Panasonic Inverter Microwave Door Switch Trouble

My 2012, NN-SD297SR microwave has become unresponsive and unpredictable. I suspect the door switch because for about a week, it seemed to need extra pressure on the door when it was closed just to operate. It got worse. Then I had to push up really hard on the bottom of the door when closed to get it to work, and if I just closed the door, set the time and pressed "Start" the display would operate normally, but the oven would not actually come on and the light & fan wouldn't work either. Now it doesn't work at all, but the light will come on in the oven if the door is already open and I push the door release button. It's like there's a twisted little guy in there playing tricks! Does it sound like a switch problem to you, and if so, I'm pretty handy, I know that there's a capacitor in these puppies that I should likely discharge first somehow, but can I fix it? How?
I'd be grateful for your advice. My wife would be very grateful!
Solarchap

 

Welcome to the forums.

It seems to be a fairly common problem with Panasonic microwave oven available in Canada.
Here are a few threads on the problem. I believe there some you tube videos highlighting the same problem.

http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-nnsn676s.html

http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...door-open.html

 

Thanks PJmax. I don't know where the capacitor circuit is on this thing & I admit fear and trepidation about that. There's a large white cylindrical rig marked "high voltage" that I would have to remove to get anywhere near the latch switches etc. Any hints on finding the capacitor to release its charge?
Solarchap

 

Do a youtube search on your model number. We had a panasonic with a squirelly door, and i found a video that describes how to take off the cover and bend a little metal tab back into position. No electronics were involved, but it did require a security bit screwdriver (star shaped, on my machine) to get into the case.

I hope panasonic figures out a better door latch. Good luck with it!

 

The high voltage for your unit comes from the inverter board. It should be protected from touching. The picture is what it looks like.

Be sure the microwave is unplugged before working inside it.

 

Thanks both. I'll have a go at it.