Microwave displays E6 and will not respond to keypad inputs or only some buttons work intermittently.
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: Unplug the microwave before working on the control panel.
Front panel inspection:
- Check the control panel surface for cracks, bubbling, or signs of liquid spills.
- Press several keys firmly; note if certain rows or columns of buttons never respond.
Internal checks:
- Remove the control panel assembly (usually a few screws and lifting up and out).
- Locate the flat ribbon cable from the keypad to the control board. Disconnect and inspect for corrosion or damage.
- Clean the ribbon contacts gently with isopropyl alcohol and reseat firmly.
Corrective actions:
- If E6 persists and specific keys do not work, replace the membrane keypad or the entire control panel assembly, depending on model design.
- If a new keypad does not resolve the issue, the touch control PCB (main control board) may be defective and require replacement.
Note: Avoid spraying cleaners directly on the control panel in the future; spray onto a cloth first to prevent moisture intrusion.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
We may earn a commission from links on this page.