reason backing me up.
Nothing seems to be broken. A little judicious silicone may very well prove
to be the answer.
I have made a quick search for part replacements , but that has been stymied
by the inability to locate a model number anywhere. I have looked on the
door frame, the back of the box and the bottom. All I have found are the
safety and regulatory labels.

Thanks for a helpful post as compared to some of the drivel that gets
posted.

Charlie


I have never seen the inside of a microwave, but I am usenet compelled
to respond. :-)
It appears that the dark grey thing at the bottom left is the door button.
What happens if you operate the button and/or door while observing what
happens inside? Does anything appear to be hanging up?
Does that tab at the top right of what may be the button, and which
appears to have a clearish pad on top, release the whitish nylon
projection just under the screw? Is that clearish pad cracked (it looks
like it may be in the photo)?
Is that door button thing hinged underneath, and is the hinge just a
thin bendable piece of plastic? Is the 'hinge' cracked?
Well, that's it for me. Good luck!



--
Bill

Throw it away Charlie its 10 years old



"willshak" wrote in message
...
On 1/14/2005 8:34 AM US(ET), Charlie Bress took fingers to keys, and typed
the following:

wrote in message
groups.com...

Charlie Bress wrote:


This is a Panasonic microwave that is about 10 years old.
It works just fine.
The problem is that it has become fussy to open
In the picture at the link you can see the inside portion of the gray
opening button. It has a small projection that lifts the part of the

latch

mechanism that is white.



Try a Google Groups search of sci.electronics repair for Panasonic
microwave interlock ?

Panasonic's National Parts Center sometimes has very old parts at
reasonable prices, but MCM Electronics or Fox International may have
them as well.

The electrical portion of the door interlock mechanism can be fully
tested with the oven unplugged, by using an ohm meter or low voltage
test lamp on its microswitches (to prevent damage to any electronics,
unplug the switch wires first, noting where they went originally).

Does the mechanism bind less if you retract the microswitch (maybe 2
switches since manufacturers don't want door interlocks to fail in a
dangerous way) manually and then operate the interlock? If so, then
clean the plastic where it rubs against the switch, and it's possible
the plastic should be greased there. Switches and nylon (white
plastic) can withstand common automotive lithium grease, but silicone
grease is more inert. If that doesn't help, I might try disassembling
the mechanism and clean everything (alcohol or brake parts cleaner).
If the parts were originally lubricated, apply lithium grease to them.
Cracks in nylon can't be fixed well with glue but only by heat welding
them with a soldering iron (clean tip). If filler plastic is needed,
shave slivers off the nylon parts because other types of nylon, such as
that in nylon wire ties, probably won't stick well. The grey
pushbutton is probably made of ABS, which is best repaired by solvent
welding it (hobby shops sell liquid glue, but lacquer thinner or
carburetor spray work equally well). Solvent glue should be allowed to
evaporate for at least 12-24 hours before subjecting the plastic part
to stress again. If solvent doesn't affect the grey plastic, then most
likely it's polypropylene, which is also best repaired by heat welding
it.



I had considered silicone spray, but I am always hesitant to just rush in
without the voice of reason backing me up.
Nothing seems to be broken. A little judicious silicone may very well
prove to be the answer.
I have made a quick search for part replacements , but that has been
stymied by the inability to locate a model number anywhere. I have looked
on the door frame, the back of the box and the bottom. All I have found
are the safety and regulatory labels.

Thanks for a helpful post as compared to some of the drivel that gets
posted.

Charlie

I have never seen the inside of a microwave, but I am usenet compelled to
respond. :-)
It appears that the dark grey thing at the bottom left is the door button.
What happens if you operate the button and/or door while observing what
happens inside? Does anything appear to be hanging up?
Does that tab at the top right of what may be the button, and which
appears to have a clearish pad on top, release the whitish nylon
projection just under the screw? Is that clearish pad cracked (it looks
like it may be in the photo)?
Is that door button thing hinged underneath, and is the hinge just a thin
bendable piece of plastic? Is the 'hinge' cracked?
Well, that's it for me. Good luck!



--
Bill