Door Latch for Apollo Microwave

[MakinSmoke]

The door latch is broken and the door will not open on our microwave. I am having trouble finding someone to work on the Apollo brand locally (in the Keys).

Anyone have this problem and is it something I can address or do I need a tech? If I need a tech, anyone have any suggestions?

[MakinSmoke]

False alarm...maybe. I found Appolo via google and called. They told me my problem was common and they had a $11.40 fix WITH INSTRUCTIONS that even I could understand! I have one on order and we'll see if I can handle the repair.

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakinSmoke False alarm...maybe. I found Appolo via google and called. They told me my problem was common and they had a $11.40 fix WITH INSTRUCTIONS that even I could understand! I have one on order and we'll see if I can handle the repair.

Yeah Virg.....The original button is a plastic material and it snaps off a little plunger piece that pushes the latch. The replaced button appears to look the same as the old, but it is made with a nylon compound, which is more robust. Easiest repair to be made on the fabulous Apollo oven!!! HTH You may run a survey.......you may have the last 1/2 time Apollo in existance!!!

[MakinSmoke]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom Yeah Virg.....The original button is a plastic material and it snaps off a little plunger piece that pushes the latch. The replaced button appears to look the same as the old, but it is made with a nylon compound, which is more robust. Easiest repair to be made on the fabulous Apollo oven!!! HTH You may run a survey.......you may have the last 1/2 time Apollo in existance!!!

It still works great. We just can'topen the dadgummed door! I miss my popcorn!

[rockintom]

Thanks for clearing that up for me......I always called it "pacorn". It's probably just my southern draw, ya'll reckon?

BTW.......if you really got a hankerin' for pacorn....I can tell you how to get the dadgum door open with a kitchen knife. Sure beats goin' over to Wally World for a $39.00 microwave while your waitin' on your stupid latch button!!! Listen to the voice of experience ......SKIA

[MakinSmoke]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom BTW.......if you really got a hankerin' for pacorn....I can tell you how to get the dadgum door open with a kitchen knife. ......SKIA

Y'all notice how he tells me what I already know voluntarily but when it gets to something I need to know regarding how to open the door with a knife, he leaves me hangin' and wants me to beg for the answer.

Ok, SKIA, will you please tell me how to open the door with a kitchen knife?

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakinSmoke Y'all notice how he tells me what I already know voluntarily but when it gets to something I need to know regarding how to open the door with a knife, he leaves me hangin' and wants me to beg for the answer. Ok, SKIA, will you please tell me how to open the door with a kitchen knife?

What a meanie I am! I'm not absolutely positive the exact technique. But IIRC, you remove the lower module under the door (has the vent fan switch in it) and let it hang loose by the wires. This enables you to slide the knife in between the door and body of the oven in the right hand lower corner (as you are looking at it) where the latch is. You should be able to work the knife in that area and trip the release to door and get in. If my memory is correct you have to have the door open anyway to do the job of replacing the button. Tammy, at Apollo, walked me thru the repair/replace process as at that time there were no "instructions" sent with the part. BTW, Tammy sent almost all my parts on several known product concerns for free, since most of them were either in or slightly outside the manufacturer warranty. She would shoot straight with me as we got to be good friends with the issues that Apollo had on that oven. I had my unit in, out with internal repairs 6 times over it's lifetime. I got to be an "old pro" on this little dumplin' But I hafta say......it was still working when we traded it in. OMG rockybaby

[Curtis Brown]

WOW! Yours worked a lot longer than mine did. Mine failed about 4 years ago and I was able to replace the part myself with the instructions they sent.

The most difficult part of the job (And not covered by the instructions.) was getting the microwave off the wall and back on. Make sure you have help with a strong back for that step.

It helps if you have a set of "security" torx bits as one of the screws is one off them. Those are the torx bits with a hole in the end.

Also, when you put in the new part, make sure you have it securely in place. I did not get the tabs bent back completely the first time and had to put it in again. A set of beefy needle nose pliers may help with this step as the tab you have to bend is hard to reach.

Good luck
Curt

[rockintom]

Curt you are right one on this little items. I had a torx head socket, but not security one....I just used a small little pliers to hold the screw head and turn. No big deal. Mine had 2 of those screws.

One more thing....on MY FLOORPLAN, my unit fit closely to the wall. I used duck tape on the corners of the unit as they are VERY SHARP and will scratch the wall when taking it in or out. The oven weights about 60 lbs......so get some help getting it in and out. HTHs. rockin'

[Endeavor2BnC]

Smoke,

Are you sure you want the screwdriver in your hands? Make sure you turn off the power before you stick that knife up inside that thing. You don't need no extra "jolt" to get you started.

Good luck. Just have Ms. Jo standing by to provide support.

[rockintom]

Timo,

The knife would be no where close to electricity......but with the Virgmonster......you're probably right!!!

[MakinSmoke]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom Timo, The knife would be no where close to electricity......but with the Virgmonster......you're probably right!!!

How do you know me so well? I usually have to study a screwdriver for a few seconds to determine which is the business end. It is hard being me!

NOT!!!!!!!!!

[Still Working "NOT"]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom Timo, The knife would be no where close to electricity......but with the Virgmonster......you're probably right!!!

Rockhead, ole Virgil ain't as dumb as he looksand says he is, he just has a hard time proving it. That's why we help him out so much and he learns well.

[davydee]

Just as an OBTW and depending on your floor plan, sometimes some of the cabinetry needs to be removed. Would not have know that if we hadn't watched our microwave being replaced while at SC.