Replacing the Microwave Bulb - page 4
We weren't very happy when the microwave bulb went out for the second time in a year, and a service technician had to come out to replace it. At an ultimate cost of $139.91.

But there is a reason. The built-in microwave bulb takes somewhere around 57 steps to replace! I decided to photograph the process so I would know what to do myself, next time the bulb goes out. This is just so insane, I thought it would be an amusing web page...

(Click images for larger version)
Here is the bulb holder assembly without bulb.
Here is the bulb holder assembly without bulb. 		Just a shot of the oven door laying in a safe place through this procedure.
Just a shot of the oven door laying in a safe place through this procedure. 		Old bulb and replacement part saved for reference later. Next time I'll get my own bulb and replace it!
Old bulb and replacement part saved for reference later. Next time I'll get my own bulb and replace it!
The bulb is halogen, so you should not touch it with your fingers and get oil on it. Here Ron is putting the bulb back in the holder while gripping it with a bit of paper towel.
The bulb is halogen, so you should not touch it with your fingers and get oil on it. Here Ron is putting the bulb back in the holder while gripping it with a bit of paper towel. 		Replacement bulb back in place.
Replacement bulb back in place. 		Now the reassembly. Put the insulation back on top, shiny side up.
Now the reassembly. Put the insulation back on top, shiny side up.
Here is the insulation in place.
Here is the insulation in place. 		Push the microwave back into place. Then carefully slide the upper trim plate under the upper face plate so you can screw it down.
Push the microwave back into place. Then carefully slide the upper trim plate under the upper face plate so you can screw it down. 		Now that the microwave wiring bits are safely out of the way, we need to turn the breaker back on and check the bulb.
Now that the microwave wiring bits are safely out of the way, we need to turn the breaker back on and check the bulb.