We know a Whirlpool microwave makes your kitchen tasks easier. But what happens when the display stops working or shows problems? Or worse, when the microwave works, but there’s no display? Or even when the touch screen doesn’t respond?
Well, it can be quite a mess, to be honest. But fret not; you’re not alone in this. Many of us have been there. That’s why I’ve come up with a full guide on what you should do in such a situation.
With the advanced technology, Whirlpool microwaves are not immune to occasional malfunctions. A malfunctioning display can hinder the microwave’s usability and disrupt daily routines.
Let’s understand why whirlpool microwave display problems occur and how to solve them.
3 Common Types of Whirlpool Microwave Display Problems
All display-related problems in Whirlpool microwaves can be divided into 3 problem categories. Let’s talk about them (and their solution) below.
1. Whirlpool Microwave Display Not Working
In my experience with Whirlpool microwaves, one of the most common issues I’ve encountered is the display not working. It’s like trying to navigate in the dark, isn’t it?
I. Power Supply Issues
One of the first things I check when this happens is the power supply. I remember this one time when I was about to heat up some leftovers, and the display just wouldn’t light up.
After a bit of investigation, I realized that the microwave wasn’t plugged in properly. It’s such a simple thing, but it’s easy to overlook.
Troubleshooting It:
When troubleshooting power supply issues, I usually start by checking the plug and the socket. I also check the circuit breaker to make sure it hasn’t tripped.
The solution for power supply issues is usually simple – plug the microwave in properly or reset the circuit breaker. Or, In some cases, you might have to replace the power cable as well.
II. Loose Wires
Another time, the issue was a bit more complicated. The display was blank, but the power supply was fine.
After some research, I found out that loose wires are the culprit. So I had to call in a professional to check the internal wiring. Sure enough, a few wires had come loose and were causing the problem.
Troubleshooting It:
Troubleshooting loose wires is a bit more complicated. It involves checking the internal wiring of the microwave. For this, you might have to take the microwave apart and manually check every wiring.
The solution for loose wires is to get them fixed by a professional. They can secure the loose wires and get the display working again.
III. Defective Control Panel
The control panel is the brain of the microwave. If it’s defective, it can cause the display to stop working. I learned this the hard way when my microwave’s display stopped working.
After trying everything, I had to get the control panel replaced.
Troubleshooting It:
Troubleshooting a defective control panel involves checking the control panel for any visible signs of damage.
The solution for a defective control panel is to get it replaced. A professional should do it to ensure it’s installed correctly.
2. Whirlpool Microwave Works But No Display
Another issue that I’ve come across is the microwave working but with no display. It’s like driving a car without a dashboard. Let’s discuss its causes and solutions.
I. Software Glitch
One possible reason for this could be a software glitch. I remember this one time when my microwave was heating up food perfectly, but the display was blank.
After some looking around, I found out that a software glitch could cause the display to turn off temporarily.
Troubleshooting It:
Troubleshooting a software glitch involves resetting the microwave. This can usually be done by unplugging the microwave, waiting a few minutes, and then plugging it back in. Then,
A professional might need to check the microwave’s software if this doesn’t work.
II. Faulty Display
A very common reason is a faulty display. The display might have burnt out or become damaged. A colleague of mine had to replace the display in my microwave once because of this.
Troubleshooting It:
Troubleshooting a faulty display involves checking the display for any visible signs of damage. If there are no visible signs, the solution for a faulty display is to get it replaced. This should be done by a professional to ensure it’s installed correctly.
Is your microwave fan not working? To fix the Whirlpool microwave fan problem, please read my previous post and try troubleshooting it.
3. Whirlpool Microwave Touch Screen Not Working
The touch screen not working is another issue that I myself have faced. It’s especially frustrating because you know the machine is fine, but you can’t quite get it to work properly.
Let’s discuss this in depth.
I. Unresponsive Touchpad
One reason for the screen not working properly could be an unresponsive touchpad. I remember this one time when I was trying to set the timer, but the touchpad just wouldn’t register my touches.
Later, I discovered the touchpad could become unresponsive due to wear and tear or a software issue.
Troubleshooting It:
Troubleshooting an unresponsive touchpad involves cleaning the touchpad and resetting the microwave. Sometimes, dirt or grease can interfere with the touchpad’s responsiveness.
The solution for an unresponsive touchpad is to clean it and reset the microwave. If this doesn’t work, the touchpad might need to be replaced.
II. Software Glitch
We know software glitches can cause the display to be faulty, but can it affect the touchscreen too? Yes, it can.
The microwave’s software sometimes causes the touch screen to become unresponsive.
Troubleshooting It:
Just as before, the solution to a software glitch is to reset the Whirlpool microwave. If this doesn’t work, a professional might need to check the microwave’s software.
Whirlpool Microwave Display Symbols Meaning
As a long-time user of Whirlpool microwaves, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with display issues. One thing I’ve learned is that understanding display symbols can sometimes give you some precursor hints that a display problem is imminent in the near future.
Plus, they guide you in using the appliance effectively and safely. So, let’s dive into some of the common symbols you might encounter on your Whirlpool microwave display.
- Power Levels: In my experience, one of the most common symbols is the power level indicator. It usually appears as a series of bars or a numerical value. For instance, a Whirlpool microwave might show a power level from 1 to 10. The higher the number, the more power the microwave uses.
- Timer and Clock: Another common symbol is the timer or clock. It’s usually represented by numbers and a colon, like “00:00”. The clock, on the other hand, displays the current time when the microwave is not in use.
- Defrost: Have you ever seen a snowflake symbol on your Whirlpool microwave display? That’s the defrost symbol. It’s a handy feature when you need to thaw frozen food quickly.
- Child Lock: A key symbol often represents the child lock feature. When activated, it locks the control panel to prevent accidental use, especially by children. It’s a safety feature I’ve found particularly useful over the years.
- Start and Stop: The start and stop symbols are pretty straightforward. A play triangle usually represents the start, and a square represents the stop. These symbols control the operation of your microwave.
Now, let’s reminisce again, why is it so important to understand these symbols? Well, knowing what they mean can help you identify the problem based on the symbols that are or aren’t showing up.
So, next time you use your microwave, pay more attention to those symbols. They’re more important than you might think!
Solving Whirlpool Microwave Display Problems
There are professional repair and replacement options available for Whirlpool microwave display problems.
>When to Seek Professional Help:
First, let’s talk about when it’s time to seek professional help. If you’ve tried troubleshooting the problem without success, it’s time to call the experts.
For instance, if your Whirlpool microwave works but there’s no display, or the touch screen is not responding, it’s a clear sign that you need professional assistance.
>Replacement Parts and Costs:
The cost of repairing or replacing a Whirlpool microwave display depends on the nature of the problem and your geographic location.
- Professional Repair: If you hire a professional to fix your microwave display, you can expect the cost to be anywhere from $50 to $200 for labor. This does not include parts.
- Replacement Parts: If the problem is with a specific part of the display, such as the control board or display module, the cost of the part could be anywhere from $50 to $200.
Overall, you’re probably looking at anywhere from $100 to $400 to repair a microwave display professionally.
If the microwave is older and/or the cost of repair is close to or exceeds the cost of a new microwave, it might be more cost-effective to replace it simply.
Preventing Microwave Display Issues: Maintaining Tips
As someone who has dealt with various microwave display issues, I can’t stress enough the importance of regular maintenance.
It’s actually the key to preventing problems like the Whirlpool microwave not working or displaying and the touch screen becoming unresponsive. So, let’s talk about it.
>Regular Cleaning
Firstly, let’s talk about cleaning. It’s a simple task, yet it plays a significant role in maintaining the display.
Dust and grime can accumulate over time, causing the touch screen to become less responsive. How often should you clean it? I’d recommend it at least once a week.
Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the display gently. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage the screen.
>Proper Usage
Next, proper usage is crucial. Are you pressing the buttons too hard? It’s a common mistake. Over time, this can lead to the Whirlpool microwave display not working.
Remember, touch screens are sensitive. A gentle touch is all it takes.
>Power Surges
Power surges are another concern. Did you know they can cause display problems? In fact, they can even lead to the Whirlpool microwave working but with no display.
To prevent this, consider using a surge protector. It’s a small investment that can save you from a lot of trouble.
>Regular Check
Lastly, regular checks are essential. Are there any loose wires? Is the power supply consistent? Regular maintenance can help you spot potential problems before they become serious.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Let’s dive into some common queries related to the topic at hand.
Common Whirlpool microwave display problems include the display not lighting up, showing incorrect time or settings, and the touch screen not responding.
Sometimes, the display could also show error codes such as F1, indicating specific issues related to the microwave’s functioning.
The cost to repair a Whirlpool microwave display varies based on the complexity of the issue and local labor rates. As a ballpark figure, you might expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $200.
If the display is not working, your Whirlpool microwave could still be safe to use. However, it is only possible if you know the control of the microwave very well.
The F1 error code on a Whirlpool microwave display usually indicates a failure in the control board. This might require a replacement of the board.
Yes, Whirlpool offers support for microwave display issues. They provide it for free within the warranty period. But, once the warranty runs out, you’ll need to pay fees for any repair or replacement service.
User habits that could lead to Whirlpool microwave display problems include not cleaning the touch screen regularly, causing a build-up of grime, and reducing its responsiveness.
Mishandling, such as the rough use of buttons, can also lead to display issues. Regular maintenance and careful use can prevent such problems.
Wrapping Up
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article, from understanding why your Whirlpool. We’ve delved deep into the world of Whirlpool microwave display issues.
So, how do you prevent the problem of the Whirlpool microwave display not working? Well, in the end, it all boils down to one thing: proper maintenance. Regular care of your microwave can prevent many of these display issues.
Best of luck to you!
