Question 1

the clock on my whirlpool microwave resets to 12:00 every time i have a power flicker.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS That means the internal clock/control board doesn't have a backup power source like a capacitor holding a charge. It's a common 'feature' on many basic models—the clock is volatile and needs constant power. FIX There's no fix, only a workaround. If you want the clock to be correct, you'll have to reset it after any power interruption. Press the 'Clock' or 'Kitchen Timer' button, then use the number pad to enter the current time, followed by 'Start' or 'Clock' again to set it. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the clock resets even without a noticeable power flicker, you might have a loose neutral wire in your home's electrical connection, causing a brief dropout. That's an issue for an electrician to check. HEADS UP This isn't a sign of a failing microwave. It's just a cost-saving design choice. Consider it a reminder that you had a minor power blip.

Question 2

there's a loud humming or buzzing noise when my microwave runs, but it still heats food.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS That's typically the sound of the cooling fan motor struggling. It's located behind the rear panel and can get noisy if its bearings are worn or if it's hitting a wire or debris. FIX Unplug the microwave. The fan is not user-serviceable from the front. The noise means it's still working, but failing. You can try vacuuming out the vent openings on the bottom and sides to ensure nothing is obstructing airflow, which can strain the motor. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If cleaning the vents doesn't quiet it down, the fan motor assembly itself needs to be replaced. This is a repair that involves taking the cabinet apart to access the high-voltage area, so it's a job for an appliance technician. HEADS UP Don't ignore a loud fan noise. If that fan fails completely, the microwave will overheat and likely shut down or trip a thermal fuse, leading to a more expensive repair.

Question 3

how do i get the charcoal filter out of this thing to replace it? i can't find any latch.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS It's tucked up inside the vent chamber and isn't meant for frequent replacement unless you're in recirculating mode. People often miss it because it's not obvious. FIX First, open the vent grille on the underside of the microwave (the exhaust opening). Look all the way to the back of that chamber, up near the top. You'll see a rectangular frame. Push up on the tab at the front of that frame, then pull the whole filter assembly straight down and out. The charcoal filter is a flat, mesh-like panel that slides out of that frame. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If you have the model with a slide-out grease filter in front, sometimes the charcoal filter is behind it. Remove the grease filter first and look inside that slot. HEADS UP Only replace the charcoal filter if you're using the recirculating (non-venting) mode. If your microwave vents to the outside, you don't use the charcoal filter at all, and a missing filter will actually improve airflow.

Question 4

the touchpad on my over-the-range microwave is completely unresponsive, none of the buttons work.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS This is usually a failure of the membrane touchpad or its connection to the main control board. Spills or grease seepage over time can damage the pad. FIX Unplug the unit. The touchpad is a separate assembly. You can try reseating its ribbon cable connector. This requires removing the outer casing, which I'd leave to a qualified person due to high-voltage components inside. If you're not comfortable with that, call for service. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the connections are good, the touchpad itself is faulty and needs replacement. It's a single part that includes all the buttons. HEADS UP Don't try to 'jump-start' it by pressing buttons repeatedly. If the pad is shorted, you could cause further damage. The safe move is to unplug it and get it looked at.

Question 5

my whirlpool microwave keeps tripping the circuit breaker in my kitchen when i use it.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The microwave is drawing more current than the circuit can handle, which points to either an overloaded circuit or, less commonly, a short inside the microwave. FIX First, check what else is on the same circuit. Unplug or turn off other appliances on that kitchen circuit (toaster, coffee maker, etc.). Try running the microwave by itself. If it no longer trips, the circuit was simply overloaded. You'll need to run the microwave on its own dedicated circuit or be careful not to run other high-wattage appliances at the same time. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If it trips the breaker even with everything else off, the problem is likely in the microwave. A failing magnetron (the part that creates the microwaves) or a shorted component can cause excessive amp draw. This requires professional diagnosis and repair. HEADS UP Never just keep resetting the breaker or use a higher-amp fuse. That's a fire hazard. You need to resolve the root cause of the overload.

Question 6

the light under my microwave won't turn on with the touchpad buttons, but the microwave works fine.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS You've likely got a burned-out halogen bulb. They're high-heat bulbs and have a finite lifespan, especially if you use the under-cabinet light a lot. FIX First, confirm it's the bulb and not the switch. Unplug the microwave. The bulb is accessed from underneath. You'll see a clear or frosted lens cover. Give it a quarter-turn counterclockwise to unlock it, then lower it down. Carefully unscrew the halogen bulb (let it cool first if you've used it recently) and replace it with a new 50-watt halogen bulb, type G9. Don't touch the new bulb's glass with your bare fingers—use a cloth or paper towel, as skin oil can cause hot spots and shorten its life. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If a new bulb doesn't fix it, the issue could be with the light socket or the control board's relay for the light circuit. That's a more involved repair requiring a technician. HEADS UP Only use the specified halogen bulb. An LED retrofit might seem tempting, but it can cause electrical issues because the socket is designed for the heat and power draw of a halogen.

Question 7

the fan on my whirlpool hood microwave comes on by itself and i can't turn it off, what gives?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS This model has an automatic fan feature tied to humidity. If it senses high moisture from cooking (like boiling pasta), it'll kick on the vent fan to help clear the air, and it can be stubborn to turn off manually. FIX Look for the 'Fan Auto On' or 'Auto Fan' button on your control panel. Press it once to turn the feature off. The fan should stop within a few minutes as the humidity level drops. If you don't see that specific button, press the 'Fan Speed' button repeatedly until it cycles to 'Off'. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK It's possible the humidity sensor behind the front grille is dirty or malfunctioning, making it overly sensitive. Unplug the microwave and wipe the small sensor vent (it looks like a little grid or hole) with a dry cloth to remove any grease or dust. HEADS UP The fan running automatically is a feature, not a bug, but it can be annoying. If you disable 'Auto Fan', remember you'll need to manually turn on the vent for smoky or steamy cooking.

Question 8

my whirlpool microwave just shows a flashing 'FF' code and won't start, what is that?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS That's a control board communication failure. The main board isn't talking to the touchpad board properly, usually because of a loose connection or a failed board. FIX First, unplug the microwave from the wall outlet for two full minutes. While it's unplugged, press and hold the number pad buttons for about 30 seconds to drain any residual power. Plug it back in. If the 'FF' is gone, you're good. If it comes back, you'll need to check the wiring harness between the two boards, which requires removing the unit and its housing. For safety, I'd recommend getting a technician for that internal check. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the code persists after the power drain, one of the control boards has likely failed. The main control board is the more common culprit. A service call is your next step. HEADS UP Don't ignore this code. The microwave is in a lockout state for safety and won't function until the communication error is cleared.

Whirlpool WMH31017HS Over-the-Range Microwave

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