Microwave. Latch fixed. Zero Power (Random plastic piece the final puzzle?)

OpolE

SHARP R-33ST (How old is that model?)

I randomly found this on the floor after taking the old one out. Is this the reason why it won't power on regarding the latch system?

WIAWSNB

Well, on balance, taking all the facts into account, assuming what you've told us is accurate, then, well, yes, that is a possibility.

WIAWSNB

You've taken the casing off your MW? Were/are you aware of the risks?
What was the problem, and what did you do to try and fix it?
What level of DIYer competence do you have?
What have you already done to 'fix' the MW? Did you replace any part, or did you reposition anything?
Is any of that part visible from the outside of the MW?
My guess is it's a lever that trips a microswitch, but that's purely a guess. Or, is part of the door opening mechanism - does that still work? 
Are you safe to continue with the job? 

Section62

OpolE said:

SHARP R-33ST (How old is that model?)

I randomly found this on the floor after taking the old one out. Is this the reason why it won't power on regarding the latch system?

The latch system on a microwave is a safety feature to prevent the magnetron from being energised whilst the door is not properly closed - it is designed to cover all eventualities, including someone using a crowbar to force the door open.  You really don't want to be exposed to microwave energy, it could ruin your day.

This (along with high-voltages) is why DIY repairs to microwaves are ill-advised.

In the nicest possible way, if you've done work on the microwave and ended up with a part which you don't know what it is, where it has come from, and what it does, then I think it is reasonable to suggest you don't have the technical competence to be attempting repairs.

For your own safety (/and that of your family) recycle the old microwave and get yourself a new one.

If you inadvertently (or deliberately) disable the safety mechanism you can risk serious harm to yourself and/or anyone else using the microwave.

OpolE

@WIAWSNB@Section62

I snapped the top hook pulling a plate out. I then realised it wouldn't open once closed so had to snap the other to see what part I needed.

I only pulled back the plastic area to fit in the latch. There's plenty of gaps so seemed safe to do

Before attempting repair I left it a few weeks anyway

The thing seems a little rusty anyway so I guess the advice is to sack it

WIAWSNB

AfaIk, the oven won't operate without both of these hooks in place, and operational - they each trip a microswitch.
And, if the only part of the oven you dismantled was the door (confirm please), I'm going to guess that the plastic component acted between these two hooks, to ensure they both moved together.
Where did you get the replacement 'hook'?
Edit: I've just checked my Sharp R959, and both hooks slide upwards as one, against spring loading.
On your model, you press a large button to open the door? I'm guessing, then, that this acts only on the bottom hook, and this one pushes up the top hook, likely using that thingy.

OpolE

WIAWSNB said:

AfaIk, the oven won't operate without both of these hooks in place, and operational - they each trip a microswitch.
And, if the only part of the oven you dismantled was the door (confirm please), I'm going to guess that the plastic component acted between these two hooks, to ensure they both moved together.
Where did you get the replacement 'hook'?
Edit: I've just checked my Sharp R959, and both hooks slide upwards as one, against spring loading.
On your model, you press a large button to open the door? I'm guessing, then, that this acts only on the bottom hook, and this one pushes up the top hook, likely using that thingy.

Hey thanks for the quick reply.

So the only area I "worked on" was just flicking the plastic boundary away so I could get to the latch plastic part out and then put a new one in from Ebay (looks exactly the same as one I found on https://fixpart.co.uk/product/electrolux-aeg-4055172995-door-hook-microwave?apl=119952 for my model. Spring also in. Mechanism working.)

When plugged in there is no lights so assume that plastic goes somewhere inside or sticking out from this hole? Doesn't make sense 



Video here of it operating and feeling exactly like it was before https://streamable.com/k0kzim

MysteryMe

All for money saving but this one for the tip IMO.  Scrap man may well take it away for free.

WIAWSNB

OpolE said:

Hey thanks for the quick reply.

So the only area I "worked on" was just flicking the plastic boundary away so I could get to the latch plastic part out and then put a new one in from Ebay (looks exactly the same as one I found on https://fixpart.co.uk/product/electrolux-aeg-4055172995-door-hook-microwave?apl=119952 for my model. Spring also in. Mechanism working.)

When plugged in there is no lights so assume that plastic goes somewhere inside or sticking out from this hole? Doesn't make sense 



Video here of it operating and feeling exactly like it was before https://streamable.com/k0kzim

Thanks - that's a useful video.

It shows the door mech working as it should, so it's a mystery as is that weird plastic thing. 

No idea - sorry. 

I think time for a new one :-)

Section62

OpolE said:

...
The thing seems a little rusty anyway so I guess the advice is to sack it

Yes, my advice remains the same, don't risk it, buy a new one.

For interest only, did you try operating it while it was broken? (i.e. when one of the two latch prongs was missing)

OpolE

Section62 said:

OpolE said:

...
The thing seems a little rusty anyway so I guess the advice is to sack it

Yes, my advice remains the same, don't risk it, buy a new one.

For interest only, did you try operating it while it was broken? (i.e. when one of the two latch prongs was missing)

No! What happened after I snapped the top one was I closed the door and it went on with no programming, on its own and I hit the power fast!