Have you been having trouble with the Whirlpool microwave not turning off after use? Well, you are not alone in this dilemma since many other owners of Whirlpool microwave appliances have experienced the same problem.
Sure, the light on the range hood of your Whirlpool microwave is very useful but you do not always want it to be on. Not only does the incandescent light not always look great in every kitchen but it can also waste a fair amount of power.
Why Won’t Whirlpool Microwave Light Turn Off?
Having a range hood light on your Whirlpool microwave is very helpful for when you are cooking or doing something beneath the microwave. However, like most people, you would likely prefer that the light will actually turn off when you are not using it.
Not only is this practical but it also helps save on electricity output. Sure, the range hood light for your Whirlpool microwave does not require a lot of power, which means having the microwave light on continuously will not result in an expensive electricity bill.
However, it is important to both acknowledge any unnecessary excessive power use and to also put a stop to the misuse.
This inconvenient issue of the light on your Whirlpool microwave not being able to shut off is rather common.
With that said, it is important to keep in mind that your Whirlpool microwave and its accompanying range hood are both electrical appliances, which means that any possible repairs/work you may perform on the appliances should be done with logical thinking and extreme caution.
With that said, typically when you have a Whirlpool microwave along with the below neighboring range hood, the center display, light, and vent fan, are all usually powdered by the power supply provided through the microwave.
This shared power is important to remember when attempting to diagnose the root of the problem is and how to go about potentially fixing the said issue.
As you can imagine, the issue of the light below your Whirlpool microwave not shutting off can be caused by a number of different possibilities.
Some of these problems can be brought on by a shorting filament or dead light bulb, while others may be because of an issue with the control panel on the adjoined appliances.
This means that the potential fix for this microwave light issue could either be as simple as redoing the way that you replace the light bulb itself or as complicated as calling in a licensed appliance electrician. Whatever the fix may be, we have got you covered.
1. New Light Was Not Installed Correctly
When you began to have problems with the light on the underside of your Whirlpool microwave, you may have assumed that the light bulb itself was going out.
With this in mind, you may have also run out to purchase a replacement bulb or simply ordered one. Sure, replacing a light bulb should be simple enough for nearly anyone to do it, whether you are a professional or not.
However, when you replace a light bulb for the range hood (or oven overhang), there are certain measures and steps you must follow in order for the replacement to be effective.
Furthermore, you may be inclined to purchase and replace the old cooktop overhang light with a LED bulb; however, it is advisable to make sure that you use an incandescent light bulb for the range hood below your Whirlpool microwave.
While it is possible to use a LED light bulb for the cooktop overhang, the bulb will most likely not work properly with the control panel system and could also lead to dysfunctions.
This is because the incandescent light bulb that is made for the range hood beneath your Whirlpool microwave is specifically designed for the cooktop overhang system.
Fix – Install The Light Properly
For anyone who is not a licensed appliance electrician, you may assume that when you replace the light bulb for the cooktop overhang below your Whirlpool microwave, you can simply take the old bulb (or bulbs) out and put the new one(s) in its place.
It would be much easier if this was the case; however, there are certain measures and steps to take when you replace the light bulb(s) for the cooktop overhang or range hood that is located beneath your Whirlpool microwave.
Keep in mind that there may be more than one light bulb for the range hood, which depends on what model of Whirlpool microwave you have, as there could be up to two light bulbs.
Now, bear in mind that both your Whirlpool microwave and its below neighbor the range hood or cooktop overhang, are both electrical appliances.
This means that you should always turn both of them off when you are going to be working or replacing a component on either of the adjoining appliances.
Not turning off or unplugging the oven or the microwave oven (depending on your model) is the most common cause of components such as the light fixture and the exhaust fan to become inoperable or remaining on even when they are turned off.
If you have purchased a new light bulb for the cooktop overhang below your Whirlpool microwave and would like to install it properly to ensure that it works correctly, then you will want to start by turning off the microwave and unplugging it from the power supplying outlet.
Some models will have the cooktop overhang attached to the microwave and others may have the cooktop overhang connected to the stovetop/oven.
Check to make sure that if the range hood is connected to either that you turn the adjoining appliance off and also unplug the unit. This will ensure that there is no power running through the stovetop overhang or any connecting appliances.
After you have turned off and unplugged the range hood and any potentially connected electrical appliances, it is best to let it sit unpowered overnight so that any remaining power in any possible capacitors is released. The aim here is to avoid any electrical current from running through the range hood or any adjoining appliances, so you will not have to worry about any potential electric shock when replacing the light bulb(s).
After you have let the appliance(s) sit overnight, then you can locate the cooktop overhang light bulb(s), which can be found beneath your Whirlpool microwave.
Next, use a screwdriver to unscrew the bulb cover screw and then open the light bulb cover (if there is one).
After taking off or opening the light bulb cover, you can begin to remove the light bulb by carefully unscrewing the bulb.
There may be two light bulbs depending on your model of Whirlpool microwave or oven. If there are two light bulbs, there may also be two separate covers for each and if there are, then you can repeat this step for the other cover and remove the other light bulb.
Now that you have the old light bulb(s) removed, you can replace the light bulb with the new incandescent light bulb(s). After securing the new light bulb, then you can close the light bulb cover and secure it by tightening the bulb cover screw.
Important Note: You should only use an incandescent light bulb for the cooktop overhang. Do not use a LED light bulb.
2. Faulty or Broken Control Panel
A common problem that owners of a Whirlpool microwave encounter are that the under light will not turn off even when they have set it to be off. Now, luckily, this is likely not a wiring issue rather it is likely a control panel problem.
However, this also, unfortunately, means that you should not attempt this repair yourself, as it is better left to a professional that knows what they are doing.
If you have experience working with microwaves, ovens, and stovetop overhangs, you can try your luck at repairing this issue but we highly recommend that you do not waste your time and potential money.
Fix – Contact Whirlpool or Call an Appliance Electrician
If you believe that this issue is being caused by a faulty or broken control panel on your Whirlpool microwave, then you will want to either contact Whirlpool to arrange an inspection and possible repair or contact a licensed appliance electrician to assess and repair the control panel (control board).
You can call Whirlpool by phone quite easily, their service number for the US is: 1-866-698-2538
The Whirlpool service phone number for Canada is: 1-800-807-6777
Their available phone hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time).
You will want to have the model number and serial number for your Whirlpool microwave at hand when you call. Your model number will most likely be (WMH31017AB3). This repair should only run you about $39.95 (US).
3. You Did Not Turn Off The Light
Considering how busy our everyday lives can become, it would be no surprise if you happen to forget to turn off the light for the stovetop overhang.
This is all too easy to do and you may not know that you can turn the light off amongst other options such as full and half light.
There are many options available on the control panel of your Whirlpool microwave, which means you could easily miss this button. However, so long as the light is on the full or even half-light setting, the light will remain on.
Fix – Switch The Light Off
In order to turn off the light for the stovetop overhang below your Whirlpool microwave, you can use the “Light” button on the control panel.
Sometimes this button will also have a light bulb symbol on it to indicate what it is used for. You will want the display on the control panel to say “Off” rather than the other two options such as “Full” or “Half.”
It is all too easy to forget to turn off lights, especially when the light is underneath the microwave. As the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.”
4. Wrong Kind of Bulb
Similarly to what we discussed about doing the light bulb replacement correctly, you will also want to make sure you get the right kind of light bulb for the stovetop overhang.
You may think that it would be a wise decision to go with a LED light bulb for the range hood light; however, you should only use the incandescent light bulb for the stovetop overhang.
These kinds of incandescent light bulbs are made specifically for stove range hoods, which means that LED light bulbs will either function improperly or cause issues with the control panel system.
Fix – Use The Correct Bulb
Do not feel bad if you accidentally purchased or got the wrong light bulb for your Whirlpool range vent hood since it is not exactly common knowledge that you need a specific light bulb for the range vent hood.
Many sites and stores will push you to purchase a LED light bulb but this is not the correct choice for your model of Whirlpool microwave range vent hood.
You can find the correct light bulb on Whirlpool’s part site. The correct light bulb is an incandescent light bulb that is also 40 watts.
5. Light Bulb Socket is Dirty
It is quite possible that the socket for the light on the range vent hood is simply dirty, which can interrupt a proper connection. This especially applies to a light without a proper cover. Luckily, this is quite an easy fix to perform, as all you need to do is clean the socket.
Fix – Clean The Socket
The first thing you will want to do is turn your Whirlpool microwave off and unplug the appliance.
You should also turn your oven off just to be safe. After you have turned the Whirlpool microwave off along with the adjoining range vent hood, you can use a screwdriver to unscrew the securing screw for the light bulb cover and remove the cover.
Now, you can carefully remove the light bulb, then use a paper towel to wipe off the end of the light bulb that screws into the socket. Do not use water for any part of this cleaning process.
Use a paper towel to carefully wipe off any gunk that could have built up on the socket and the light bulb.
After that, you can screw the light bulb back into the securing socket and then you can see if the light will turn off once you have turned the Whirlpool microwave and range vent hood back on.
The light that is below your Whirlpool microwave is a very useful light bulb, as it can help you see when you are cooking on the stovetop beneath your microwave.
However, it is a real bummer when this light will not turn off. Lucky for you, we have made this guide to help you when you encounter this issue. Remember that most problems are only temporary, which means that it can and will eventually be resolved.
