Microwave beeps repeatedly and displays SE; keypad may respond intermittently or not at all.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety First: Unplug the microwave or switch off the dedicated circuit breaker before any disassembly. Microwaves contain a high-voltage capacitor that can retain a dangerous charge even when unplugged. Do not touch internal high-voltage components (capacitor, magnetron, transformer) unless you are trained and know how to safely discharge them.
Step-by-step checks:
- Power reset: Unplug the unit for 5–10 minutes, then plug back in. If SE clears temporarily but returns, the keypad is likely failing.
- Inspect control panel area: Check for signs of moisture, steam damage, or spills around the keypad and display. Dry the exterior thoroughly.
- Remove control panel (if comfortable): With power disconnected, remove the top grille (usually a few screws), then remove the screw(s) securing the control panel and gently lift it out. Do not touch the high-voltage section behind the panel.
- Check ribbon cable: Reseat the flat ribbon cable from the keypad to the main control board. Look for corrosion, burnt spots, or cracks in the cable.
- Test keypad: If SE persists, the membrane keypad is usually shorted and must be replaced. On many Frigidaire models, the keypad is integrated with the control panel assembly.
- Replace parts: Order the correct Frigidaire control panel / keypad assembly using the full model number. Transfer any mounting hardware from the old panel and reconnect the ribbon cable securely.
When to call a technician: If replacing the keypad/control panel does not clear the SE error, the main control board may be defective and should be diagnosed and replaced by a qualified technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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