[jmpoole]

Whirlpool OTR microwave displaying -F2- on display. Won't respond to any key presses. Unplugged and plugged back in to clear. Then no matter what button you press (Cancel, etc), it goes into a Sensor cooking mode, which can only be stopped by opening door or unplugging. The -F2- code reappeared later. Internet searches suggest this is a failure of the keypad. Is that a correct diagnosis? Does only the keypad of the control unit need to be replaced? Any concern that it could be the microcomputer portion of the control unit or other parts? I want to order the replacement part and repair myself but wanted to seek confirmation that the code displayed does indicate the keypad of the unit is causing the problem.

[PS Staff - Sheila]

To find out if it is just the key pad that is shorted unplug the key pad and if the code is gone then replace the key pad.

Here is a link to your microwave model MH3184XPB1.

[jmpoole]

Good suggestion since the information I saw on the code suggested a short or extended press of a key was detected, so removing the keypad should eliminate the problem the -F2- code is detecting.

However, wouldn't the absence of a keypad be a self-check problem as well? If the code changes to something other than -F2- and is traceable to absence of keypad, that would still help reinforce the keypad as the cause, but if an additional error masks the -F2- code because no keypad is detected, would that not confuse the diagnosis?

I am proceeding with removal of the keypad as suggested to see how the microwave behaves and hope that will confirm keypad replacement as the right solution. Just curious if that test will positively confirm the problem.

[jmpoole]

Performed the test suggested - disconnecting keypad. Once powered on, microwave just flashed : on display waiting for clock to be set. Of course keypad entry not possible to test any functions, but no error code displayed.

Just to confirm the keypad problem, I reconnected the keypad expecting to see the -F2- displayed. However, with the keypad reconnected, the microwave powered up with no error and operates normally.

Perhaps the keypad connector was not firmly seated. I certainly ensured it was pushed in all the way when reconnecting. Looks like the problem was solved by reseating the keypad cable.

[Pace tech]

Originally Posted by jmpoole

Performed the test suggested - disconnecting keypad. Once powered on, microwave just flashed : on display waiting for clock to be set. Of course keypad entry not possible to test any functions, but no error code displayed.

Just to confirm the keypad problem, I reconnected the keypad expecting to see the -F2- displayed. However, with the keypad reconnected, the microwave powered up with no error and operates normally.

Perhaps the keypad connector was not firmly seated. I certainly ensured it was pushed in all the way when reconnecting. Looks like the problem was solved by reseating the keypad cable.

I had the samr problem. Finally solved by loosening the exterior screw holding key pad assy to the frame. Suspect the pressure was distorting the board assy.