Community Forums

AZ4Wheeler · 02-13-2025, 08:06 AM

Hi there - I'm trying to remove the microwave/convection oven to fix the damper motor and it looks like HR didn't want to make it easy to do so. I had to pry up the wood veneer shelf in the cabinet above the oven to access the two top screws holding it in place and now the wall tile below the oven is preventing the it from dropping down so I can pull it out. If this was in the house I would just pry the tile off the wall and fix any drywall damage that might occur in the process but I'm unsure how to remove that tile in the motorhome. Does anyone know if I can pry it off the wall without damaging the wall?

jacwjames · 02-13-2025, 09:49 AM

My micowave has a couple long screws that go up from below, have to remove the two filter screens to see them. With them removed the microwave will tip forward. Here's a picture

Arch Hoagland · 02-13-2025, 11:35 AM

What model microwave?

Did you remove the screws jacwjames mentioned?

AZ4Wheeler · 02-13-2025, 03:22 PM

I have removed all the mounting screws necessary to remove the microwave. The problem is HR apparently installed that 12" x 12" tile on the wall after the microwave was installed so the front only drops until it hits the tile, which is not enough to allow the rear of the microwave to disengage from the rear mount. I need to remove that tile from the wall to remove the microwave. My question is - can I pry that tile away from the wall without damaging it?

tap4154 · 02-13-2025, 03:43 PM

As a person that has installed those over the range microwaves since they first came out, that's something I always hate seeing. People put tiles on the side after the microwave is up, or they put large trim around the bottom of the cabinet inside the opening. I'm no expert on removing tile, but I would just take a large putty knife and see if you can work it in very carefully, and you might be surprised. It may pop off fairly easy. Either way, it's got to come off. If it were a couple inches lower sometimes you can sneak the microwave out without removing it, but that's just too close in my opinion.

jacwjames · 02-13-2025, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ4Wheeler

I have removed all the mounting screws necessary to remove the microwave. The problem is HR apparently installed that 12" x 12" tile on the wall after the microwave was installed so the front only drops until it hits the tile, which is not enough to allow the rear of the microwave to disengage from the rear mount. I need to remove that tile from the wall to remove the microwave. My question is - can I pry that tile away from the wall without damaging it?

Not sure what they used to adhere it to the wall. Use a utility razor blade and cut around the perimeter of the tile. Take some wide painters tape and put a piece down the front to protect the wall

Do you have a long flexible scraper or long flexible knife. Something like this
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wilton-An...3&from=/search
Need to gently break the bond working the knife in deeper as you, don't pry up to much on it, it will break. Use the knife/scraper and work under the tile as far as possible, resist the urge to put a lot of pressure on it,

You might get lucky and not break the tile

DFord · 02-13-2025, 11:22 PM

Do you have the instructions about where that damper motor is?

AZ4Wheeler · 02-14-2025, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFord

Do you have the instructions about where that damper motor is?

Yep. There are tons of YouTube videos that show you how to access and replace the motor and/or switch. It beats paying $600 for a new one. Which would still require me to remove that wall tile to get it in and out

tap4154 · 02-14-2025, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ4Wheeler

Yep. There are tons of YouTube videos that show you how to access and replace the motor and/or switch. It beats paying $600 for a new one. Which would still require me to remove that wall tile to get it in and out

Just curious what the issue is with the motor? I've installed literally a thousand or so over the range micros, and have yet to see one with a bad blower motor.

AZ4Wheeler · 02-14-2025, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap4154

Just curious what the issue is with the motor? I've installed literally a thousand or so over the range micros, and have yet to see one with a bad blower motor.

It's not the blower motor, it's (probably) the damper motor or switch based on interweb research. Symptoms are the microwave (or convection oven) runs for 59 seconds and shuts off. Either way, I can't test it until I get the microwave out.

tap4154 · 02-14-2025, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ4Wheeler

It's not the blower motor, it's (probably) the damper motor or switch based on interweb research. Symptoms are the microwave (or convection oven) runs for 59 seconds and shuts off. Either way, I can't test it until I get the microwave out.

Ah, I missed that it was the damper motor. I only install, not repair. I'm sure you've read elsewhere, but make sure to discharge the big capacitor before putting hands in.

shootist · 02-14-2025, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ4Wheeler

It's not the blower motor, it's (probably) the damper motor or switch based on interweb research. Symptoms are the microwave (or convection oven) runs for 59 seconds and shuts off. Either way, I can't test it until I get the microwave out.

6 or 7 years ago those parts were not available. Are they supplying them again?

tap4154 · 02-14-2025, 10:08 AM

Just curious... is there any gap between the micro and cabinet on the left side? Or molding that can be removed, that covers a gap? If so, once you loosen the long screws from the bottom vents, there is some play between the tabs on the wall bracket and slots in the micro, and you could slide the micro slightly left, then maybe be able to lower it just enough to lift it off the tabs. Cover the tile on the right with painter's tape to protect it.

BTW, a trick I use to remove them is to put a piece of plywood over the range (with towels etc. to protect it) then put a plastic "milk crate" on it, below the micro (with padding on top as well). Then I pivot the micro down, let the front lower edge rest on the crate, then grab the top to tilt it off the tabs, slide it slightly forward, and ease it down level on the crate. I install those alone, and those Sharps are back breakers. Plus with a wall on the right side, it's hard to remove even with two people.