Whirlpool Microwave Start Button Not Working: How to Fix

Written By David Varnes

David Varnes is an Appliance Repair Professional with over 15 years of experience.

If your whirlpool microwave start button is not working, we are here to help. In this article, we will walk you through some common causes of this issue and how to fix them.

Hopefully, by the time you finish reading this post, your microwave will be up and running again.

Check the Door

The primary reason your Whirlpool microwave start button is not working maybe because the microwave door is open. You must make sure that the device is completely closed before it will operate.

The microwave has a security mechanism in place to ensure that it does not function until the door is shut.

The reason why your microwave oven stops working when the door is open is due to the fact that it must have an airtight chamber to heat food within. Because the door is open, this is not possible, hence it fails. Check to see whether anything obstructs the closing of the door.

Additionally, sometimes, for the door to tightly close, you may have to ensure that the latch is in place.

Reset the Device

The issue can also be from the start button itself. The microwave uses small wirings coming from its board directly to the start button. Considering this, either the wires, board, or start button can be damaged.

Although, before you get into technical fixes, it is better that you try using an easy solution first.

In the case that the problem you were having was owing to settings conflicts, a simple reset should be enough to fix it. To ensure that it is still not working, try pressing the start button for several seconds. You can then stop by removing the device’s main power source.

After a few minutes have passed, connect the power cable again. This will give the device a chance to clear its memory and start afresh.

Related: How to Fix a Whirlpool Microwave Display Not Working

Replace the Button

The most common reason for a microwave’s start button to fail is due to wear and tear. Over time, with regular use, the button will become loose or even stop working altogether. If this is the case, you can try replacing it with a new one.

You can find replacement buttons online or at a local appliance store. Be sure to get the right model for your microwave. Once you have the new button, follow these steps to install it:

First, take out the old button by unscrewing it from the front panel of the microwave. Next, remove any wires that are still attached to the old button. Connect the new button in the same way as the old one was connected. Finally, screw in the new button and test it out.

Replace Touchpad and Control Panel

Try pressing each of the buttons on the control panel to see whether the touchpad and control panel are defective. Replace the touchpad and control panel if some of the buttons operate properly while others do not.

Replace the Faulty Parts

If this still occurs, there may be a variety of components to search for. Finding out which one is causing the problem might be tough. Furthermore, you’ll have to open up the gadget, which is dangerous and will void your warranty.

This is why you should get in touch with Whirlpool Customer Care. Make sure to describe your issue fully so that they may quickly find a solution. You may need to send your equipment for service.

Nonetheless, Whirlpool should be able to correct the problem as soon as possible.

Replace the Main Control Board

Try pressing each of the buttons on the control panel to see if the control board and display board are broken. If none of the buttons on the control panel respond, it’s probable that the main control board is broken.

Turn Off the Child Safety Feature

If your microwave has a child lock feature, try pressing and holding the “Start” button for around 15 seconds or until a tone is heard. If this doesn’t work, you can try pushing and holding the “End/Stop” button for 15 seconds or until a tone is heard.

If that fails, the underlying button may be broken. In this case, a technician will need to replace it.

Conclusion

There are a variety of reasons why your Whirlpool microwave’s start button may not be working. Before you try any technical fixes, it is important to try some easy solutions.

If those don’t work, you can replace the start button, touchpad and control panel, or main control board. If none of these solutions work, you will need to contact Whirlpool customer care for assistance.