Sharp Microwave touch sensitive button broken
October 25, 2013 10:04 AM Subscribe
I have a Sharp microwave, which is in good condition, except the 'Start' button has recently broken. It's the soft touch type button, and it won't start the thing no matter how I try and press it.
Picture here. I could just get a new one for cheap, but I'd rather try and fix it if possible, it's only about 3 years old. Anyone have any tips?
Picture here. I could just get a new one for cheap, but I'd rather try and fix it if possible, it's only about 3 years old. Anyone have any tips?
Best answer: It's out of warranty and that part is hard to repair. There are also safety issues, e.g. if your attempts to fix it end up breaking the door sensor and it keeps running with the door open you could seriously burn yourself.
I'd toss it and buy a new one.
posted by w0mbat at 10:30 AM on October 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'd toss it and buy a new one.
posted by w0mbat at 10:30 AM on October 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
I would source a part using the google and then also try and find a service manual online. If your alternative is fix it yourself or get a new one, you have nothing to lose other than time and the cost of the part before you got to get a new one.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 10:31 AM on October 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by JohnnyGunn at 10:31 AM on October 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
I took a look at the photo, and (I have experience of this happening before), it looks as if the plastic shipping film is still covering the button panel, which I suspect affects the responsiveness of the buttons. Scrape down into the corner and see if you can pull this film off. It looks as though it's peeling very slightly, and worn on the touch surface of the buttons.
posted by ambrosen at 11:11 AM on October 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by ambrosen at 11:11 AM on October 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Those keypads often develop problems where the connector gets dirty or loose. If you can remove the button panel and locate the connector that plugs into the circuit board, removing the connector and cleaning it with alcohol may fix the problem. If it's the door switch, as is quite possible if it's only the start button not working, there may be a similar issue with the connector for that.
Just be ultra-careful with the rest of the microwave's insides.
posted by pipeski at 11:13 AM on October 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Just be ultra-careful with the rest of the microwave's insides.
posted by pipeski at 11:13 AM on October 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
You could probably try to eliminate the door switch as a problem by using the "10sec" button. At least on my microwave, the similar button starts it immediately, without having to use the start button.
posted by primethyme at 12:58 PM on October 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by primethyme at 12:58 PM on October 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
seconding primethyme. Try the 10sec or 1min button. Those are awesome.
posted by hydra77 at 9:58 PM on October 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by hydra77 at 9:58 PM on October 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Best answer: That is almost 100% sure to be a membrane switch. The usual form of those is two conductors silkscreened onto a mylar substrate film and separated by another perforated film that keeps them apart. When you push on it, you deform one side into the other and the contact is made.
Such switches wear, but since the contact is low current, and the forces normal to the contact, there is no arcing or wiping action. The conducting surfaces don't get cleaned, but they also don't need to be exposed to the outside world where they get corrupted from environmental exposures.
That switch has a much higher burden than the others on the unit. It's not surprising it failed and they are still good.
It is highly unlikely you'll find a replacement pad, but you COULD if you hit the normal appliance parts sites online. There are bunches. GIYF.
It is highly unlikely you will be able to replace it. Most microwaves don't speak to maintenance and if you aren't familiar with how stuff goes together, getting it apart usually results in damage.
It's time for compromised operation (i.e., other keys), as others have suggested. Unless this were a built-in, with clear value in its FORM, there is no compelling reason not to replace it as the cost is going to be comparable to the cost of replacing the pad. Use it any way you can until something else fails and buy a $30 replacement off of Craigslist.
posted by FauxScot at 1:01 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
Such switches wear, but since the contact is low current, and the forces normal to the contact, there is no arcing or wiping action. The conducting surfaces don't get cleaned, but they also don't need to be exposed to the outside world where they get corrupted from environmental exposures.
That switch has a much higher burden than the others on the unit. It's not surprising it failed and they are still good.
It is highly unlikely you'll find a replacement pad, but you COULD if you hit the normal appliance parts sites online. There are bunches. GIYF.
It is highly unlikely you will be able to replace it. Most microwaves don't speak to maintenance and if you aren't familiar with how stuff goes together, getting it apart usually results in damage.
It's time for compromised operation (i.e., other keys), as others have suggested. Unless this were a built-in, with clear value in its FORM, there is no compelling reason not to replace it as the cost is going to be comparable to the cost of replacing the pad. Use it any way you can until something else fails and buy a $30 replacement off of Craigslist.
posted by FauxScot at 1:01 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: ambrosen: No shipping film I'm afraid. It's just a shiny, plasticky panel. Thanks for the answer though.
primethyme & hydra77: Unfortunately, the 10sec button doesn't start it immediately. You still have to hit start.
After reading the potential pitfalls, I'm just going to dump it and get a new one! Thanks everyone.
posted by derbs at 8:34 AM on October 26, 2013
primethyme & hydra77: Unfortunately, the 10sec button doesn't start it immediately. You still have to hit start.
After reading the potential pitfalls, I'm just going to dump it and get a new one! Thanks everyone.
posted by derbs at 8:34 AM on October 26, 2013
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posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 10:15 AM on October 25, 2013 [1 favorite]