DescriptionThis video provides step-by-step repair instructions for replacing the high voltage capacitor on a Whirlpool microwave oven/hood combo (Model #WMH73521CS6). The most common reason for replacing this part is if the microwave will not work at all.
All of the information for this video is applicable to the following brands:
Whirlpool
Step-By-Step Instructions1
Whirlpool Microwave Oven/Hood Combo - WMH73521CS6
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Microwave Oven High Voltage Capacitor Replacement
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Tools needed: short Phillips-head screwdriver, screwdriver with insulated handle,
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Because of the high voltage and high current used by microwave ovens, be aware that repairing this appliance poses a substantial risk for injury or death if precautions are not taken.
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You should always unplug the microwave before you attempt any disassembly.
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Since high voltage capacitors used in microwaves may retain a charge even after the microwave has been unplugged, we recommend that only experienced professionals access and replace internal components.
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To replace the high voltage capacitor, you will need to uninstall the appliance.
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Before you do this, remove the glass turntable and support.
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Have an assistant support the microwave while you remove the mounting bolts from the upper cabinet.
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Carefully tilt the microwave down and pull the power cord through the hole in the cabinet.
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Now, lift the microwave off the mounting plate.
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Set the appliance down on its rear panel on a sturdy surface covered by a towel or blanket.
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Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to unthread the screws securing the oven?s bottom panel.
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Open the turntable motor terminal cover and disconnect the wires.
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Unhook the wires from the retainer and disconnect the wire connecter to fully detach the bottom panel.
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Return the microwave oven to its upright position and support it in the front.
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Open the door and unthread the three screws securing the top grille.
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Pull the grille down from the top to detach.
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Next unthread all of the screws securing the rear of the cabinet.
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Unthread the screws to release the blower cover or air damper
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Now unthread the remaining screws on top.
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Unthread the screw on the right side.
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You can now lift off the cabinet.
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You should release the potentially stored electrical charge in the capacitor to avoid injury.
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You can do this by placing a screwdriver with an insulated handle across each set of terminals.
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Be very careful not to touch the screwdriver blade when doing this.
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Note the orientation of the wires connected to the capacitor, then disconnect them.
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Use a short Phillips-head screwdriver to unthread the screw securing the capacitor mounting bracket.
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Slide the bracket down to remove.
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Prepare the new high voltage capacitor for installation by transferring the mounting bracket from the old capacitor to the new one.
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Now insert the bracket tab into the slot in the frame and thread the screw.
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Connect the wires to the appropriate terminals.
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Reposition the cabinet.
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Thread the right side screw.
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Reposition the blower cover or air damper and secure it with the screws.
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Replace the remaining screws on top.
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Thread the screws to secure the rear of the cabinet.
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Reinstall the grill by aligning the tabs with the slots in the frame then snap the grille into position.
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Rethread the three screws.
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Having a magnetized screwdriver will make it easier to rethread the screw on the right.
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Tip the appliance back.
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Replace the bottom panel by first connecting the wire connecter and hooking the wires in the retainer.
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Connect the motor wires to the terminals, then align the terminal cover and snap it closed.
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Fully reposition the bottom panel and rethread the screws to secure.
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Now carefully reposition the microwave on the mounting plate by hooking the back edge of the appliance on the tabs.
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Insert the power cord through the hole in the upper cabinet.
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Lift the microwave up and secure the mounting bolts.
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Plug the power cord back in.
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Replace the turntable and support and your microwave oven should be ready for use.