Re: Microwave Touchpad - Any frugal alternatives?

Cadmus wrote:

> My 2.5 year old Sharp works fine, except for about 6 numbers on the
> touchpad which don't register.  Sure, I can, and have been punching up
> "3:00" and watching the turntable revolve for 1.5 mins before the
> necessary 1.5mins remain but it's getting tiresome.  It seems like a
> waste to dispose of a perfectly good microwave but understand that it
> can be replaced for probably less than a professional repair. The
> $50-$70 replacement cost is not a problem but it's the principle of
> throwing a machine whose motor works well.
> 
>  Anyone know of any simple, if not obvious remedies to re-sensitize
> the dead numbers on the keypad??  Thanks.

First of all, be careful when working with a microwave--There is
potential for lethal electric shock, even when you've unplugged the
oven. If you let it sit unplugged for a while before working on it, you
will be slightly safer.  Don't mess with stuff away from the keypad
area. 

I'd suspect either a dirty or worn key, or a bad connection.  If it is
worn, not much I know of to easily do something about it. If it's dirt
or bad connection, take it apart, clean it and put it back together.
I've seen conductive paint for repairing these connections, but only an
ad. 

If you've got flat printed ribbon connector they frequently have a
wedge-type connector.  Where the ribbon goes to a circuit board, there
will be a wedge bar you'll need to pry out slightly to release the
ribbon.  

If you can get the membranes apart in a way that will let you put them
back together, do that, and clean both the back of the buttons and the
little pad they push against with alcohol, as well as any ribbon
connector ends.