Kitchenaid Microwave Start Button Not Working? – Easy Fix Guide

Wondering why is Kitchenaid microwave start button not working? Keep reading to find out!

We use microwaves for heating food on a regular basis, but the thing that irritates us the most about them is when the buttons don’t function.

Luckily, fixing the microwave button issue doesn’t require technical knowledge; all you need to do is follow the right procedures!

Many things can cause the Kitchenaid microwave buttons to stop functioning, including insufficient power, bad control locks, and faulty touchpads. Moreover, the control board might be faulty as well as the control panels, or membrane switches. 

The solution requires a thorough inspection and only a few minutes of your time!

Why Are My Kitchenaid Microwave Buttons Not Working?

When the control lock on the Kitchenaid microwave is activated, the device’s start button often stops working.

In order to protect the device from any misuse, this lock will stop the microwave buttons from functioning. 

Additionally, your microwave display screen has a lock icon that you can see to let you know it is locked.

You may easily unlock your microwave by tapping the Cancel button for 5 seconds.

There are much more possibilities so let’s jump into the solution guide to learn everything!

Kitchenaid Microwave Start Button Not Working – Fixed!

We are now going to discuss the most effective troubleshooting methods that’ll help you in fixing your Kitchenaid microwave button issue easily.

But first, make sure to follow every method and step as same as described in the guide and without further ado, let’s get started…

Solution #1 Reset The Kitchenaid Microwave!

Even when the microwave is already plugged into an outlet, there are instances when power fluctuations prevent the control board from receiving enough power to function.

Such a problem may be quickly resolved by providing a proper power flow into the microwave!

Note: Make sure the microwave power cord and outlet have no fault!

Here is how to reset the Kitchenaid microwave:

1. Unplug the microwave from the outlet and then flip over the circuit breaker.
2. Wait for up to 60 seconds.
3. Flip down the circuit breaker and plug the microwave cord back into the outlet.
4. Wait for at least 5 minutes until the microwave discharges.
5. Check now by tapping the buttons on the microwave.

Tip: Waiting for longer while the device is discharging is better than not waiting long enough!

Solution #2 Check For Control Lock Mode

The Control Lock on Kitchenaid microwaves disables the functionality of buttons when the mode is activated to prevent the unit from any unintended use.

Your microwave’s control lock could be on, which is why, no matter which button you press, nothing happens. 

To restore the functioning of the microwave buttons, you only need to disable the mode!

Here is how to check for the control lock mode on the microwave:

1. Turn on the Kitchenaid microwave.
2. Tap and hold down the Cancel button from your microwave button panel.
3. Release the button right away once you hear a beep sound from the microwave.
4. Once you hear a sound that means the lock is deactivated.
5. Tap on any buttons on the microwave to check whether they are working.

In case the Start button is still not working, keep reading the solutions ahead!

Solution #3 Test The Microwave Touchpad

Another possibility is that the touchpad on your microwave is faulty, which prevents the signals from the button you press from reaching the control board to trigger further action.

The touchpad can only be fixed by replacing it, but you must first determine whether it is defective first!

How To Test The Microwave Touchpad?

First, turn on the microwave and start touching each button one by one.

If every button responds or lights up, the touchpad is not broken; however, if some or all of them don’t, the touchpad is broken and has to be replaced.

Here is how to replace the microwave touchpad:

1. Unplug the Kitchenaid microwave from the Power Outlet.
2. Take a Philips head screwdriver.
3. Open the microwave door and unscrew the mounting screws.
4. Next, pull the microwave forward up to 4 inches.
5. Then, unscrew the four screws of the control panel assembly.
6. Unscrew the microwave top grill screws and hold it to take them out of the unit.
7. Once you unscrew it, lift up the touchpad to detach it from the microwave.
8. Disconnect all the connected wires from the board 
9. Make sure to note down the wire’s orientation.
10. Release the ribbon cable and release the touchpad.
11. Set up the new touchpad and connect the wires back to the control board.
12. Place the touchpad back in its place and secure it by tightening the screws.
13. Push the microwave back and secure it by screwing the mounting screws.
14. Turn on the microwave and check by tapping the buttons.

In case you don’t have a replacement touchpad to test with, still, attempt the other solutions!

Solution#4 Check The Membrane Switch

If after inspecting the microwave touchpad the buttons are still not functioning, then possibly the membrane switch of the touchpad might get faulty.

When you push any button on the control panel, a two-layered switch enters communication and sends a signal to the control board. 

You need to check the switch for continuity in order to determine if the membrane switch is worn out in your microwave touchpad.

Alert: Make sure to unplug the appliances before repairing them!

Here is how to check the membrane switch in the microwave:

1. Follow the steps from the previous solution to reach the touchpad.
2. Use a Philip screwdriver to unscrew the microwave front grill screws.
3. Push the panel up to take it out of the unit.
4. Disconnect all the connected wires from the board.
5. Unscrew the control board to get access to the touchpad.
6. Once you locate the Membrane Switch carefully scrub the membrane switch glue.
7. Test the membrane switch by using a voltmeter to check its continuity. 
8. Press any button and check if any reading comes on the meter. 
9. If not, then replace it right away.
10. Take a new membrane switch and peel off its cover and install it into place.
11. Fix the control board back and connect all wires with it.
12. Fix the front microwave grill back and secure it with screws.
13. Push the microwave back and tighten the mounting screws.

Alert: Be extremely gentle with the membrane switch to avoid damaging the component!

Solution #5 Inspect The Main Control Board

It is common for Kitchenaid microwave control boards to become faulty due to overuse or power fluctuations.

Because some of its fuses blow over time when they begin to lose their effectiveness.

There is a possibility that the control board of your microwave has gone bad and that’s why the buttons are not working. 

Here is how to inspect the main control board of the microwave:

1. Unplug the microwave from the power outlet.
2. Open the microwave door and take out the placed turntable, support, and rack.
3. Unscrew the mounting screws of the microwave by using the Philip head screwdriver.
4. Remove the power, conduit cable, and other cables from the microwave junction box.
5. Hold down the microwave and take it out from the cabinet and place it in an open area.
6. Next, take a quarter-inch nut driver and unscrew the microwave top panel screws.
7. Hold the panel and lift it up and place it aside.
8. Once you get access to the board, disconnect all board wires.
9. Then release the board retaining tabs and take out the older board from the microwave.
10. Place a new control board back in its place and connect all wires back.
11. Set the top panel cover back and tighten it up.
12. Then, carefully hold the microwave and place it back in the cabinet.
13. Secure the microwave with its mounting screws.
14. Also, make sure to connect the power, conduit cable, and other cables back.

Finally, when you’re ready connect the unit to the power and check the microwave buttons by tapping on them.

In case the problem is still there and you couldn’t find a solution in our guide you’ll need to check the machine’s warranty and contact Kitchenaid Support for more help!

Quick Recap:

Whenever your Kitchenaid microwave start button not working, you first need to reset the microwave and make sure the Control Lock is not activated on the buttons. Also check the microwave touchpad, membrane switch, and main control board as well.